Operation Epic Fury: US troops have consumed 950,000 gallons of coffee and 2 million energy drinks

Operation Epic Fury: US troops have consumed 950,000 gallons of coffee and 2 million energy drinks

During the first six weeks of Operation Epic Fury, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says U.S. troops have been drinking a lot of coffee and energy drinks.

Six weeks into Operation Epic Fury, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, offered a candid look at the sheer scale of U.S. military activity—and the massive amount of caffeine fueling it. 

Dig deeper:

During an April 8 press conference, Gen Caine thanked the service and sacrifice of more than 50,000 U.S. service members at the United States European Command (EUCOM), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and troops assigned stateside for their service and sacrifice. 

Operation Epic Fury mission milestones

Big picture view:

Caine says the Joint Force has maintained a relentless pace since the start of the operation:

• Total Missions: Over 10,000 sorties flown.
• Bomber Operations: 62 total missions completed.
• Long duration flights: 18 of those bomber missions were grueling, 30-hour round trips launched directly from the U.S. to strike military targets.

Fueling the U.S. service members during Operation Epic Fury

By the numbers:

Beyond the tactical data, Caine highlighted the logistical "fuel" required to keep personnel sharp during extended operations. To date, the force has consumed:

• 6 million meals
• 950,000 gallons of coffee
• 2 million energy drinks

What they're saying:

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine speaks to the media during a press briefing on Operation Epic Fury at the Pentagon on April 8, 2026. (Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Brann)

"Along the way we consume more than 6 million meals and, by my estimate, more than 950,000 gallons of coffee, 2 million energy drinks , and a lot of nicotine, but I'm not saying that we have a problem," said Ciane. 

Despite the lighthearted comment on the troops' caffeine habits, Caine’s primary message was one of serious intent. He emphasized that the Joint Force remains "mission-focused."

"The joint force has demonstrated the unwavering resolve that the nation demands of us. We are a mission-focused force and our objective always is to create the conditions for peace, and today we have and will be ready should that peace break, which we hope it is not , and we remain ready."