CCAR Rations Explained: Inside the Close Combat Assault Ration Built for High-Intensity Warfare
If you follow modern military rations or keep up with next generation DoD feeding systems, you have likely heard of the CCAR. It stands for Close Combat Assault Ration, and it is one of the biggest advances in military nutrition in decades.
Unlike standard MREs, the CCAR exists for one purpose: fueling Warfighters during the first 72 hours of high intensity combat where mobility is everything.
When Was the CCAR Introduced?
Development began in 2019, when the U.S. Army Combat Feeding Directorate set out to create a more efficient assault ration to succeed the First Strike Ration.
After extensive testing and Warfighter evaluations, the CCAR became fully available for procurement in July 2025, marking one of the newest additions to the U.S. military ration lineup.
What Is the CCAR Designed For?
The CCAR is built specifically for:
- High mobility, short duration missions
- Eat on the move consumption
- Rapid energy delivery
- Minimal carried weight and volume
During the earliest phase of conflict, every ounce matters. The CCAR eliminates unnecessary bulk and keeps troops fueled without slowing them down.
Why the Military Created the CCAR
Traditional MREs have their place, but they are not optimized for assault operations. They are heavier, bulkier, and take longer to eat.
The CCAR solves these issues by delivering:
- Reduced weight
- Reduced volume
- Immediate, no prep nutrition
- Faster consumption while moving
- Enhanced mobility under stress
It is designed to match the pace and physical demand of close combat missions.
How Do You Eat a CCAR?
Every component in the CCAR is intended for:
- Eat out of hand
- Eat while moving
No heater. No stove. No mixing. No tools.
This makes it ideal for raids, patrols, infiltration, exfiltration, reconnaissance, and any mission where stopping to prepare food would compromise the operation.
What do CCARs include?
Close Combat Assault Rations currently come in 3 menus:
Every CCAR menu includes an entree, snacks, desserts, drink mixes and accessories. No heaters.
Final Thoughts
The Close Combat Assault Ration represents the future of military feeding: lighter, faster, and engineered for the most dangerous 72 hours a Warfighter can face. It stands as one of the most advanced and purpose-built rations ever created for U.S. forces.