Meal, Ready-to-Eat
202437
224732282
2008-07-10T04:38:01Z
Badagnani
308437
/* MRE Menus */ lasagna, not lasanga
{{redirect|MRE|the academic degree|Master of Religious Education}}
[[Image:Mrepacket.jpg|right|thumb|An MRE packet, containing a [[spaghetti]] with [[meat]] sauce [[main course]].]]
The '''Meal, Ready-to-Eat''', or '''MRE''' (pronounced "Em Ahr EE") is a self-contained, individual [[field ration]] in lightweight packaging procured by the [[United States military]] for its service-members for use in [[combat]] or other field conditions where organized food facilities are not available. The MRE replaced the canned [[Meal, Combat, Individual ration|Meal, Combat, Individual rations]] in 1981 and was the successor to the [[LRRP ration]] developed by the [[U.S. Army]] for [[Special Forces]] and [[U.S. Army Ranger]] patrol units in [[Vietnam]].
==A Short History of US Military Rations==
The first soldier ration established by a [[Continental Congress|Congressional]] Resolution during the [[American Revolutionary War |Revolutionary War]] consisted of enough food to feed a man for one day, mostly beef, peas, and rice. <ref>
{{cite web
| last = Jones
| first = Nicole
| title = The Evolution of the MRE
| publisher = Whole Latte Love
| url = http://www.wholelattelove.com/articles/evolution_of_mre.cfm
| accessdate = 2008-04-21}}
</ref> During the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], the military tended toward canned goods. Later, self-contained kits were issued as a whole ration, and contained canned meat, salt pork, bread, coffee, sugar and salt. During the [[WWI|First World War]], canned meats were replaced with preserved meats (salted or dried). [[WWII]] and the [[Korean War]] saw the canned [[C-rations]] issued to troops, and the improved [[Meal, Combat, Individual ration]] during the [[Vietnam War]].
==Development of the MRE==
Soon after the end of the war, the inadequacy of the current rations were recognized. It was realized that simply providing a nutritionally balanced meal was not adequate, as servicemembers in different geographic regions and various combat situations would require a different sub-set of ingredients depending on their specific situation, as well as catering better to individual tastes and preferences so that servicemembers would actually eat the whole ration and get the most nutrition.
In 1963, the Department of Defense began developing the '''"Meal, Ready to Eat"''', a ration that would rely on modern food preparation and packaging technology to create a lighter replacement for the canned [[Meal, Combat, Individual ration]]. This led to the [[LRP ration]], a dehydrated meal stored in a waterproof canvas pouch; its expense led to its limited use. In 1975, work began on a dehydrated meal stored in a plastic retort pouch. It went into special issue starting in 1981 and standard issue in 1986, using a limited menu of 12 entrees. This expanded to 16 entrees by 1996, 20 entrees by 1997 and 24 entrees by 1998.
Since 1993 the MRE has been experiencing continual development. After conducting an array of field tests and surveys, servicemembers requested more entree options and larger serving sizes. By 1994, commercial-like graphics were utilized, making the packets more user friendly, as well as biodegradable materials for non-edible components (such as spoons and napkins). By 1998, the number of menus increased from 12 to 24 different entrees, all including a variety of ingredients.
[[Image:MREsingleveggie.gif|thumb|right|150px|Vegetarian menu: bean & rice burrito]]
One of the most notable changes was the variety of meals available, which allowed servicemembers from a variety of cultures and geographical regions find something palatable. Also notable was the inclusion in 1992 of the [[Flameless ration heater|Flameless Ration Heater]] (FRH), a water-activated [[exothermic reaction]] product that emits heat, allowing a servicemember in the field to enjoy a hot meal. In 1996, [[Vegetarianism|vegetarian]] menus were offered.
In 2006, "Beverage Bags" were introduced to the MRE, as servicemembers have begun to depend more on [[CamelBak]]s or other hydration bladders than [[canteen]]s, thus denying them the use of the metal canteen cups (shaped to fit in a canteen pouch with the canteen) for mixing powdered beverages. In addition to having measuring marks to indicate levels of liquid for precise measurement, they can be sealed and placed inside the flameless heater.
