Stairs. Entry group. Materials. Doors. Locks. Design

Dry rations or individual food rations (IRP) are a set of products intended for feeding civilians working on shifts (for example, emergency workers), tourists and military personnel who do not have conditions for preparing hot food.

Video training “Composition of American dry rations”

What is included in the IRP?

Typically it contains:

• crackers;
• vitamins;
• food additives (seasonings, sugar, salt);
• canned, freeze-dried, dried (cocoa, soups instant cooking, milk powder) products.

In addition to food products, the American dry ration meal (MRE) must include:

• hygiene products (napkins, sheets toilet paper);
• matches;
• additives for disinfecting water, heating food (dry fuel);
• disposable tableware (plastic spoon, plate).

An individual diet is calculated for one meal per person.

There are military and civilian MREs.

Let's look at what they are.

Army American packed rations

"Military" MREs are supplied in boxes marked with a temporary-thermal-sensor, which is presented in the form of a "smart" sticker. Its purpose is to determine how much heat the product has absorbed.

Packed rations are considered usable as long as the outer circle is darker than the inner circle. If the colors are “equal” or the indicator inside has darkened, the food in the container has spoiled and is prohibited for consumption. Eating expired food can cause digestive disorders and poisoning.

There are 24 different dishes in the MRE military rations, each with its own number. Serial numbers from 1 to 12 are called “menu A”, from 13 to 24 – “menu B”.

To heat food, the set includes a container with a flameless heater.

Every year the set undergoes changes: 2-3 dishes are updated. A single package of individual nutritional meals contains between 1,150 and 1,300 calories, depending on the MRE product.

US civilian packed rations

Unlike army rations, civilian rations come in 6 or 12 flavors. As a rule, they are identical to military ones and are produced by factories and private companies.

Until 2000, 2 organizations were involved in the production of civilian dry rations:

• Wornick;
• Sopakco.

In 2013, their number increased to five:

• Meal Kit Supply Civilian MREs;
• Ameriqual "APack";
• Wornick "Eversafe";
• Sopakco "Sure-Pak 12";
• MREStar.

Thus, dry rations are a ready-to-eat set of products and dishes with a shelf life of up to 7 years, which allows you to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals “in the field” with minimal time and labor costs.

Dried rations are a set of products that are intended to feed military personnel, as well as civilians, in conditions where there is no way to prepare hot food on their own. As a rule, such a diet is designed for one person. It should also be noted that such a set can include products for both one meal and for the whole day.

Packed rations Russian army may differ significantly from a similar set of products in other countries. However, the general requirements for them are the same everywhere:

• Opportunity long-term storage. In other words, such a set should not include products that require special storage conditions (for example, fresh fruits, vegetables, mayonnaise, sour cream, etc.).
• Packed rations should contain only easily digestible ingredients that are not capable of causing allergic reactions, eating disorders, etc.
• The packaging of such a set should protect it well from any dirt and water.
• The products included in the dry ration should be easy to prepare or ready to eat.
• Civilian or military dry rations must have sufficient nutritional and energy value.

It should also be noted that in some cases special requirements are imposed on such a set. For example, to feed astronauts, dry rations should not include products that can form splashes and crumbs, which are dangerous in zero gravity conditions.

Composition of individual diets

What does a standard packed lunch contain? The composition of such a set of products may vary. But most often it includes the following components:

• Freeze-dried and dried products (dry instant soups, instant coffee, powdered milk, etc.).
• Canned products (for example, condensed milk, canned meat, sprat, etc.).
• Biscuits (dry cookies), crackers or crackers.
• Food additives and flavor enhancers (various seasonings, salt, spices, sugar).
• Vitamins.

Additional inventory

In addition to food products, civilian or army dry rations also include such additional equipment as:

• disposable tableware;
• products intended for water disinfection;
• hygiene products ( chewing gum, disinfectant wipes, etc.);
• means for heating food (for example, matches, dry fuel, etc.).

It should also be noted that neither Russian nor American packed lunches include water. Drinking liquid is either provided separately or obtained locally.

What foods are prohibited from being included in dry rations?

There are a number of products that are strictly prohibited from being included in civilian or army dry rations. These include the following:

• Dishes containing hot spices or seasonings, nitrites over 0.03%, table salt over 0.8%, alcohol, apricot kernels, sodium pyrosulfate, natural coffee, confectionery and cooking fats.
• Unwashed food, as well as wrinkled vegetables and Exotic fruits which are susceptible to rapid deterioration.
• All perishable products that require special temperature conditions to maintain safety and quality.
• Confectionery products containing cream fillings and high cocoa content.
• Food products that do not have documents confirming their safety and quality.

Scope of application

Today you can find both army and civilian dry rations on the open market. The price of such sets varies significantly and depends on the products that are included in them.

It should be especially noted that the main consumers of such diets are military personnel. They are given dry rations for food in hiking conditions, when there is no way to deploy a full-fledged camp kitchen.

Among other things, this set of products is often used:

• People working night shifts or on shifts in conditions where it is impossible to prepare hot food for themselves.
• Flight crews that carry out long non-stop flights, as well as at reserve and alternate airfields.
• Humanitarian organizations.
• Crews of surface and submarine ships.
• Rescuers.
• Geologists, tourists and participants of various expeditions.

The set of daily allowances in the armed forces of the USSR per person was approved by the Resolution of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR and the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. Thus, from June 1, 1941, the dry ration of a Russian soldier included the following products:

• rye crackers - about 600 g (or black bread);
• concentrated millet porridge – 200 g;
• concentrated pea soup puree – 75 g;
• one of the following list: semi-smoked Minskaya sausage - 100 g, cheese (brynza) - 160 g, smoked/dried roach - 150 g, dry-dried fish fillet - 100 g, salted herring - 200 g, canned meat - 113 G;
• granulated sugar – 35 g;
• tea – 2 g;
• salt – 10 g.

Army dry rations kit in the 1980s

In the eighties, the armed forces of the USSR used dry rations, which consisted of canned meat (250 g), two cans of canned meat and vegetable food - each 250 g (that is, rice or buckwheat porridge with the addition of large quantity beef), a package of black crackers, a bag of black tea, and a large amount of granulated sugar.

