The most important of these was to guarantee free daily rations for the soldiers, amounting to two pounds of bread or hardtack a day. These rations were supplemented as circumstances allowed by a source of protein such as meat or beans;
soldiers were still responsible for purchasing these items out-of-pocket but they were often available at below-market prices or even free at the expense of the state. He also made permanent a system of magazines which were overseen by local governors to ensure they were fully stocked. Part of these magazines were dedicated to frontier towns and fortresses to provide several months' worth of supplies in the event of a siege, while the rest were dedicated to supporting French armies operating in the field