Most recently, MREs have been developed using the [[Dietary Reference Intake]], created by the [[Institute of Medicine]] (IOM). The IOM indicated that servicemembers (who were classified as highly active men between the ages of 18 and 30) typically burn about 4,200 [[Kilocalories]] a day, but tended to only consume about 2,400 kcal a day during combat, entering a negative energy balance. This imbalance occurred when servicemembers don't consume full portions of their rations, due to the fact that they are liable to discard some of the contents, and therefore don't receive the fully intended nutritional value.<ref>Institute of Medicine, ''Dietary Reference Intake''</ref> Although manipulations to the food items and distribution of [[macronutrients]] in order to help boost the amount of [[Kilocalories]] per MRE have been made, more studies are showing that many servicemembers still don't meet today's standards of daily consumption. In light of this data, researchers continue to study the habits and eating preferences of servicemembers to help alleviate this problem.
In addition, the military is currently conducting research and experimenting with new assault ration prototypes, designed with the elite in mind. Lighter than the typical MRE, they require no type of preparation, so that servicemembers can eat them on the go. These rations include items such as fruit bars, dried fruit, meat pockets, a dairy bar, and beef jerky.<ref>Institute of Medicine (U.S.). Committee on Optimization of Nutrient Composition of Military Rations for Short-Term, High-Stress Situations, ''Nutrient composition of rations for short-term, high-intensity combat operations'' pg.15-27</ref>
Today, servicemembers can choose from up to 24 entrees, and more than 150 additional items. <ref name="MREInfo"> {{cite web
| title = MRE Info
| url = http://www.mreinfo.com/us/mre/mre-menus.html
| accessdate = 2008-04-20}}
</ref>
== Requirements ==
Each meal provides approximately 1,200 [[Calorie]]s (1,200 kcal or 5,000 kJ). They are intended to be eaten for a maximum of twenty-one days (assuming that logistical units can provide superior rations within that timeframe), and have a shelf life of three years (depending on storage conditions).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/09/13/combat.food/index.html |title=Grub, chow, mystery meat - combat food 2.0 |accessdate=2007-09-14 |author=Peggy Milhelich |date=2007-09-13 |work= |publisher=CNN.com}}</ref>
Packaging requirements are strict. MREs must be capable of withstanding [[parachute]] drops from 380 m (1,250 ft), and non-parachute drops of 30 m (100 ft). The packaging is required to maintain a minimum shelf life of three and a half years at 27 °C (80 °F) or nine months at 38 °C (100 °F); additionally, short-term temperature extremes of -51 °C (-60 °F) to 49 °C (120 °F) must be sustainable. New forms of packaging are being considered to better meet these requirements including the use of [[zein]] to replace the foil, which can be easily punctured, conducts heat, and reflectivity (which may give away a servicemember's position).<ref>[http://www.fdp.com/content.php?s=FP/2005/09&p=15 Food & Beverage Packaging – Market Insights to Packaging Solutions<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Each MRE weighs 380 to 510 g (13 to 18 oz) depending on the menu. Since MREs contain water, they weigh more than freeze-dried meals providing equivalent calories.
=== Resale status ===
Each MRE is labeled:
<blockquote>
U.S. Government Property<BR>
Commercial Resale is Unlawful
</blockquote>
However, there are no specific laws that forbid the resale of MREs <ref>[http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06410r.pdf GAO-06-410R Investigation: Military Meals, Ready-To-Eat Sold on eBay<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, and although the government has attempted to discourage sellers from selling MREs<ref>[http://www.mreinfo.com/us/mre/us-govt.-vs.-ebay-auctions.html MREInfo - US Govt. vs. eBay Auctions<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, auction sites such as eBay have continued to allow auctions of the MREs because the Defense Department has been unable to show them any regulations or laws specifically outlawing the practice. According to a spokesman for eBay, "until a law is passed saying you can't sell these things, we're not going to stop them from being sold on the site"<ref>[http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-6040777.html eBay sales of military rations scrutinized | Tech News on ZDNet<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The recent growth of MREs listed on [[eBay]] (2005) has resulted in a government investigation of whether they were intended for Hurricane Katrina victims, and the news media nickname "Meals Ready for eBay."<ref name="Associated Press 2005-10-30">{{cite news | first = Lara Jakes | last = Jordan | title = U.S. investigates sale of MREs on eBay | date = [[2005-10-30]] | publisher = USA Today | url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-10-30-mre-ebay_x.htm | work = USA Today | accessdate = 2007-03-01 }}</ref> Some cases are being sold from Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and other Gulf states affected by Katrina. The internal cost of a 12 pack case of MREs is $86.98 (approx. $7.25 a meal) to the government, much higher than what is actually paid to vendors. Officials from eBay have asked the Pentagon to cite a law that prevents the sale of military issue MREs but have yet to receive an answer.<ref name="Associated Press 2005-10-30" /> As a result of earlier unauthorized sales to civilians, the Department of Defense had required that "U.S. Government Property, Commercial Resale is Unlawful" be printed on each case of MREs.<ref name='GAO-06-410R'>{{ cite journal | title = Investigation: Military Meals, Ready-To-Eat Sold on eBay | journal = United States Government Accountability Office | date = 2006-02-13 | pages = 2–3 | url = http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06410r.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2007-03-01 }}</ref>
That said, MREs can be purchased by civilians directly from the contractors who supply MREs to the U.S. Government. These MREs are very similar to genuine US Government MREs, differing only in minor details (i.e. design of case and bag or type of spoon).