Since 1991, the “Individual diet” began to be used in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. There are two types of such a set:

• IRP-B, that is, an individual diet - combat. It consists of 4 cans (stew, minced meat or pate, rice or buckwheat porridge with pieces of beef and fish), 6 packages of army bread (most often unleavened crackers), 2 bags of instant tea with granulated sugar, dry concentrate of the natural drink “Molodets” ", fruit jam (usually apple), 1 multivitamin tablet, 1 packet of instant coffee, 4 packets of sugar, tomato sauce, 3 Aquatabs tablets intended for disinfection drinking water, 4 dry alcohol tablets (portable warmer), spoon, can opener, 3 sanitary napkins and windproof matches.
• IRP-P, that is, an individual diet - everyday. This set has different numbers. It is calculated per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and is not very different from combat. However, the presented ration is slightly less in calories and weight. Very often it is used during everyday activities, when it is not possible to organize field kitchen.

So, the IRP-P (No. 4) includes the following food products:

• army rye bread – 300 g;
• stewed pork – 250 g;
• amateur minced meat (canned) – 100 g;
• road pearl barley porridge with pieces of beef – 250 g;
• Slavic buckwheat porridge with pieces of beef – 250 g;
• concentrate for preparing the drink – 25 g;
• fruit jam (usually apple) – 90 g;
• granulated sugar– 30 g;
• instant tea with sugar – 32 g;
• heater (set with dry alcohol tablets and wind- and water-resistant matches) – 1 pc.;
• multivitamins in pills – 1 pc.;
• opener for packaging and cans – 1 pc.;
• paper and sanitary napkins - 3 pcs.

Depending on the number of the dry daily ration, its contents may vary. So, the seventh set includes salted herring, meat stewed with green peas, vegetable caviar, processed cheese, biscuits of two types, etc.

Despite the fact that different numbers of IRP-P include different food products, such field rations are quite high in calories. That is why, during a full field breakfast, lunch or dinner, a soldier (or a civilian) is able to be well-fed so that he can continue to carry out his mission. After all, thanks to dry rations, there is no need to organize a field kitchen, which takes a lot of effort and time.

Military rations are called MREs. This is an English abbreviation that stands for Meal, Ready-to-Eat, that is, “Food, ready to eat.” As a rule, such a set is packed in a package sand color, made of thick plastic (its dimensions are 25x15x5 cm). It indicates the menu number (24 items) and the name of the main dish.

American packed rations, like Russian ones, are quite high in calories (about 1200 kilocalories). Depending on the menu, it can weigh from five hundred to seven hundred grams. It should be especially noted that this set is designed for one meal. In addition to the main dish, it contains a hot instant drink (coffee or tea), as well as a cold one, which is powdered lemonade.

MRE packed rations do not include the former. However, there is dessert in the form of cookies, sweets, muffins and biscuits. In addition, such a set may include soft cheese and biscuits.

To heat foods, Americans' packed rations include a special package that contains a flameless chemical heater. For it to work, you need to pour a small amount of water into it, and then place a bag of drink or food inside.

Composition of twenty-four American packed rations

Below you will find all types of individual diets for the US Army and some NATO countries. Packed rations, in addition to the listed products, must include such components as two chewing gums, salt, several sheets of toilet paper, a cardboard of matches, a plastic spoon and a wet napkin.

1. Peanut butter, steak and mushrooms, beef jerky, western beans, coffee, crackers, powdered milk, lemonade, candy or chocolate, sugar and red pepper.
2. Baked apples, pork chops (with noodles), vegetable crackers, soft cheese, hot sauce, milkshake, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
3. Potato sticks, beef dumplings, wheat bread, soft cheese, chocolate biscuit, hot sauce, powdered lemonade, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
4. Soft cheese, country chicken, crackers, buttered noodles, hot sauce, cookies with jam, mocha cappuccino, candy, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
5. Wheat bread, fried breast chicken, chocolate biscuit, goulash, apple cider, tea with lemon and sweetener, jelly, cocoa, candy and spices.
6. Boiled rice, chicken with sauce, raisin-nut mixture, soft cheese, hot sauce, vegetable crackers, powdered milk, fruit-flavored coffee, sugar and tea bag.
7. Mexican rice, spicy chicken, soft cheese, cookies, candy, vegetable crackers, sweetened lemon tea and hot sauce.
8. Beef tenderloin, soft cheese, pretzels, BBQ sauce, wheat bread, hot sauce, lemonade, lemon tea with sweetener.
9. Beef goulash, vegetable crackers, soft cheese, hot sauce, milkshake, chocolate chip cookies, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
10. Soft cheese, pasta with vegetables, vegetable bread, muffin, red pepper, cocoa, powdered milk, coffee, sugar, chocolate or candy.
11. Spaghetti in tomato sauce with vegetables, dried fruit, candy, peanut butter, cupcake, tea with lemon and sweetener, crackers, spices and apple cider.
12. Rice and bean pie, fruit filled cookies, cupcake, crackers, dried fruit, savory and hot sauce, peanut butter, lemon tea and sweetener.
13. Cheese filled dumplings, applesauce, cupcake, peanut butter, candy, lemon tea with sweetener, apple cider, crackers and spices.
14. Cupcake, spaghetti sauce with vegetables, peanut butter, salted roasted peanuts, crackers, dried fruit, tea with lemon and sweetener, spices and apple cider.
15. Mexican beef with vegetables and cheese, Mexican rice, lemonade, chocolate chip cookies, vegetable crackers, soft cheese, coffee, sugar, hot sauce and powdered milk.
16. Soft cheese, candy, chicken noodles, vegetable crackers, raspberry-apple puree, fig cookies, hot sauce, cocoa, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
17. Chinese noodles, Japanese beef, jam, candy, peanut butter and cheese cookies, sugar, lemonade, wheat bread, powdered milk, coffee, chocolate or candy, red pepper.
18. Turkey breast with gravy and mashed potatoes, chocolate bar, pretzels with cheese, crackers, hot sauce, lemonade, sugar, peanut butter, coffee and powdered milk.
19. Boiled wild rice, crackers, jam, cocoa, oatmeal cookies, beef with mushrooms, coffee, hot sauce, milk powder and sugar.
20. Peanut butter crackers, wheat bread, soft cheese, hot sauce, milkshake, candy, spaghetti with meat sauce, coffee, sugar and powdered milk.
21. Cupcake, hot sauce, baked chicken with cheese, jelly, crackers, sugar, tea bag, milkshake and powdered milk.
22. Rice with vegetables, chocolate-covered oatmeal cookies, sugar, candy, soft cheese, lemonade, wheat bread, coffee, hot sauce and powdered milk.
23. Pretzels, hot sauce, chicken and pasta, peanut butter, cupcake, lemonade, wheat bread, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
24. Mashed potatoes, baked beef with gravy, jelly, filled cookies, cocoa, vegetable crackers, sugar, coffee, milk powder, candy or chocolate, red pepper.

