The abbreviation Epa stands for Einmannpackung (one-man ration). In the Bundeswehr, this one-man ration is used to feed the troops during exercises or deployments when no field kitchen is available on site. The contents of an Epa correspond to a day’s ration for one soldier. The food can be heated using an Esbit stove, but can also be eaten cold. The shelf life of an Epa is around 3.5 years. If Epas are stored very cool or even frozen, their shelf life is extended many times over. This makes the one-man ration an important component of stockpiling in the civilian sector as well, especially for “preppers” and in various emergency situations. These include wars, environmental disasters and, as in recent times, the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the associated quarantines and curfews.
The individual ration in stockpiling thus serves both the physical and psychological condition of a person. EPAs or individual rations are available in different versions. They take into account different eating habits (e.g. vegetarians) and the religious beliefs of the respective users. These individual rations contain no animal products. The calorific value of an EPA is approx. 3,800 kilocalories. The weight of an individual ration is around 1.2 kg. The individual rations are produced in types I to IV. Distribution of EPAs within the Bundeswehr is adapted to the tastes of the individual units and the availability provided by the manufacturer.
As mentioned above, the one-man rations contain 3 meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. The basic contents are the same in all Epas; only the main dishes differ between the various types. The basis of a one-man ration consists of:
- 3 x sugar at 10 grams each
- Instant coffee powder
- Dry condensed milk
- Drink powders (soluble)
- Salt and pepper
- Plastic bags
- Streichhölzer
- Toilet paper
- 3 x wet wipes
- Cutlery
Some EPA types are also equipped with solid fuel and a fuel stove, as well as tablets for water treatment and purification. The EPA survival kit, which is also very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, contains the basic equipment plus additional items such as:
- 6 x drinking water pouches of 50 ml each.
- 1 x disposable toothbrush and toothpaste
- 1 x disposable cup
- 1 x flameless heating system
The entire range of one-man rations is therefore a valuable and vital companion in various exceptional situations. Especially in today’s world, it is advisable to build up a stock of EPas to bridge all kinds of emergencies. In this way, under-supply can be prevented even in the longer term. The contents of a one-man ration are packed airtight and waterproof. This almost completely rules out contamination by external pathogens and toxins. The greatest potential of EPas, however, still lies in their shelf life.
Even if the best-before date of some one-man packs has been reached, the food can still be eaten without hesitation. The only thing to note is that the contents of each one-man pack may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture. The ingredients and nutritional information are described in detail on every individual EPA pack. The classic EPA is already being replaced in many special units of the Bundeswehr by the new EPA light. This EPA light, or Travellunch, is produced by the company Reiter, among others, for the Bundeswehr. The standard Bundeswehr EPAs are still being produced, albeit with a slightly modified composition.
All in all, the individual ration pack is a valuable “must-have” for soldiers on deployment as well as for outdoor enthusiasts. The EPA provides the energy needed to strengthen the user. The individual ration pack and its contents can be optimally adapted to the area of deployment – whether in tropical heat or polar cold. The EPA withstands all climate zones. The individual ration pack fits into any backpack and can be opened without using a knife or similar tool. Whether it’s Hungarian-style goulash, chicken with rice and vegetables or many other dishes, the EPA is an indispensable companion. Three filling main meals in one individual ration pack and your hunger is history. In line with the verdict of troops worldwide:
No food, no fight!