Flameless Ration Heaters are prohibited on commercial airlines unless sealed in the original MRE menu bag, due to the hydrogen fumes yielded by the chemical process of cooking with them.
== MRE contents ==
[[Image:MRE contents.jpg|right|thumb|An MRE contains a main course, side dish, bread, dessert, and flameless ration heater.]]
General contents may include:
* main course ([[entree]])
* side dish
* [[dessert]] or [[snack]] (often a commercial candy or a fortified pastry)
* [[Cracker (food)|cracker]]s or [[bread]]
* spread of [[cheese]], [[peanut butter]], or [[jam|jelly]]
* powdered [[beverage]] mix: juice, cocoa, [[coffee]] or [[tea]], [[sport drink]], or [[dairy]] shake.
* [[Utensil]]s (usually just a plastic [[spoon]])
* [[flameless ration heater]] (FRH)
* Accessory pack:
**chewing gum
**water-resistant matches
**napkin / toilet paper
**moist towelette
**seasonings, including [[salt]], [[pepper]], [[sugar]], [[cream]]er, and/or [[Tabasco sauce]]
Each menu varies the contents. Many servicemembers develop a taste for certain items, and trading amongst troops for favored items is common, as well as the mixing and heating of ingredients to create new meals. For example, "Ranger Pudding" consists of cocoa and the non-dairy creamer mixed with small amount of water.
Many items are further fortified with nutrients. In addition, [[United States Department of Defense|DoD]] policy requires units to augment MREs with fresh food and [[A-ration]]s whenever feasible, especially in training environments.
=== MRE Menus ===
In an effort to make MREs more palatable to servicemembers and match ever-changing trends in popular tastes, the military is constantly seeking feedback to adjust MRE menus and ingredients. In the following list, only main entrees are listed.
<!-- Please do not add any items other than entrees to the list. It's big enough already. -->
{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="text-align: left; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-top: 0.0em;"
|-
! colspan="7" style="background-color: #F0F8FF;" | Menus 1981 to 1997
|-
! #
! MRE I - MRE VII (1981-87)
! MRE VIII - XII (1988-92)
! MRE XIII - XIV (1993-94)
! MRE XV (1995)
! MRE XVI (1996)
! MRE XVII (1997)
|-
! 1
| [[Pork]] Patty
| Pork w/[[Rice]] in BBQ Sauce
| Pork w/Rice in BBQ Sauce
| Pork w/Rice in BBQ Sauce
| Beef [[Steak]]
| Beef Steak
|-
! 2
| [[Ham (meat)|Ham]] & [[Chicken]] loaf
| [[Corned Beef]] Hash
| Corned Beef Hash
| [[Chili]] w/ [[Macaroni]]
| Tuna w/ Noodles
| Boneless [[Pork Chop]] w/ Noodles
|-
! 3
| [[Beef]] Patty
| Chicken Stew
| Chicken Stew
| Chicken Stew
| Chicken Stew
| Chicken Stew
|-
! 4
| Beef slices in [[barbecue|BBQ]] sauce
| [[Omelet]] with Ham
| Omelet with Ham
| Grilled Chicken
| Ham Slice
| Ham Slice
|-
! 5
| Beef [[Stew]]
| [[Spaghetti]] w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Chicken w/ Noodles
|-
! 6
| [[hot dog|Frankfurter]]s w/ [[bean]]s<BR>(nicknamed "Four Fingers of Death")
| Chicken ala King
| Smokey Franks
| Smokey Franks
| Smokey Franks
| Smokey Franks
|-
! 7
| [[Turkey (bird)|Turkey]] diced w/ [[gravy]]<BR>(nicknamed "Wild Turkey Surprise")
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Pork Chow Mein
|-
! 8
| Beef diced w/ gravy
| Ham Slice
| Ham Slice
| Ham Slice
| Chicken w/ Rice
| Chicken w/ Rice
|-
! 9
| Chicken a la King
| Meatballs w/ Tomato Sauce
| Pork [[chow mein|Chow Mein]]
| Pork Chow Mein
| Pork Chow Mein
| Beef Stew
|-
! 10
| [[Meatball]]s & BBQ sauce
| Tuna w/ Noodles
| Tuna w/ Noodles
| Tuna w/ Noodles
| Chili w/ Macaroni
| Chili w/ Macaroni
|-
! 11
| Ham slices
| Chicken w/Rice
| Chicken w/Rice
| Chicken w/Rice
| [[Pasta]] w/ [[Vegetable]]s <ref group=veg name="veggie">Vegitarian menu</ref>