Each country develops its own individual dry rations for its army. Ukraine issues IRP similar to Russian ones. This set is designed for three meals (that is, breakfast, lunch and dinner). As a rule, its composition includes biscuits made from wheat flour, canned meat and vegetables, meat broth concentrate, canned fish or meat, jam, granulated sugar, instant tea, fruit drink concentrate, multivitamin preparation "Hexavit", a plastic tablespoon, caramel, paper and sanitary napkins.

Packed rations for children

According to sanitary and epidemiological requirements, dry rations for children should include the following food products that do not require special conditions storage:

• still mineral water(bottled) – up to 500 ml;
• fruit nectars and juices, as well as natural vegetable juices – up to 500 ml;
• ready-made fortified industrial drinks – 250 ml;
• non-alcoholic juice drinks – 200 ml;
• hard cheeses in vacuum packaging – 60-100 g;
• unsalted and unroasted nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts) – 20-50 g;
• dried fruits, washed in vacuum packaging – 50 g;
• dry biscuits, crackers, biscuits, dryers or crackers;
• dark or bitter chocolate with a high cocoa content;
• canned fruits, vegetable and fruit purees – 250 g;
• jam, preserves and marmalade – up to 40 g;
• rye, wheat and grain bread;
• fortified instant baby cereals – 160-200 g;
• breakfast cereals;
• beef goulash in tomato sauce:
• concentrated chicken and beef broth;
• dry low-fat cream;
• vegetable and cereal side dishes (canned);
• condensed milk – 30-50 g;
• bagged tea, cocoa and coffee drink.

In our previous article, we talked about what MRE (US Army Meals (American IRP)) is. Today we will take a closer look at each of its types.
Initially, MREs were produced exclusively for the US Army and were not sold externally - strict accounting and control were maintained. Then, gradually, at the end of the Vietnam War, all the severity gradually faded away. Without hesitation, the cunning military immediately began selling strategic reserves under the counter. This is how the first “market” MREs appeared - original army ones (that is, state-owned, state-owned ones), “written off” or stolen from military warehouses. The product turned out to be surprisingly popular: demand exceeded supply almost three times (after all, it was not always possible to steal MRE from warehouses).

Seeing similar situation, private firms began producing “civilian” versions of food rations. Today there is such a variety of them that it is quite easy to get confused, because the differences are in many ways minimal. Nevertheless, they exist.

Army or “Military” MRE.

There are a great many names: army, military, military, government, state. These MREs are the ancestor of many individual food rations - both within the United States ("civilian" versions) and in other countries (military rations). For example, in our last article about "" we talked about how the armies of many countries manufacture their IRP in the manner of MRE, producing an almost identical analogue.
In theory, military MREs “should not be found” on the open market - this is clearly stated on their packaging. The inscription reads: " Property of the US Government. Commercial sale prohibited by law.»

Nevertheless, as often happens, they are quietly pushed under the radar. The most important thing when purchasing is to pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions. Army mre-shki are so army! Who knows where they were lying around before they were “written off” for sale? Maybe in military warehouses in Alaska, in the cold, under ideal storage conditions, or maybe in Iraq, in the sultry heat and under the scorching rays of the sun. However, there is a way to determine this.
Boxes of military MREs are supplied marked with a special "Time-And-Temperature Indicator", or Time-Thermal-Sensor. It is a “smart” sticker that shows at what temperature the product was stored and how long it was kept in warm conditions (literally “how much heat it absorbed”). She looks like this:

MREs are considered usable as long as the inner circle is lighter than the outer circle. If the circle inside has darkened, it means the food has completely spoiled.
In total, mre military rations contain 24 different flavors (24 different meals) in single-serve packaging. Each has its own serial number: sets 1 to 12 are called “set A”, 13 to 24 are called “set B”. Also, instead of the word set, “menu A” and “menu B” can be used. Every year the set of flavors changes slightly - as a rule, manufacturers replace 2-3 dishes with others to update the assortment line.

And finally, a moment of tenderness:

________________________________________________

Civilian, or "Civilian" MRE

This category includes almost all other rations that are not the property of the army (i.e., the state). The main difference: the number of species. IN civilian MRE instead of 24 types of tastes, there are either 12 or 6. In terms of quantity/quality of content, civilian ones can be more/smaller and better/worse. Otherwise, as a rule, these are almost identical to military MREs, produced by private companies, or by the same factories that produce military MREs. Until 2000, only 2 companies were involved in the production of civilian MRE diets: Sopakco and Wornick. Then, after 2005, after the Hurricane Katrina scare, several more companies entered the market. Nowadays (2012-2013) there are five main such companies:
Ameriqual "APack"
Menu C(obsolete, no longer available)
MREStar
Sopakco "Sure-Pak 12"
Wornick "Eversafe"
Meal Kit Supply Civilian MREs

Ameriqual APack MREs

Ameriqual is the largest company (there are 3 such large companies) producing MREs for military needs. Initially, it produced rations only for the US Army, then it expanded its range to include civilian options. The brand name is “APack”, or “APack Ready Meals”. By a-pack we apparently mean Army packages (or rather, packaging).
A-pack differs from army ones in just a few minor things:
a) there is no powdered drink in it,

c) there is no napkin,
d) the accessories are not packaged in a separate bag all together, but are placed separately,
e) the flameless heater uses salt water instead of regular water (included in the a-pack).

