Okay,

This is a three part message. One, about what field rations should be made of. Two, how you can economize on food you are either eating yourself while in forward operating positions or supplying to militia deployed in the field. The third part, logistical chains used to supply fighting guerrilla bands.

1. IMO field rations should basically be (A) a poptop can of meat (beef, spam, sardines), (B) a pouch of rice crackers or melba toast, (C) a pouch of koolaid or iced tea and (D) a candy bar or gum to provide morale boosts and (E) a hot beverage item like a teabag or instant coffee pouch. Also (F) condiments and (G) a handy-wipe and a toothpick.

1.1. In creating field rations, we need to recognize that guerrillas are not able to set up field kitchens beyond the squad level. They might be operating behind enemy lines, unable to light fires or use sterno or coleman stoves. They might be operating in an area where aerial recce would give away a position if there was a fire.

1.2. From my experience as a scout and hiker, I realize that the less energy required to prepare a meal, the more satisfying it is. If you have to fight with a heating tab, strain water, carry a tea press or coffee press, etc, it becomes a hassle.

1.3. Candy or gum. Every ration pack I had in the army cadets had a morale item like this. Peppermint gum is superior to a bunch of mint leaves if you can ID them correctly. It's also a morale item because it's a quick, short based energy item that requires no heating, no prep work and can be carried around in a BDU pocket with minimal risk.

2.Look out at discount shops for tinned meat. There are lots of places where you can get 10 tins/10 dollars and although it's often off-brand it's technically similar. As for crackers, buy large boxes and put them in ziplock bags and pump the air out. Or buy the saltines already in small pouches. As for condiments, buy them in bulk and portion them out. Assume the soldier will get one good meal a day, so this will be it. Teabags and coffee pouches are inexpensive, and having a tea up is vital to the morale of people who are living out of what's on their backs.

3. Delivery to the front. In guerrilla warfare, there is no front. But there will be men, roving the countryside in small teams and loading up a panel van, Meals on Wheels style could be used to supply many people. If you can put meals in a cardboard box, 10 kits per box or small crate and leave them camoed up and available at cache positions. If you GPS the coordinates, other teams can stop by and get a good supper, without having to haul a field kitchen around in their trucks.

CK