What were in K-Rations?

What were in K-Rations?

K-Rations would have three “meals”: a breakfast, lunch and dinner with four ounces of meat and/or eggs, cheese spread, “biscuits,” candy, gum, salt tablets and a sugary drink. There were also cigarettes, a wooden spoon and toilet paper.

What was in Vietnam Era C-Rations?

As an infantry soldier in Vietnam, C-Rations was my sole source of nourishment for at least 300 of the 365 days I served in-country. When out on missions, infantry units were re-supplied with food, water, ammunition, clothes and other items by helicopter every three to five days.

What does K stand for in K-Rations?

Keys or was short for “Commando” (as elite troops were the first to receive it). However, the letter “K” was selected because it was phonetically distinct from other letter-name rations. The K-ration first saw use in 1942, when it was issued to U.S. Airborne troops on an experimental basis.

What was the difference between C-Rations and K-Rations?

K-Rations were lighter than C-Rations, and three meals a day netted only 2,830 calories. Soldiers complained about the taste and lack of calories, and so entrepreneurial leaders often found supplements such as rice, bread and C-Rations. K-Rations were discontinued at the end of World War II.

How long do K rations last?

The shelf life of the MRE is three (3) years at 80 degrees F. However, the shelf life can be extended through the use of cold storage facilities prior to distribution.

When did they stop putting cigarettes in MREs?

1975
With the scientific data about the health risks of smoking and information about the effect of smoking on troop readiness, in 1975, the United States Department of Defense discontinued the inclusion of cigarettes in K-rations and C-rations.

Are old MREs safe to eat?

MREs are meant to stand up to extreme weather conditions, but they’re not invincible. The cooler the storage condition, the longer they last. The average MRE shelf life lasts five years in 75 degrees F. If kept in cooler conditions, they can last well over 10 years and still be safe to eat.

What did Vietnam soldiers eat?

These were known as Long Range Patrol Rations (LRP), which the troops immediately pronounced “lurps.” They featured eight main meals, in cluding “Chicken With Rice,” “Spaghetti With Meat Sauce,” “Pork With Scalloped Potatoes,” “Chili Con Carne” and “Beef Stew.” They also included a cereal or fruitcake bar, two foil- …

What kind of cigarettes were in K rations?

Chesterfield cigarettes were used with the K Ration from the beginning. Early packages were made of white cardboard with the design printed in green. The carton is of the sleeve type construction.

What is K ration in the military?

It was originally intended as an individually packaged daily ration for issue to airborne troops, tank crews, motorcycle couriers, and other mobile forces for short durations. The K-ration provided three separately boxed meal units: Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper .

What was the most common field ration in the Korean War?

During the Korean War, C-rations soon eclipsed the K-ration as the most commonly issued field ration. But the food was boring—“menu fatigue” was the term military dieticians used. In 1958, the Defense Department created 12 different menus.

What was the MCI ration in the Vietnam War?

This goal was rarely achieved in the field, and some Army and Marine forces in Vietnam would operate for two weeks or more while consuming only the MCI ration or other processed, canned foods. The new ration had some curious superstitions attached to it during the Vietnam War.

Did the US Army have the right field rations in Vietnam?

Yet even at the remote terminus of an extended logistics chain reaching halfway around the world, the U.S. Army in Vietnam generally performed very well in getting the right field rations to its troops fighting “at the sharp end.”

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