A single-serve Mre A-Pack contains an average of 1,222 calories.
Box packaging (12 single-serve items (2 pieces of each flavor, 6*2) - 14,660 calories.
.

___________________________________________________________

Menu C MREs

One of the youngest brands on the market. The closest in appearance/content to army mre-shki. The name, initially given as a joke, gradually caught on: since the army mre has “menu A” and “menu B,” then why don’t we make “menu C”? Along the way, the company sells other “survival” food and related goods, gradually increasing its assortment.
Menu C is no different from the army ones - the composition is completely identical. The only differences are the silver packaging of the food itself that sometimes appears on the menu (instead of the traditional brown-marsh one) and also the packaging itself. At the moment (10\2013) it is not produced, but it is still very often and widely found on sale.

___________________________________________________________

MRE Star

Unlike others, the company was not initially involved in the production of rations for the army. However, it is a certified MRE supplier for a couple of departments of defense (Department of Defense/Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia).
The photo above shows last year's and the year before last's diets. Special attention It’s worth noting that the NEW MRE STAR comes in the following packages, similar to civilian ones:

Mre Star differs from the army in just a few minor things:
a) 4 out of 6 flavors are innovative, absent in the army,
b) a spoon is slightly shorter (but wider) than a military spoon,
c) the remaining 2 flavors (Beef Stew, Cheese Tortellini) have a much better taste than military mre,
d) the packaging of accessories is expanded and contains a spoon, wet wipes, napkins, instant coffee, cream, sugar, salt and pepper.
e) sold in two types: WITH and WITHOUT flameless heater
The flameless heater uses ordinary water.
A single package of Mre Menu C contains an average of 1,150-1,300 calories.
Box packaging (12 single-serve items (2 pieces of each flavor, 6*2) - from 13,800 calories.
As for assortment: there are only 6 types of tastes.

___________________________________________________________

Sopakco Sure-Pak MREs

Just like Ameriqual, it is a large company (the second of 3) producing MREs for military needs. In the photo above (green) - old appearance packaging, in the photo below (red) - new.
The Sure-Pak differs from the military Sopakco in just a few minor things:
A) a slightly different spoon
B) fewer accessories

A single Mre Sure-pack contains an average of 900-1250 calories, with an average of 1060.

Box packaging (12 single-serve pcs (2 pcs of each flavor, 6*2) - from 12,700 calories.
Assortment: only 6 types of flavors

___________________________________________________________

Wornick Eversafe MREs

Just like Ameriqual and Sopakco, it is a large company (the last of the 3) producing MREs for military needs. In the period from 2001 to 2009, they could not decide on the design/shape of the product, releasing more and more new types. It should be especially noted that the boxes of 10 pieces are OLD and have already expired. A new product line started after 2009 and now their mre are produced in boxes of 12 pieces in this form:

The Sure-Pak differs from the military Sopakco in just a few minor things:
A) a slightly different spoon
B) the accessory package contains a napkin, spoon, salt and pepper, instant coffee and cream

A single package of Mre Eversafe contains an average of 1000-1150 calories, with an average of 1090.

Box packaging (12 single-serve items (2 pieces of each flavor, 6*2) - from 13,000 calories.
Assortment: only 6 types of flavors

___________________________________________________________

Meal Kit Supply Civilian MREs

Meal Kit Supply, or “Kit-For-Lunch,” is the only company that produces custom MPEs. At the moment, they produce (!) 2 times more types of flavors than other manufacturers: in a box of 12 pieces they put 6 different mre with meat (“meat” mre), 2 different vegetarian mre, and 4 mre for breakfast.
A single package of Mre Meal Kit Supply contains an average of 1,300 calories.

MREs differ from other MREs in their higher price (more expensive), but big amount calories (more filling) and a large number of dishes. An exceptional feature is that they are the only MREs certified by the Department Food Industry Canada, i.e. the only MREs that can easily be imported.

___________________________________________________________

That's all for now. Bon appetit)
If this article has worked up your appetite, then we remind you that you can order it in our store, in the “” section.

What is packed lunch? You will find the answer to this question in the materials of the presented article. In addition, we will tell you about what individual meal kits exist today, as well as how they differ in different countries Oh.

general information

Dried rations are a set of products that are intended to feed military personnel, as well as civilians, in conditions where there is no way to prepare hot food on their own. As a rule, such a diet is designed for one person. It should also be noted that such a set can include products for both one meal and for the whole day.

Basic requirements for dry soldering

The dry rations of the Russian army can differ significantly from a similar set of products in other countries. However, the general requirements for them are the same everywhere:

It should also be noted that in some cases special requirements are imposed on such a set. For example, packed rations should not include products that can create splashes and crumbs that are dangerous in zero gravity conditions.

Composition of individual diets

What does a standard packed lunch contain? The composition of such a set of products may vary. But most often it includes the following components:

• Freeze-dried and dried products (dry instant soups, instant coffee, powdered milk, etc.).
• Canned products (for example, condensed milk, canned meat, sprat, etc.).
• Biscuits (dry cookies), crackers or crackers.
• Food additives and flavor enhancers (various seasonings, salt, spices, sugar).
• Vitamins.

Additional inventory

In addition to food products, civilian or army dry rations also include such additional equipment as:

• disposable tableware;
• products intended for water disinfection;
• hygiene products (chewing gum, disinfectant wipes, etc.);
• means for heating food (for example matches, etc.).

It should also be noted that neither Russian nor American packed lunches include water. Drinking liquid is either provided separately or obtained locally.

What foods are prohibited from being included in dry rations?

There are a number of products that are strictly prohibited from being included in civilian or army dry rations. These include the following:

• Dishes containing hot spices or seasonings, nitrites over 0.03%, table salt over 0.8%, alcohol, apricot kernels, sodium pyrosulfate, natural coffee, confectionery and cooking fats.
• Unwashed foods, as well as wrinkled vegetables and exotic fruits that can quickly deteriorate.
• All of which require special temperature conditions to maintain safety and quality.
• Confectionery products containing cream fillings and high cocoa content.
• Food products that do not have documents confirming their safety and quality.

Scope of application

Today you can find both army and civilian dry rations on the open market. The price of such sets varies significantly and depends on the products that are included in them.

