MRE
MRE is the abbreviation for Meal, Ready-to-Eat. These all inclusive, individual serving packages are the modern day field ration and used by U.S. Military service members for times of combat, training or in field conditions that are incompatible with organized food preparation facilities.
Prior to the introduction of MREs, canned “Meal, Combat, Individual Rations (MCI) were used. MRE’s came into use in 1981.
History of MRE’s
The first field rations were created by a resolution of Congress during the Revolutionary War. These early versions contained enough food for one man for one full day. The contents were mainly beef, peas and rice.
When the Civil War was fought, the military transitioned to canned foods. With contents including canned meat, salt pork, bread, coffee, sugar and salt.
World War I, introduced the light weight preserved meats that were salted and dried. This eliminated the heavier cans and allowed for more to be carried by individual soldiers.
World War II, brought quite a few changes to the field rations of old. The Mountain Ration (M-rations for battle at high altitudes) and Jungle Ration (J-rations for soldiers fighting in tropical environments) were among these changes. However, due to cost cutting near the end of WWII the canned foods were reintroduced. These were referred to as C rations. The canned wet rations were used throughout the Vietnam War but did improve and were known as MCI field rations.
MRE Requirements
Each MRE contains approximately 1,200 calories. The use is not intended to exceed 21 days and can be safely kept in storage for up to 3 years.
The requirements for packaging have many strict standards. For instance:
- The typical MRE must withstand a drop via parachute from 1,250 feet, and a non-parachute drop from 98 feet.
- The package must be capable of withstanding 3 and ½ years in storage at a temperature of 81 degrees F; 9 months at a temperature of 100 degrees F; and short time periods at temperatures from 59.8 to 120 degrees F.
The weight of an MRE will vary depending on the meal but typically weigh between 18 to 26 ounces. MRE’s do contain water so they are heavier than freeze-dried meals of equal contents.
Contents of Standard MREs
The contents of the typical MRE are standard. They include:
- The Entrée or main course
- A side dish
- A dessert item this is often candy or a pastry or HOOAH! bar
- A type of bread or crackers
- A spread such as cheese, peanut butter or jelly
- A powdered drink mix which can include a fruit flavored beverage, cocoa, coffee, tea, a sport drink or a type of milkshake
- Utensils are included
- A heater called a FRH or flameless ration heater
- A bag to mix the beverage
- An additional pack that includes:
-Chewing gum
-Matches
-Napkin
-Moist towel
-Seasonings such as salt, pepper, sugar, creamer and at times Tabasco sauce
Many of the MREs are fortified for additional nutrient value. Policy requires that MRE’s be subsidized with fresh foods when possible.
| MRE'S Meals Ready to Eat | |
| Rating: |  (11 reviews) |
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| Our Price: | $10.00 |
| Availability: | Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
| Brand: | 4 Star Military Surplus |
| Category: | Grocery |
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Product Features
- Perfect food for a quick meal
- Easy to prepare and long term storage
- Shelf stable storage without refrigeration
- Fruit Bar, Trail Mix, Hi Energy Bar, drink mix