|
|-
! 12
| [[ground beef|Beef ground]] w/ spiced sauce
| [[Scalloped potatoes|Escalloped Potatoes]] w/Ham
| Escalloped Potatoes w/Ham
| Escalloped Potatoes w/Ham
| [[Cheese]] [[Tortellini]] <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Cheese Tortellini
|-
! 13
| Chicken loaf
|
|
|
| Pork w/ Rice
| Pork w/ Rice
|-
! 14
|
|
|
|
| Chicken [[Parmesan]]
| Chicken Parmesan
|-
! 15
|
|
|
|
| Grilled Chicken
| Grilled Chicken
|-
! 16
|
|
|
|
| Escalloped Potatoes w/Ham
| Tuna w/ Noodles
|-
! 17
|
|
|
|
|
| Beef [[Ravioli]]
|-
! 18
|
|
|
|
|
| Turkey Breast w/ Gravy & Potatoes
|-
! 19
|
|
|
|
|
| Beef w/ [[Mushrooms]]
|-
! 20
|
|
|
|
|
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
|}
<BR>
{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="text-align: left; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-top: 0.0em;"
|-
! colspan="7" style="background-color: #F0F8FF;" | Menus 1998 to 2003
|-
! #
! MRE XVIII (1998)
! MRE XIX (1999)
! MRE XX (2000)
! MRE XXI (2001)
! MRE XXII (2002)
! MRE XXIII (2003)
|-
! 1
| Beef Steak
| Beef Steak
| Grilled Beefsteak
| Grilled Beefsteak
| Beefsteak w/ Mushrooms
| Beefsteak w/ Mushrooms
|-
! 2
| Boneless Pork Chop w/ Noodles
| Boneless Pork [[Cuisine of Jamaica|Jamaican]]
| Boneless Pork Chop
| Boneless Pork Chop
| [[Cuisine of Jamaica|Jamaican]] Pork Chop w/ Noodles
| [[Ribs (food)|Pork Rib]]
|-
! 3
| Chicken Stew
| Beef Teriyaki
| Beef Teriyaki
| Beef Teriyaki
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
|-
! 4
| Ham Slice
| Ham Slice
| Country Captain Chicken<BR>(nicknamed "[[Ku Klux Klan|KKK]]")
| Country Captain Chicken
| Country Captain Chicken
| Country Captain Chicken
|-
! 5
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Grilled Chicken Breast
| Grilled Chicken Breast
| Grilled Chicken Breast
| Grilled Chicken Breast
| Chicken Breast
|-
! 6
| Grilled Chicken
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken w/ Thai Sauce
| Chicken w/ Thai Sauce
| Chicken w/ Thai Sauce
|-
! 7
| Pork Chow Mein
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Chicken w/ Salsa
|-
! 8
| Chicken w/ Rice
| Chicken w/ Rice
| Chicken and Rice
| Chicken and Rice
| [[hamburger|Beef Patty]]
| Beef Patty
|-
! 9
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
|-
! 10
| Chili w/ Macaroni
| Chili w/ Macaroni
| Chili and Macaroni
| Chili and Macaroni
| Chili and Macaroni
| Chili and Macaroni
|-
! 11
| Pasta w/ Vegetables
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Tomato Sauce <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Tomato Sauce
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Tomato Sauce
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Tomato Sauce
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Tomato Sauce
|-
! 12
| Cheese Tortellini
| Rice & Bean Burrito <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Rice & Bean Burrito
| Rice & Bean Burrito
| Rice & Bean Burrito
| Black Bean & Rice Burrito <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
|-
! 13
| [[Cuisine of Thailand|Thai]] Chicken
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
|-
! 14
| Chicken w/ [[Cavatelli]]
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Alfredo Sauce
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Alfredo Sauce
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Alfredo Sauce
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Alfredo Sauce
| [[Manicotti]] w/ Vegetables <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
|-
! 15
| Beef Franks
| Beef Franks
| Beef Frankfurters
| Beef [[Enchilada]]
| Beef Enchilada
| Beef Enchiladas
|-
! 16
| [[Bean]] & Rice [[Burrito]]
