Next time you're out in the field training, you might not have to trek back to the dining facility when your stomach starts rumbling.
The Army is introducing its Food Truck Program, offering quick, fresh meals to troops in training and field environments.
Fort Lee's Joint Culinary Center of Excellence rolled out the program for testing at the Virginia post. This week, with the testing phase complete, the food truck program will enter a six-month pilot program at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Dubbed the Outpost, the food truck will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the needs of the soldiers.
Some menu items include English muffins, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, wraps, burgers, salad bowls, noodle bowls, chips and fries.
"They're quick-fire meals that can be done in a certain amount of time," Sgt. 1st Class Carlton Hunter, of the 266 Quartermaster Battalion, said. "[Soldiers] have seven to 10 minutes to get their plates and be on their way."
Hunter, who was involved with the testing of the truck, said each of the roughly 300 soldiers who used the food truck were asked to provide feedback in a survey.
The team will take the results and see if they need to tweak the menus or wait times.
"That will make it better for when the pilot program starts," Hunter said.
Two of the Army's three food trucks will operate in remote areas at Fort Stewart where soldiers don't have easy access to the post's dining facilities.
The Army's Outpost food truck will offer fresh, convenient meals to soldiers as part of a pilot program.
Photo Credit: Chris Hart/Army
After the pilot program, the Army will decide if the food trucks will go service-wide.
Capt. Nicole Walls, who was in charge of soldier feedback during the Fort Lee testing, said the feedback has been positive.
"The soldiers want to see the truck at their installation," she said.
The most popular food option was the Outpost Burger, which is made-to-order fresh off the grill.
"Over 96 percent of soldiers enjoyed that," Walls said.
Troops are used to hitting up the dining facility to get food, but the truck is a more convenient option.
"They really enjoyed that they are able to get the food quickly and go on about their business," she said.
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com .
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
