Meal, Ready-to-Eat, Individual™ (MRE™)
Mission:
The Meal, Ready to Eat™ is the primary individual ration of the U.S. Armed Forces. The balanced nutrition and low logistical burden of the MRE™ give America’s Warfighters the ability to fight and win in any environment.
History:
The MRE™ replaced the C-Ration in the early 1980s. Unlike previous ration concepts, each MRE™ is intended as a single meal. Based on lessons learned from annual field tests, the MRE™ has been continuously improved in both form and function.
Over 241 new ration items have been included since 1993
A Flameless Ration Heater was introduced in 1993, allowing Warfighters to heat their meals without the need for bulky equipment or dangerous field expedients
Ergonomic Beverage Pouches allow Warfighters to mix and consume beverages more easily
Key Features:
Shelf Life:
Warfighters deserve food that is as appetizing in the field as the day it was made. The MRE™ maintains its high quality for a guaranteed shelf life of 3 years at 80° F (27° C), or for 6 months at 100° F (38° C).
Nutrition:
The MRE™ satisfies the Surgeon General’s strict requirements for nutrition in operational rations. Each MRE™ provides approximately 1300 calories, composed of 169 g of carbohydrates, 46 g of protein, and 16 g of fat for the energy needed to accomplish any mission.
Logistics:
Durable packaging allows the MRE™ to be transported anywhere in the world. MREs™ can be safely airdropped by parachute, free-dropped from 100 feet, and subjected to rough handling and extreme temperature swings.
Continuous Improvement:
Since 1993, potential improvements to the MRE™ have been tested by the Warfighters in realistic environments. Their input guides the development process and makes the MRE™ the best ration in the world. Nothing is added to the MRE™ without being approved in field testing.
Contents:
The MRE™ is issued in a durable tan plastic bag. Inside, each MRE™ provides an entrée, an assortment of sides and bakery items, dehydrated beverages, and an accessory pack that includes gum, tissue, a moist towelette, and seasoning. In addition, nearly all MREs™ include a Flameless Ration Heater.
Last Update: 15 April 2011
