Tailored Operational Training Meal (TOTM)

What is it?

The purpose of this ration is to provide an alternative operational training meal in lieu of "sack lunches" and catered commercial meals to organizations that engage in inactive duty training (IDT) for usage in situations where employment of traditional operational ration meals is not mandated. The TOTM became available on May 2001. This effort is being executed to promote doctrine requirements and the "train as you fight" philosophy, while meeting the customers' budgetary needs. As a training tool, this meal will aid units in gaining familiarity with the preparation, usage, consumption, and disposal of a pre-packed meal similar to the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE). This meal is similar to the standard MRE in packaging and contains many of the same components. However, it employs commercial packaging to reduce costs. The TOTM is not an MRE, nor is it designed to take the place of the MRE. The Tailored Operational Training Meal (TOTM) is a totally self-contained packet consisting of a meal packed in a flexible meal bag that is lightweight and fits easily into military field clothing pockets. There are 3 sets of menus available (see menu descriptions below). Each set is comprised of twelve menus. There are twelve meals per case. The TOTM may also be easily adapted for disaster relief efforts. The net weight per case is approximately 20 lbs. and .95 cubic feet, while each pallet weighs approximately 1,023 lbs. and is approximately 52.7 cubic feet.

This ration employs many of the same components as the MRE. Menus typically contain a MRE entree, wet-pack fruit, a beverage base, flameless heater, dining kit, and other assorted components. The contents of one TOTM meal bag provide an average of 997 calories.

Except for the beverages, the entire meal is ready to eat. While the entree may be eaten cold when operationally necessary, it can also be heated in a variety of ways, including immersion in hot water while still sealed in its individual entree package. A flameless heating device has also been packed into each meal bag to heat the entree.

This product is designed to be a "just in time"/Direct Vendor Delivery (DVD) item with a 7-10 day delivery time. The shelf life of the TOTM at the time of delivery to the customer will be 18 months to no less than 12 months shelf life when stored at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The NSNs for the TOTM are: 8970-01-628-7262 (Wornick) & 8970-01-628-7264 (SOPAKCO). Point of contact is at (215) 737-2671, DSN: 444-2671.

We can only sell Operational Rations (MREs, UGRs, etc) to the U.S. Military Services and other authorized federally-funded agencies. We can not sell to the private sector (individual, business, or other organizations). For further information, please read our Customer Eligibility Policy.

Orders by individual National Guard units should be made via that unit's supporting United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) activity. The TOTM is currently only available within the 48 Continental United States (CONUS) region.

Ordering lead-time

CONUS - 7 to 10 BUSINESS days
Hawaii & Alaska - 45-60 days
OCONUS - 60 to 90 days

• TOTM FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions regarding the TOTM

TOTM Menus