It should be especially noted that the main consumers of such diets are military personnel. They are given dry rations for food during camping conditions, when there is no way to set up a full-fledged camp kitchen.

Among other things, this set of products is often used:

• People working night shifts or on shifts in conditions where it is impossible to prepare hot food for themselves.
• Flight crews that carry out long non-stop flights, as well as at reserve and alternate airfields.
• Humanitarian organizations.
• Crews of surface and submarine ships.
• Rescuers.
• Geologists, tourists and participants of various expeditions.

A set of dry rations in the USSR

The set of daily allowances in the USSR per person was approved by the Resolution of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR and the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. Thus, from June 1, 1941, the dry ration of a Russian soldier included the following products:

• rye crackers - about 600 g (or black bread);
• concentrated millet porridge - 200 g;
• concentrated pea soup puree - 75 g;
• one of the following list: semi-smoked Minskaya sausage - 100 g, cheese (feta cheese) - 160 g, smoked/dried roach - 150 g, dry-dried fish fillet - 100 g, salted herring - 200 g, canned meat - 113 G;
• granulated sugar - 35 g;
• tea - 2 g;
• salt - 10 g.

Army dry rations kit in the 1980s

In the eighties, the armed forces of the USSR used dry rations, which consisted of canned meat (250 g), two cans of canned meat and vegetable food - each 250 g (that is, rice or buckwheat porridge with the addition of small quantity beef), a package of black crackers, a bag of black tea, and a large amount of granulated sugar.

Packed rations for the Russian army

Since 1991, the “Individual diet” began to be used in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. There are two types of such a set:

• IRP-B, that is, an individual diet - combat. It consists of 4 cans (stew, minced meat or pate, rice or with pieces of beef and fish), 6 packages of army bread (most often unleavened crackers), 2 bags of instant tea with granulated sugar, dry concentrate of the natural drink “Molodets”, fruit jam (usually apple), 1 multivitamin tablet, 1 packet of instant coffee, 4 packets of sugar, tomato sauce, 3 Aquatabs tablets intended for disinfecting drinking water, 4 tablets (portable warmer), spoon, 3 sanitary napkins and windproof matches .
• IRP-P, that is, an individual diet - everyday. This set has different numbers. It is calculated per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and is not very different from combat. However, the presented ration is slightly less in calories and weight. Very often it is used in everyday activities when it is not possible to organize a field kitchen.

So, the IRP-P (No. 4) includes the following food products:

• army rye bread - 300 g;
• stewed pork - 250 g;
• amateur minced meat (canned) - 100 g;
• road pearl barley porridge with pieces of beef - 250 g;
• Slavic buckwheat porridge with pieces of beef - 250 g;
• concentrate for preparing the drink - 25 g;
• fruit jam (usually apple) - 90 g;
• granulated sugar - 30 g;
• with sugar - 32 g;
• heater (set with dry alcohol tablets and wind- and water-resistant matches) - 1 pc.;
• multivitamins in pills - 1 pc.;
• package and can opener - 1 pc.;
• paper and sanitary napkins - 3 pcs.

Depending on the number of the dry daily ration, its contents may vary. So, the seventh set includes salted herring, stewed meat with green peas, vegetable caviar, processed cheese, two types of biscuits, etc.

Despite the fact that different numbers of IRP-P include different food products, such field rations are quite high in calories. That is why, during a full field breakfast, lunch or dinner, a soldier (or a civilian) is able to be well-fed so that he can continue to carry out his mission. After all, thanks to dry soldering, there is no need to organize, which takes a lot of effort and time.

American packed ration MRE

Military rations are called MREs. This is an English abbreviation that stands for Meal, Ready-to-Eat, that is, “Food, ready to eat.” As a rule, such a set is packaged in a sand-colored bag made of thick plastic (its dimensions are 25x15x5 cm). It indicates the menu number (24 items) and the name of the main dish.

American packed rations, like Russian ones, are quite high in calories (about 1200 kilocalories). Depending on the menu, it can weigh from five hundred to seven hundred grams. It should be especially noted that this set is designed for one meal. In addition to the main dish, it contains a hot instant drink (coffee or tea), as well as a cold one, which is powdered lemonade.

MRE packed rations do not include the former. However, there is dessert in the form of cookies, sweets, muffins and biscuits. In addition, such a set may include soft cheese and biscuits.

To heat foods, Americans' packed rations include a special package that contains a flameless chemical heater. For it to work, you need to pour a small amount of water into it, and then place a bag of drink or food inside.

Composition of twenty-four American packed rations

Below you will find all types of individual diets for the US Army and some NATO countries. Packed rations, in addition to the listed products, must include such components as two chewing gums, salt, several sheets of toilet paper, a cardboard of matches, a plastic spoon and a wet napkin.

