General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported on 8/4 that US forces consumed approximately 3,6 million liters of coffee and two million energy drink cans during the recent six-week campaign against Iran. Speaking at a press conference, Caine also noted over 6 million meals were consumed, adding, "However, I am not saying this is a problem." According to CBS, the coffee volume equates to 7,6 million cups.

The extensive caffeine consumption occurred amidst intensive military operations where the US military attacked over 13,000 targets in Iran. The campaign concluded on the morning of 8/4 with a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, after both sides declared victory in the conflict.

US military personnel drinking coffee on the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier in Virginia in 2021. *Photo: US Navy*

A 2019 study, based on over 26,000 responses from active-duty US military personnel, highlighted the widespread use of caffeine. It revealed that 87% of respondents used at least one caffeine-containing product weekly. Coffee was the most popular caffeinated beverage, used by 68% of survey participants, while 29% opted for energy drinks. Soldiers on combat duties showed a greater tendency to use caffeine, particularly coffee and energy drinks, compared to those in support roles, who favored tea and chewing gum.

General Caine provided further details on the military engagements, stating that about 4,000 of the targets attacked "appeared unexpectedly on the battlefield." He estimated that 80% of Iran's air defense systems were destroyed, equivalent to over 1,500 targets. US forces also neutralized over 700 mine-related targets, destroying more than 95% of Iran's mines.

Pham Giang (According to CBS, Stars and Stripes, Business Insider)