Capability driven packaging systems for the Joint Warfighter (Intelligent and Smart Packaging 2005)

 

 

This presentation will include an overview of the Combat Feeding (CF) Program packaging systems, recent transitions, and S&T initiatives focusing on revolutionary packaging for the joint warfighter.

 

Highlights will include improving ration shelf life, logistics, quality and safety to the warfighter through revolutionary packaging technologies. The presentation will also include a brief synopsis of the Combat Feeding Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology Demonstration relative to asset visibility and DoD activity and deployment initiatives.

The Natick Soldier Center (NSC) Combat Feeding Directorate (CFD) is located at the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, under the Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM). The NSC's mission is dedicated to maximizing the soldier's survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness and quality of life by treating the soldier as a system.

 

The CFD is a Joint Service program responsible for Research, Development, Testing, Integration, and Engineering for combat rations, field food service equipment, and total combat feeding systems.

 

The CFD actively leverages leading edge technologies to ensure the warfighter is provided the decisive edge in all aspects of combat feeding. Efforts conducted provide the science and technology base as well as engineering support to satisfy joint and unique feeding requirements of each military service. Versatile capabilities and expertise assure affordable solutions tailored to the needs of the warrior. These solutions and supporting research efforts have produced successful, innovative technologies and products now in use all around the world.

Mr. Gerald A. Darsch is the Director of the Department of Defense Combat Feeding Directorate (CFD) at the US Army Natick Soldier Center, in Natick, Massachusetts. Mr. Darsch holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Food and Science and Nutrition, and has over 30 years experience in military food science & technology and military food service systems. Mr. Darsch lead DoD's first passive RFID Technology Demonstration and was cited as the "definitive proof of principle to dramatically enhance DoD's capability for end to end logistics". His accomplishments have been recognized by numerous awards to include the Superior Civilian Service and Meritorious Civilian Service Awards. He was appointed as a Distinguished Member of the U.S. Army Quartermaster Regiment and inducted into the Distinguished Order of St. Martin and the Research and Development Associate's Hall of Fame. Mr. Darsch has authored over forty publications on combat feeding. He has given countless presentations at professional and military forums and continues to serve as the CFD spokesperson for domestic and international media.