Purpose

This regulation establishes nutritional standards, termed “military dietary reference intakes” (MDRIs) for military feeding and establishes nutritional standards for operational rations (NSORs) and nutritional standards for restricted rations (NSRRs). This regulation identifies the effects of environmental factors on energy and nutrient requirements and outlines nutrition educational policy. It implements Department of Defense (DOD) menu standards that are the minimum guidelines required for use by military food service programs during menu planning, food procurement, food preparation, and meal service. It describes the responsibilities of the Services' surgeons general and the Services' food service programs. This regulation supports human performance optimization (HPO) (see section II of the glossary for the definition). Nutrition is a key component of HPO. This regulation establishes requirements for all food service operations whether provided by Governmental sources or through contractor support.