| Chicken w/ Thai Sauce
| Thai Chicken
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken w/ Noodles
|-
! 17
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Teriyaki
| Beef Teriyaki
| Beef Teriyaki
|-
! 18
| Turkey Breast w/Gravy & Potatoes
| Turkey Breast w/Gravy & Potatoes
| Turkey Breast w/Gravy & Potatoes
| Turkey Breast w/Gravy & Potatoes
| Turkey Breast w/Gravy & Potatoes
| Turkey Breast w/Gravy & Potatoes
|-
! 19
| Beef w/ Mushrooms
| Beef w/ Mushrooms
| Beef w/ Mushrooms
| Beef w/ Mushrooms
| Beef w/ Mushrooms
| [[Roast Beef]]
|-
! 20
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
|-
! 21
| Beef [[Teriyaki]]
| Chicken Stew
| Chicken [[Tetrazzini]]
| Chicken Tetrazzini
| Chicken Tetrazzini
| Chicken Tetrazzini
|-
! 22
| Chicken w/ [[Salsa]]
| Pork Chow Mein
| Pork Chow Mein
| [[Jambalaya]]
| Jambalaya
| Jambalaya
|-
! 23
| [[meatloaf|Meat Loaf]] w/Gravy
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
|-
! 24
| [[Fettuccine alfredo|Pasta w/ Alfredo Sauce]] <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
|}
<BR>
{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="text-align: left; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-top: 0.0em;"
|-
! colspan="7" style="background-color: #F0F8FF;" | Menus 2004 to 2009
|-
! #
! MRE XXIV (2004)
! MRE XXV (2005)
! MRE XXVI (2006)
! MRE XXVII (2007)
! MRE XXVIII (2008)
! MRE XXIX (2009)
|-
! 1
| Beef Steak
| Beef Steak
| Chili w/ Beans
| Chili w/ Beans
| Chili w/ Beans
| Chili w/ Beans
|-
! 2
| Pork Rib
| Pork Rib
| Pork Rib
| Pork Rib
| Pork Rib
| Pork Rib
|-
! 3
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
| Beef Ravioli
|-
! 4
| Country Captain Chicken
| Cheese & Vegetable Omelet <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Cheese & Vegetable Omelet
| Cheese & Vegetable Omelet
| Cheese & Vegetable Omelet
| Maple Sausage
|-
! 5
| Chicken Breast
| Chicken Breast
| Chicken Breast
| Chicken Breast
| Chicken Breast
| Chicken Breast
|-
! 6
| Grilled w/ Thai Sauce
| Chicken [[Fajita]]s
| Chicken Fajitas
| Chicken Fajitas
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken w/ Noodles
|-
! 7
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| Meatloaf w/ Gravy
| Beef [[Brisket]]
|-
! 8
| Beef Patty
| Beef Patty
| Beef Patty
| Beef Patty
| Beef Patty
| Beef Patty
|-
! 9
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
| Beef Stew
|-
! 10
| Chili and Macaroni
| Chili and Macaroni
| [[Tuna]]
| Tuna in Pouch
| Chili and Macaroni
| Chili and Macaroni
|-
! 11
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Tomato Sauce
| Pasta w/ Vegetables in Tomato Sauce
| Spicy [[Penne]] Pasta <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Vegetable Manicotti
| Vegetable [[Lasagna]] <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Vegetable Lasagna
|-
! 12
| [[Vegetarian cuisine|Veggie]] [[Hamburger|Burger]] w/ BBQ Sauce <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Veggie Burger w/ BBQ Sauce
| Veggie Burger w/ BBQ Sauce
| Veggie Burger w/ BBQ Sauce
| Veggie Burger w/ BBQ Sauce
| Veggie Burger w/ BBQ Sauce
|-
! 13
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
| Cheese Tortellini
|-
! 14
| [[Manicotti]] w/ Vegetables <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Manicotti w/ Vegetable
| Manicotti w/ Vegetable
| Spicy Penne Pasta w/ Vegetarian Sausage <ref group=veg name="veggie" />
| Spicy Penne Pasta w/ Vegetarian Sausage
| Spicy Penne Pasta w/ Vegetarian Sausage
|-
! 15
| Beef Enchiladas
| Beef Enchiladas
| Beef Enchiladas
| Beef Enchiladas
| Beef Enchiladas
| Beef Enchiladas
|-
! 16
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken w/ Noodles
| Chicken Fajita
| Chicken Fajita
| Chicken Fajita
