ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Nutty Productions Scary Military Foods Soldiers Eat (MRE Taste Test)
Have you ever wondered what soldiers eat while they’re out in the field? Throughout history, military rations have included some pretty unusual foods like horse milk, thick protein bars, and even food that resembles dog food. But thanks to science, today’s military meals are much more advanced and tasty!
In the past, soldiers often had to find their own food, but now, nutrition is a science. Napoleon Bonaparte, a famous general, once said, “An army marches on its stomach,” highlighting the importance of good food for soldiers. Today, soldiers carry Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), which are compact, nutritious, and can last in extreme conditions.
MREs are like tiny miracles of modern food technology. They provide soldiers with about 4,000 calories a day, which is essential for their demanding duties. These meals are designed to be lightweight, easy to carry, and can withstand heat or cold. Plus, they cater to different cultural tastes, like Vegemite for Australians and squid for Spanish soldiers.
MREs have come a long way since they were first introduced to the US Army in 1981. Now, soldiers can enjoy a wide range of meals, from chili and macaroni to jambalaya and spaghetti. Some popular choices among American troops include Southwest-style beef and beans and Country Captain’s chicken.
Let’s take a look at what’s inside an MRE package. It usually contains two main dishes, peanut butter, strawberry jam, crackers, a shortbread cookie, a fig bar, seasoning, a spoon, and a napkin. While some dishes like lentil stew might not look appetizing, they can be surprisingly tasty!
Despite the variety, not all MREs are loved. Some, like the frankfurters beef menu from the 1990s, were quite unpopular. However, innovations continue, like the addition of a special pizza in 2018 to boost morale. Historically, armies have always had to ration food, but modern advancements have greatly improved the quality and preservation of military meals.
The science behind military food has not only benefited soldiers but also improved the food we find in supermarkets today. From ancient Roman rations to World War II’s C and K rations, the journey of military food has been fascinating and continues to evolve.
Military meals have come a long way, and thanks to ongoing innovations, soldiers can enjoy nutritious and varied meals wherever they are. If you’re curious, you can even try MREs yourself, as they’re available online. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite dish!
Imagine you’re a soldier in the field. Design your own MRE by selecting items that are nutritious, lightweight, and easy to carry. Think about including a main dish, a snack, and a dessert. Share your MRE design with the class and explain why you chose each item.
Try tasting a real MRE! If possible, bring in a few different MREs and have a taste test session. Discuss the flavors, textures, and overall appeal. Consider how these meals might boost morale and energy for soldiers.
Research the history of military rations from ancient times to the present. Create a timeline that highlights key developments and innovations in military food. Present your timeline to the class and discuss how these changes have impacted soldiers’ lives.
Explore the science that makes MREs possible. Investigate how these meals are preserved and packaged to last in extreme conditions. Conduct a simple experiment to understand food preservation techniques, such as dehydration or vacuum sealing.
Learn about the cultural variations in MREs from different countries. Choose a country and research what unique items are included in their MREs. Prepare a short presentation or poster to share your findings with the class, highlighting the cultural significance of the food items.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, with inappropriate language and references removed:
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What do soldiers eat? These are some questions that many fans, including myself, want answered. Horse milk and meat, bread and protein bars thicker than a brick, mummified cows, and actual dog food—these are examples of food that were either part or all of military rations throughout history.
We live in a time when science has made food more available, long-lasting, and more delicious than ever, and we must thank armies worldwide for advancements in food preservation, culinary innovation, food packaging, and bioengineering. But to make this possible, what kind of sacrifices did men and women in the military have to make?
Welcome to Nutty Productions, and this is what food was, is, and would be like in armies around the world.
Army food is no longer just a matter of beans and guesswork. Since the last war, nutrition has become a science, and our army quartermaster corps uses that science in planning army meals. Napoleon Bonaparte is considered one of the finest generals in history. He had a strong belief about the connection between food and success, famously saying, “An army marches on its stomach.” However, historical records show that Napoleon’s men often had to pillage or buy their own rations.