1. Peanut butter, steak and mushrooms, beef jerky, western beans, coffee, crackers, powdered milk, lemonade, candy or chocolate, sugar and red pepper.
2. Baked apples, pork chops (with noodles), vegetable crackers, soft cheese, hot sauce, milkshake, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
3. Potato sticks, beef dumplings, wheat bread, soft cheese, chocolate biscuit, hot sauce, powdered lemonade, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
4. Soft cheese, country chicken, crackers, buttered noodles, hot sauce, cookies with jam, mocha cappuccino, candy, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
5. Wheat bread, fried chicken breast, chocolate biscuit, goulash, apple cider, tea with lemon and sweetener, jelly, cocoa, candies and spices.
6. Boiled rice, chicken with sauce, raisin-nut mixture, soft cheese, hot sauce, vegetable crackers, powdered milk, fruit-flavored coffee, sugar and tea bag.
7. Mexican rice, spicy chicken, soft cheese, cookies, candy, vegetable crackers, sweetened lemon tea and hot sauce.
8. soft cheese, pretzels with cheese, barbecue sauce, wheat bread, hot sauce, lemonade, tea with lemon and sweetener.
9. Beef goulash, vegetable crackers, soft cheese, hot sauce, milkshake, chocolate chip cookies, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
10. Soft cheese, pasta with vegetables, vegetable bread, muffin, red pepper, cocoa, powdered milk, coffee, sugar, chocolate or candy.
11. Spaghetti in tomato sauce with vegetables, dried fruit, candy, peanut butter, cupcake, tea with lemon and sweetener, crackers, spices and apple cider.
12. Rice and bean pie, fruit filled cookies, cupcake, crackers, dried fruit, savory and hot sauce, peanut butter, lemon tea and sweetener.
13. Cheese filled dumplings, applesauce, cupcake, peanut butter, candy, lemon tea with sweetener, apple cider, crackers and spices.
14. Cupcake, spaghetti sauce with vegetables, peanut butter, salted roasted peanuts, crackers, dried fruit, tea with lemon and sweetener, spices and apple cider.
15. Mexican beef with vegetables and cheese, Mexican rice, lemonade, chocolate chip cookies, vegetable crackers, soft cheese, coffee, sugar, hot sauce and powdered milk.
16. Soft cheese, candy, chicken noodles, vegetable crackers, raspberry-apple puree, fig cookies, hot sauce, cocoa, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
17. Chinese noodles, Japanese beef, jam, candy, peanut butter and cheese cookies, sugar, lemonade, wheat bread, powdered milk, coffee, chocolate or candy, red pepper.
18. Turkey breast with gravy and mashed potatoes, chocolate bar, pretzels with cheese, crackers, hot sauce, lemonade, sugar, peanut butter, coffee and powdered milk.
19. Boiled wild rice, crackers, jam, cocoa, oatmeal cookies, beef with mushrooms, coffee, hot sauce, milk powder and sugar.
20. Peanut butter crackers, wheat bread, soft cheese, hot sauce, milkshake, candy, spaghetti with meat sauce, coffee, sugar and powdered milk.
21. Cupcake, hot sauce, baked chicken with cheese, jelly, crackers, sugar, tea bag, milkshake and powdered milk.
22. Rice with vegetables, chocolate-covered oatmeal cookies, sugar, candy, soft cheese, lemonade, wheat bread, coffee, hot sauce and powdered milk.
23. Pretzels, hot sauce, chicken and pasta, peanut butter, cupcake, lemonade, wheat bread, sugar, coffee and powdered milk.
24. Mashed potatoes, baked beef with gravy, jelly, filled cookies, cocoa, vegetable crackers, sugar, coffee, milk powder, candy or chocolate, red pepper.

Ukrainian food set

Each country develops its own individual dry rations for its army. Ukraine issues IRP similar to Russian ones. This set is designed for three meals (that is, breakfast, lunch and dinner). As a rule, its composition includes biscuits made from wheat flour, canned meat and vegetables, meat broth concentrate, canned fish or meat, jam, granulated sugar, instant tea, fruit drink concentrate, multivitamin preparation "Hexavit", a plastic tablespoon, caramel, paper and sanitary napkins.

Packed rations for children

According to sanitary and epidemiological requirements, dry rations for children should include the following food products that do not require special storage conditions:

• still mineral water (bottled) - up to 500 ml;
• fruit nectars and juices, as well as natural vegetable juices - up to 500 ml;
• ready-made fortified industrial drinks - 250 ml;
• non-alcoholic juice drinks - 200 ml;
• hard cheeses in vacuum packaging - 60-100 g;
• unsalted and unroasted nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts) - 20-50 g;
• dried fruits, washed in vacuum packaging - 50 g;
• dry biscuits, crackers, biscuits, dryers or crackers;
• dark or bitter chocolate with a high cocoa content;
• canned fruits, vegetable and fruit purees - 250 g;
• jam, preserves and marmalade - up to 40 g;
• rye, wheat and grain bread;
• fortified instant baby cereals - 160-200 g;
• breakfast cereals;
• beef goulash in tomato sauce:
• concentrated chicken and beef broth;
• dry low-fat cream;
• vegetable and cereal side dishes (canned);
• condensed milk - 30-50 g;
• bagged tea, cocoa and coffee drink.

Types of MRE - American dry rations (IRP)

MRE (US Army dry rations (American IRP). Today we will take a closer look at each of its types.

Initially, MREs were produced exclusively for the US Army and were not sold externally - strict accounting and control were maintained.

Then, gradually, at the end of the Vietnam War, all the severity gradually faded away. Without hesitation, the cunning military immediately began selling strategic reserves under the counter. This is how the first “market” MREs appeared - original army (that is, government-owned, state-owned), “written off” or stolen from military warehouses. The product turned out to be surprisingly popular: demand exceeded supply almost three times (after all, it was not always possible to steal MRE from warehouses).

Seeing this situation, private companies began producing “civilian” versions of food rations.

Today there is such a variety of them that it is quite easy to get confused, because the differences are in many ways minimal. Nevertheless, they exist.

Army or “Military” MRE.

There are a great many names: army, military, military, government, state. These MREs are the ancestor of many individual food rations - both within the United States ("civilian" versions) and in other countries (military rations). The armies of many countries manufacture their IRP in the manner of the MRE, producing an almost identical analogue.

In theory, military MREs “should not be found” on the open market - this is clearly stated on their packaging. The inscription reads: “Property of the United States Government. Commercial sale is prohibited by law."

Nevertheless, as often happens, they are quietly pushed under the radar. The most important thing when purchasing is to pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions. Army mre-shki are so army! Who knows where they were lying around before they were “written off” for sale? Maybe in military warehouses in Alaska, in the cold, under ideal storage conditions, or maybe in Iraq, in the sultry heat and under the scorching rays of the sun. However, there is a way to determine this.

Boxes of military MREs are supplied marked with a special "Time-And-Temperature Indicator", or Time-Thermal-Sensor. It is a “smart” sticker that shows at what temperature the product was stored and how long it was kept in warm conditions (literally “how much heat it absorbed”). She looks like this:

MREs are considered usable as long as the inner circle is lighter than the outer circle. If the circle inside has darkened, it means the food has completely spoiled.
In total, mre military rations contain 24 different flavors (24 different meals) in single-serve packaging. Each has its own serial number: sets 1 to 12 are called “set A”, from 13 to 24 - “set B”. Also, instead of the word set, “menu A” and “menu B” can be used. Every year the set of flavors changes slightly - as a rule, manufacturers replace 2-3 dishes with others to update the assortment line.