|-
! 17
| Beef Teriyaki
| [[Sloppy Joe]] Filling
| Sloppy Joe
| Sloppy Joe Filling
| Sloppy Joe Filling
| Sloppy Joe Filling
|-
! 18
| [[Dirty rice|Cajun Rice]], Beans & [[Sausage]]
| Cajun Rice & Sausage
| Cajun Rice, Beans, & Sausage
| Meatballs w/ [[Marinara]]
| Meatballs w/ Marinara
| Meatballs w/ Marinara
|-
! 19
| Roast Beef
| Roast Beef w/ Vegetables
| Roast Beef w/ Vegetables
| Pot Roast w/ Vegetables
| Pot Roast w/ Vegetables
| Pot Roast w/ Vegetables
|-
! 20
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
| Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce
|-
! 21
| Chicken Tetrazzini
| Chicken Tetrazzini
| Chicken Tetrazzini
| Chili & Macaroni
| Tuna in Pouch
| Tuna in Pouch
|-
! 22
| Jambalaya
| Jambalaya
| Jambalaya
| Chicken w/ [[Dumplings]]
| Chicken w/ Dumplings
| Chicken w/ Dumplings
|-
! 23
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken w/ Cavatelli
| Chicken [[Pesto]] & Pasta
| Chicken Pesto & Pasta
|-
! 24
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Meat Loaf w/ Gravy
| Chicken w/ Salsa
| [[Buffalo wings|Buffalo Chicken]]
|}
<references group=veg/>
== Criticism ==
Some of the early MRE main courses were not very palatable, earning them the nicknames "Mr. E" (mystery),<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.sixty-six.org/index.php?show=21,12,2005 |title= "POGs, Chow and Leave" |accessdate=2007-02-11 |date=2005-12-21 | publisher = sixty-six.org }}</ref> "Meals Rejected by Everyone",<ref name="cooks">{{cite news | first = Kim | last = Severson | title = A lot of cooks in the MRE kitchen | date = [[2003-04-07]] | url = http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/04/07/MN255717.DTL | publisher = San Francisco Chronicle | pages = A-20 | accessdate = 2007-02-11 }}</ref> "Meals, Rarely Edible",<ref>{{cite news | first=Tech. Sgt. Pat | last=McKenna | coauthors= | title=Lean, Mean Fighting Cuisine | date=1998-04-01 | publisher=[[Air Force News Agency]] | url =http://www.af.mil/news/airman/0498/mre2.htm | work =Airman Magazine | pages = | accessdate = 2007-02-11 }}</ref> "Meals Rejected by the Enemy", "Morsels, Regurgitated, Eviscerated", "Meal, Ready to Excrete", "Materials Resembling Edibles", and even "Meals Rejected by [[Ethiopia]]ns"<ref>{{cite news | title= Meal, Ready to Eat | date=[[2006-10-03]] | url = http://www.cobolhacker.com/?p=480 | accessdate = 2007-02-11 | publisher = cobolhacker.com }}</ref>. Some meals got their own nicknames. For example, the frankfurters, which came sealed in pouches of four, were referred to as "the four fingers of death".<ref name="cooks" /> Although quality has improved over the years, many of the nicknames have stuck. MREs were often called "Three Lies for the Price of One" - it's not a Meal, it's not Ready, and you can't Eat it.<ref>{{cite news | first=Emily | last=Bazelon | coauthors= Phillip Carter, Dahlia Lithwick | title=What Is Torture? An interactive primer on American interrogation | date=[[2006-09-27]] | url = http://www.slate.com/features/whatistorture/DietaryManipulation.htm | publisher = Slate | pages = Taxonomy of Torture: Dietary Manipulation | accessdate = 2007-02-11 }}</ref>
Their low [[dietary fiber]] content could cause [[constipation]] in some so they were also known as "Meals Refusing to Exit", <ref>{{cite news | title = Meal, ready to eat | url = http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1725106 | accessdate = 2007-02-11 }}</ref> "Meals Refusing to Excrete",or "Massive Rectal Expulsions". While the myth that the gum found in MREs contains a [[laxative]] is false, the crackers in the ration pack do contain a higher than normal vegetable content to facilitate egestion.
