AIM 1. The aim of this agreement is to improve interoperability of NATO military forces by standardising the essential minimal characteristics and quality assurance of general purpose individual operational rations@ describing special purpose rations and providing guidance for supplying these rations. This common set of standards will provide the primary tool to enable multinational interoperability and to support enhanced operational effectiveness in the planning and execution of joint and combined operations for alliance missions. The result of this collective effort will be a common expectation and output designed around shared knowledge and expertise that will serve as an achievable capability multiplier. This standard reflects performance requirements that align with interoperability goals and satisfy current military needs and broad mission requirements 2. STANAG 2937 and this publication acknowledge and reference related agreements only to the extent that there are important collateral influences on the functionality@ performance and consumption of individual operational rations as a result of availability of potable water and its dietary contribution@ effective logistics planning ranging from product design to supply chain processes@ the necessity of predictable and reliable food safety and hygiene@ and the ability to meet user expectations in all operational environments. The core of this agreement will focus on those design characteristics that will broadly support the provision of individual ration systems that meet specific operational requirements and capabilities. These attributes will ensure nutritional needs (energy@ macro- and micro-nutrients) of individuals who operate across a range of environmental conditions@ often under arduous physical demands@ are consistently met; that food components will be safe and highly acceptable to promote consumption; and that the ration systems will be shelf stable and durable to survive the rigors of the intended operational environment as well as those of the supply chain itself. These standards are essential to deliver a critical sustainment capability that will nourish and enhance the mental@ physical and military task performance of personnel particularly during sustained operations in all environmental extremes and operational scenarios to enable mission execution and success. PURPOSE The purpose of this AMedP is to provide the necessary details and information in support of STANAG 2937 and to assist and facilitate the effective interoperability of NATO military forces and partner nation's general purpose individual operational rations during military deployments@ exercises or operations.