And finally, a moment of tenderness:

Civilian, or "Civilian" MRE

This category includes almost all other rations that are not the property of the army (i.e., the state). The main difference: the number of species. In civilian MREs, instead of 24 types of tastes, there are either 12 or 6. In terms of quantity/quality of content, civilian ones can be more/smaller and better/worse. Otherwise, as a rule, these are almost identical to military MREs, produced by private companies, or by the same factories that produce military MREs. Until 2000, only 2 companies were involved in the production of civilian MRE diets: Sopakco and Wornick. Then, after 2005, after the Hurricane Katrina scare, several more companies entered the market. Nowadays (2012-2013) there are five main such companies:
Ameriqual "APack"
Menu C (obsolete, no longer available)
MREStar
Sopakco "Sure-Pak 12"
Wornick "Eversafe"
Meal Kit Supply Civilian MREs

Ameriqual APack MREs

Ameriqual is the largest company (there are 3 such large companies) producing MREs for military needs. Initially, it produced rations only for the US Army, then it expanded its range to include civilian options. The brand name is “APack”, or “APack Ready Meals”. By a-pack we apparently mean Army packages (or rather, packaging).
A-pack differs from army ones in just a few minor things:
a) there is no powdered drink in it,
c) there is no napkin,
d) the accessories are not packaged in a separate bag all together, but are placed separately,
e) the flameless heater uses salt water instead of regular water (included in the a-pack).

A single-serve Mre A-Pack contains an average of 1,222 calories.
Box packaging (12 single-serve items (2 pieces of each flavor, 6*2) - 14,660 calories.
.
___________________________________________________________
Menu C MREs

One of the youngest brands on the market. The closest in appearance/content to army mre-shki. The name, initially given as a joke, gradually caught on: since the army mre has “menu A” and “menu B,” then why don’t we make “menu C”? Along the way, the company sells other “survival” food and related goods, gradually increasing its assortment.
Menu C is no different from the army ones - the composition is completely identical. The only differences are the silver packaging of the food itself that sometimes appears on the menu (instead of the traditional brown-marsh one) and also the packaging itself. At the moment (10\2013) it is not produced, but it is still very often and widely found on sale.
___________________________________________________________
MRE Star

Unlike others, the company was not initially involved in the production of rations for the army. However, it is a certified MRE supplier for a couple of departments of defense (Department of Defense/Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia).
The photo above shows last year's and the year before last's diets. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the NEW MRE STAR comes in the following packaging, similar to civilian ones:

Mre Star differs from the army in just a few minor things:
a) 4 out of 6 flavors are innovative, absent in the army,
b) a spoon is slightly shorter (but wider) than a military spoon,
c) the remaining 2 flavors (Beef Stew, Cheese Tortellini) have a much better taste than military mre,
d) the packaging of accessories is expanded and contains a spoon, wet wipes, napkins, instant coffee, cream, sugar, salt and pepper.
e) sold in two types: WITH and WITHOUT flameless heater
The flameless heater uses ordinary water.
A single package of Mre Menu C contains an average of 1,150-1,300 calories.
Box packaging (12 single-serve pcs (2 pcs of each flavor, 6*2) - from 13,800 calories.
As for assortment: there are only 6 types of tastes.
___________________________________________________________
Sopakco Sure-Pak MREs

Just like Ameriqual, it is a large company (the second of 3) producing MREs for military needs. In the photo above (green) is the old appearance of the packaging, in the photo below (red) is the new one.
A) a slightly different spoon
B) fewer accessories

A single Mre Sure-pack contains an average of 900-1250 calories, with an average of 1060.

Box packaging (12 single-serve pcs (2 pcs of each flavor, 6*2) - from 12,700 calories.
Assortment: only 6 types of flavors
___________________________________________________________
Wornick Eversafe MREs

Just like Ameriqual and Sopakco, it is a large company (the last of the 3) producing MREs for military needs. In the period from 2001 to 2009, they could not decide on the design/shape of the product, releasing more and more new types. It should be especially noted that the boxes of 10 pieces are OLD and the expiration date has already expired. A new product line started after 2009 and now their mre are produced in boxes of 12 pieces in this form:

The Sure-Pak differs from the military Sopakco in just a few minor things:
A) a slightly different spoon
B) the accessory package contains a napkin, spoon, salt and pepper, instant coffee and cream

A single package of Mre Eversafe contains an average of 1000-1150 calories, with an average of 1090.

Box packaging (12 single-serve pcs (2 pcs of each flavor, 6*2) - from 13,000 calories.
Assortment: only 6 types of flavors
___________________________________________________________
Meal Kit Supply Civilian MREs

Meal Kit Supply, or "Kit-For-Lunch" is the only company that produces custom MPEs. At the moment, they produce (!) 2 times more types of flavors than other manufacturers: in a box of 12 pieces they put 6 different mre with meat (“meat” mre), 2 different vegetarian mre, and 4 mre for breakfast.
A single package of Mre Meal Kit Supply contains an average of 1,300 calories.

MREs differ from other MREs in that they have a higher price (more expensive), but more calories (more filling) and a larger number of dishes. An exceptional feature is that they are the only MREs certified by Food Industry Canada, i.e. the only MREs that can easily be imported.

That's all for now. Bon appetit

What is MRE? American IRP and dry rations

In the Russian-speaking segment of the Internet, there are a lot of contradictions about MREs - they just talk about them, attributing all conceivable and inconceivable properties, even treatment by laying on of hands. In fact, everything is terribly simple: MRE are American dry rations, an individual food ration for the US Army. They don’t call them anything because they don’t know English! Here you can find the “American warrior diet”, and “US soldier rations”, and “military regulated food - MRE”, and many others.

However, we will be smarter - we will translate the original name, adapting it to Russia. MRE in the original sounds like Meal, Ready-to-Eat, which is correct translation sounds like "Meal, Ready-to-Eat", or simply "Already prepared food". In our last article “MREs from different countries of the world” we talked about different types of IRP and soon questions started pouring in - everyone was interested in whether MREs are so different from domestic IRPs. On the one hand, we can say that MREs are an analogue of our domestic IRPs and the differences are not so great, on the other hand, given that MREs were developed for the US Army, they still have several distinctive features.