A [[superstition]] exists among troops about the [[Charms]] candies that come with some menus: they are considered bad luck, especially if actually eaten.<ref>{{cite book |author=Evan Wright |title=Generation kill: Devil Dogs, Iceman, Captain America, and the new face of American war |publisher=G.P. Putnam's Sons |location=New York, NY |year=2004 |pages=83 |isbn=0-399-15193-1 |oclc= |doi=}}</ref> Some attribute this to a case of a joking dislike becoming a superstition (i.e. not eating them 'just in case' or because it might make one's comrades uneasy).
In December of 2006 comedian [[Al Franken]] (on his 8th [[USO]] tour at the time) joked to troops in Iraq that he'd had his fifth MRE so far and "none of them had an exit strategy".<ref>[http://www.blackanthem.com/News/International_21/Al_Franken_delivers_message_and_entertainment_for_deployed_troops2802.shtml Al Franken delivers message and entertainment for deployed troops<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In March of 2007, [[The Salt Lake Tribune]] invited three gourmet chefs to taste test 18 MRE meals. None of the meals rated higher than a 5.7 average on a scale of 1-to-10, and the Chicken Fajita meal, in particular, was singled out for disdain, rating an average score of 1.3. <ref>[http://www.sltrib.com/food/ci_8534039?source=rv Word of mouth on Ready-to-Eat (with video) - Salt Lake Tribune<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://youtube.com/watch?v=l8w96hPl_yU YouTube - Salt Lake chefs rate the MRE<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The National Guard has provided MREs to the public during National Disasters such as [[Hurricane Frances]], [[Hurricane Jeanne]], and [[Hurricane Katrina]].
The US Army announced new entrees in a combat feeding demonstration March 6th, 2008. As reported in ArmyTimes; "Among the new MRE items soldiers preferred the buffalo chicken and the corn bread slated for 2009. They also liked the southwest beef and black beans coming out in 2010".
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Mrebag.jpg|right|thumb|250px|An MRE packet made into a "Hurricane Katrina handbag"]] -->
In the aftermath of [[Hurricane Katrina]] and [[Hurricane Rita]] in 2005, a large number of civilians were exposed to MREs, prompting several jokes during the recent [[New Orleans Mardi Gras]] with revellers donning clothing made of MRE packets with phrases such as "MRE Antoinette" and "Man Ready to Eat".
== See also ==
* [[Combat ration]]
* [[Individual Meal Pack]]
* [[LRRP ration]]
* [[United States military ration]]
* [[Food and Brand Lab]]
* [[List of U.S. Army acronyms and expressions]]
* [[First Strike Ration]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:MREs|MREs}}
* [http://nsc.natick.army.mil/media/print/OP_Rations.pdf ''Operational Rations of the Department of Defense'', 7th Edition]
* [http://science.howstuffworks.com/mre.htm How MREs Work]
* [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1579620 NPR All Things Considered, mentions the new MRE menu for 2004 (at 5 minutes 02 seconds)]
* [http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-10-30-mre-ebay_x.htm U.S. Investigates Sale of MREs on eBay]
* [http://www.fdp.com/content.php?s=FP/2005/09&p=15 Military Packages Put Technology to the Test]
* [http://www.af.mil/news/airman/0205/top10.shtml MRE taste test: Airman staff goes tactical to spill the beans on meals, ready to eat]
* [http://www.jewishworldreview.com/kosher/kosher_soldiers.php3 Military buys special meals for Jewish, Muslim troops]
* [http://www.mreinfo.com MREInfo.com - Complete source of information on MREs both in US and International]<br>
{{USmilitaryrations}}
[[Category:Military food of the United States]]<br>
[[de:Einmannpackung]]
[[es:MRE]]
[[ia:MRE]]
[[ja:MRE]]