Field Feeding Companies?

2019-05-31T16:44:38-04:00

My unit (75th FA) is activating a Field Feeding PLT and it looks like I’m going to be the first PL. I’m looking for anyone that has experience with FFCs to share some things that have and haven’t worked. Would like to stay in contact.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 6:15 PM

2019-05-31T18:15:50-04:00

Learn Preventative Med

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 6:33 PM

2019-05-31T18:33:03-04:00

Your first stop is to seek out your nearest Preventive Medicine unit. They can help you with all the details for Food Handlers Training, Field Sanitation Team Training and any reading materials you will need. I HIGHLY recommend you get your hand on Tri-Service Food Code/TB MED 530.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 31 at 2019 9:03 PM

2019-05-31T21:03:37-04:00

At NTC, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment used to run (probably still do) a consolidated field feeding operation for the entire Regiment run by the Support Squadron. They pushed about 20-25 separate chow breaks for the 2000ish OPFOR folks in the box for breakfast and dinner and supply an MRE for lunch.

After preventive med, Maintenance of the field feeding equipment, field sanitation center, and reefers is critical. The reefers go down hard when they go down. Ice is one of the most difficult things to push and it takes valuable reefer space. We used 4 MKTs ranted together if I remember correctly.

You will need Command support to get mermites and serving items back in a timely fashion so that they can be cleaned and ready to push another break. Also with getting sufficient KPs in the San Center. It's usually run like a gulag.

The Field Feeder Report, in particular, correct field feeder reports will set your production schedule and your TISA draws. Pinning units down on that is like pulling teeth sometimes.

You can be value added to the line units by helping to establish a ration cycle and mix that supports their missions and your capacity and capability. There are many ration types and enhancements that can be employed to deliver a wholesome meal without pushing a Hot UGR-A. There are unitized self heating flameless rations that are pretty good. You need to explore options with the Food Service Technician and the NCOs. You'll likely need TISA support to obtain these op rations if you go that way.

Get your operation worked out and compete in a Connelly Competition.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2019 7:11 AM

2019-06-03T07:11:55-04:00

One four-letter word: PMCS.

Your Somdiers can not perform their field mission without their equipment, but often after a field problem, the 92Gs are right back in the DFAC. The MTRCS is a good system, but it requires attention, or you’ll be going through a lot of batteries.

Build your teams, maintain their integrity, ensure everyone does field time as well as garrison. I heard an old general once say, “If you can’t do it in the dark in MOPP 4, then you still have training to do!”

Final bit, look at the long range training calendar for those you support. Often units forget about chow until the last minute, often putting you close to, or inside the window to order from the TISA. If planned properly, your Soldiers should know what’s coming 6-8 weeks out. That leaves plenty of time to order rations, prep equipment, and still be home every night for prime-time TV.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2019 3:57 PM

2019-06-03T15:57:21-04:00

I'd like to add that refers are incredibly fragile in the filed. PLS's are always crushing the radiators (located near at front where hook grabs). Mine are only now being retrofit with corner edge grabbing instead of center hook grabbing. I guess it is such a problem that even Reserve Units are getting the upgrade. I can see why. I'm lucky to have a few working at any given time even in the face of having an MTOE with 22 of them. The most I've ever brought to the field working was 4, and came back with 2 broken.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Jun 3 at 2019 9:18 PM

2019-06-03T21:18:35-04:00

You should have a Sr. NCO and maybe even a WO, who can provide information.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2019 3:26 AM

2019-06-17T03:26:12-04:00

what would like to know? I have been working in field feeding unit for almost 2 years I can help.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 1:02 PM

2019-06-29T13:02:03-04:00

Let me know Sir, I can assist.