The first MPE-shki appeared already during the 2nd World War and were called MCI (Meal, Combat, Individual). Basically, they were cans of canned food, packaged in boxes. Some of these relics can still be bought - collectors sell them at "almost perfect condition"- unless, of course, you take into account the shelf life that expired a couple of decades ago.

Over the years, having undergone many changes, having gone through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, closer to the 1990s, MRE entered full-fledged production with a settled diet. The tin can was replaced by sealed foil packaging, third-party dishes were added, and the diet expanded the range of dishes. Today, inside each MRE package is a main dish and a number of other additional food and drinks, as well as all the small things needed for a meal - such as a spoon and BNP.

One MRE is for one meal. They are supplied to the army in two boxes, each of which contains 12 pieces of MRE (that is, designed for 12 meals). The first box is called "Menu A", the second is called "Menu B".

In total, these boxes contain 24 IRPs, different in taste (i.e. 24 different MREs).

Each package indicates the “menu” number (1-24) and the name of the main dish. Changes to the “menu” occur on average once a year, when a new product line is released.

Advantages and Disadvantages of MRE

MRE is a complete nutritional diet designed for single consumption. It is not intended for long-term storage and, therefore, does not undergo special processing that allows it not to deteriorate for a long time. All water in MPE remains intact - the product is not lyophilized or dehydrogenated. Because of this (the presence of water-moisture in the composition), MRE food weighs more than freeze-dried food containing the same amount of calories. Each MRE weighs on average from 500 to 750 grams. A box of 12 pieces, respectively, weighs 6-9 kg. This is a minus.

However, MRE packaging is designed to withstand harsh environments and exposure to the elements, meaning you don't have to worry too much about storage conditions. The packaging is thick plastic made from high temperature melt polyethylene, durable and tear resistant. Thanks to this, each MRE can withstand a parachute drop from a height of 380+ meters, or simply a fall from a height of 30+ meters - these are the requirements for factories that produce packaging. Dropped it from a cliff - went down - picked it up - ate it as if nothing had happened. That's a plus.

Ways to use MREs

The very word MRE (meal ready to eat) suggests that it can be eaten on the go, without the time required for preparation. What this means is that MRE can be eaten cold, straight from the package. However, if you heat it up, it will be much tastier and healthier. It is not recommended to eat MRE for more than 21 days, because... It's still not freshly prepared food.

Shelf life of MRE

At an average room temperature of 25+ degrees, the shelf life of MRE is about 3 years. At lower temperatures (cool, about 10 degrees), the shelf life increases to 5 years. As the temperature rises, it decreases. At this point, it is very important to know that many military MPEs are sold “decommissioned” - in other words, they have already expired their original shelf life of three years, but it has been “extended” to 5 years. Before purchasing, pay attention to the shelf life reserve - for fresh MREs it should range within 3 years!
It is more difficult to distinguish individual MRE packages by expiration date than boxes: if the full eight-digit date (day-month-year) is stamped on the boxes, then only 4 digits are put on the boxed packages: for example, 8123. In this case, the first digit is equal to the year, 8 = 2008, and the remaining 3 indicate the day and month. The calculation is based on 365 days a year, i.e. 123 = 123rd day of the year = May 11th.

What's inside the MRE?

Each single package of MRE is designed for 1 complete meal and contains at least 1,200+ calories (5000 kilojoules) (13% protein, 36% fat, 51% carbohydrates) and about a third of the daily value of vitamins and minerals. The daily diet involves the use of 3 single MREs, i.e. 1 box of 12 pieces is enough for 4 days.

Each MRE unit package typically contains:

Main dish (“hot” dish, such as meat or fish)
Second course (side dish in the form of rice, potatoes, vegetables (stew), etc.)
Crackers (cookies, biscuits)
Peanut butter\jam\cheese spread
Dessert (sweet cookies, such as brownies, or cakes such as muffins (sweet cupcakes))
Candy (M&M's, Skittles, or candy bars)
Drinks (isotonic drinks like Gatorade, instant fruit drinks, cocoa\coffee\tea, etc.)
Accessories (spoon\matches\sugar-salt-pepper\chewing gum\wet napkin(s)\toilet paper or dry large and wide napkin)
Fireless food heater (BNP for cooking)
Some MREs contain additional spices/seasonings.

Let's take a closer look at one of the “menus”:

It includes:

A: Instant (powdered) grape drink
B: Fruit cocktail mix
C: Matches
D: Chewing gum (chewing gum)
E: Dairy cream (similar without lactose)
F: Instant coffee
G: Wet wipe
H: Large paper "dinner" napkins
I: Sugar
J: Small Tabasco sauce
K: FNP (flameless food heater)
L: Crackers (biscuits)
M: Beef with ravioli
N: Spoon
O: Salt
P: Brownie Cookies
Q: Cheese spread (soft cheese) with bacon

When expanded it looks something like this:

1) Spaghetti with meat sauce + bread with cheese pasta (soft cheese)

2) Crackers (similar to dry biscuits) + cherry-blueberry dessert

3) Small things for food and accessories:

Fireless food heater MRE (BNP)

We talked about similar heaters FNP (flameless food heater) in our last article. They are sometimes called "chemical warmers". We won’t describe it in detail, we’ll just clarify that it is a non-toxic heating element placed in a dense polymer bag with a clip. The MRE heater contains a mixture of powdered iron, magnesium and sodium. It may be different for other heaters.

This “package” is intended for heating hermetically sealed ready-to-eat products. When water is added to this mixture, a thermal reaction occurs, releasing heat, which allows food to be reheated. It is good because it does not take up much space (14 cm * 11.5 cm * 1 cm in height) and does not require an open fire. The bad thing is that the heating time is at least 8-10 minutes, and on average 12-15.

Some of the mre-sheks use salt water instead of regular water (a salt tablet is usually included in the kit). This is done in order to avoid a transportation ban. According to the law, a flameless mre heater operating on ordinary water is considered a “dangerous” cargo and must be transported with precautions, such as Special Communications. A slight change in the formula (so that salt water is required instead of regular water) avoids such problems.