Army Strong

“Eat”, Train, “Eat”, “Sleep”, Repeat

By Valentina Livington

This photographic series documents moments from my time in Army training, focusing on a subject that is often overlooked: food. While military culture frequently emphasizes strength, resilience, and performance, less attention is given to the quality of the fuel provided to those expected to meet those demands.

The images capture meals served during training exercises—food that, in my experience, often felt disconnected from the physical and mental requirements placed upon service members. As soldiers, we are expected to perform at high levels regardless of circumstances. We are required to carry heavy loads, remain mentally alert, make critical decisions under stress, and maintain physical readiness. Yet the nutrition provided is often highly processed, limited in variety, and lacking in the qualities commonly associated with long-term health and wellness.

This work is not intended as a critique of any single institution, but rather as an exploration of contradiction. How do we reconcile the expectation of peak performance with systems that may not adequately support the body and mind? What does it mean to be responsible for mission success while having little control over the resources provided to sustain oneself?

Through these photographs, I invite viewers to consider the relationship between nourishment, performance, and human resilience. The meals depicted are more than food; they become symbols of a broader reality within military life. They represent the gap between what is required of service members and what is sometimes provided in return.

Despite these challenges, the photographs also document perseverance. Every image serves as evidence of individuals continuing to perform, adapt, and accomplish their mission regardless of circumstance. The work reflects a culture where endurance is expected and where success often depends on pushing forward even when conditions are less than ideal.

Ultimately, this series asks viewers to look beyond the plate and consider the human being behind it—the soldier who must continue to think, move, lead, and perform, no matter what is placed before them.