When soldiers go out into the field today, they carry tiny miracles of modern bioengineering—MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat. A soldier needs about 4,000 calories to complete their duties and training in a day, without costing too many taxpayer dollars. They need this much food in light and easy-to-carry packaging that remains edible after days in the heat or cold.
Thanks to science, soldiers can take quality food everywhere in the form of MREs. The people who made these possible have done their best to accommodate the cultural and geographical tastes of various countries.
With World War II came the realization that a soldier is as good as the food they eat. This led to new thinking about balanced feeding for soldiers. For example, Australian armies take their Vegemite everywhere, Spanish soldiers enjoy squid with green beans and ham, and German soldiers get rye bread with goulash.
MREs were first delivered to the US Army in 1981. The technology has evolved ever since, allowing the storage of more kinds of food in small packets that soldiers can carry. Tucked away in a small army base in Massachusetts is a large industrial kitchen, not for manufacturing food, but for developing meals that fuel soldiers on battlefields anywhere in the world.
With the arrival of the internet, MREs are no longer a military secret. You can now buy them online and record yourself eating them for reactions and reviews. According to rankings, chili and macaroni, or chili and beans, are super popular among active soldiers and veterans alike.
One soldier described the experience of eating MREs as enjoyable. Popular choices among American troops include Southwest-style beef and beans and Country Captain’s chicken, which is so coveted that it could be considered contraband in the military.
Let me show you what a package of an MRE looks like. It comes with two entrees, a peanut butter pack, a strawberry jam pack, crackers, a shortbread cookie, a fig bar, seasoning, a spoon, and a napkin.
Now, let’s try the lentil stew. It doesn’t look very appetizing, but let’s see what it’s like. You know, that’s not really bad at all! Now let me try the beans with tomato sauce. Hmm, not feeling this one.
Complaints about MREs are common, but there are clear favorites among both veterans and active-duty soldiers. The variety of MREs includes jambalaya, pork chow mein, and spaghetti, with side dishes ranging from fruits and veggies to trail mix.
However, there is one MRE that is considered so unpleasant that people compare eating it to a bad experience. From 1993 to 2000, the frankfurters beef menu was notorious among servicemen.
Despite the advancements in food preservation, history has seen complaints from soldiers about their rations. Recently, there were claims that Russian troops were fed dog food disguised as premium quality beef.
In September 2018, food engineers added a special pizza to the MRE options, which has been a positive move to raise morale.
Historically, armies have always had to ration food. For example, the Romans were the first to allot specific amounts of food to every soldier.
During World War II, American GIs had two major types of rations: C rations for combat troops and K rations for airborne regiments.
The story of hardtack bread is interesting; it has been used for centuries and can last a long time if stored properly.
In modern times, food scientists have made significant advancements in food preservation, which has benefited military rations and, ultimately, the food we find in supermarkets today.
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while removing inappropriate content and language.
Military – The armed forces of a country, responsible for defending it against enemies and protecting its interests. – During World War II, the military played a crucial role in the Allied victory.
Soldiers – Individuals who serve in an army and are trained to fight in wars. – The soldiers bravely marched into battle to defend their country.
Food – Substances consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. – In ancient times, people relied on hunting and gathering to obtain their food.
Science – The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. – The science of chemistry has helped us understand the composition of different materials.
Nutrition – The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. – Good nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how past societies have shaped the modern world.
Meals – Occasions when food is eaten, usually at a specific time of day. – Soldiers in the field often have to eat their meals quickly between missions.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – The invention of the printing press was a major technology breakthrough in the 15th century.
Innovations – New methods, ideas, or products that bring about change and improvement. – The innovations in medical science have greatly increased human life expectancy.
Rations – A fixed allowance of provisions or food, especially for soldiers or sailors during a shortage. – During the war, civilians were given rations to ensure that everyone had enough to eat.
