SUNDRY ITEMS IN MEALS READY-TO-EAT
Carlton Meyer
The true purpose of the military exchange system has been lost during peacetime. GIs deployed to lengthy field operations often wait weeks before personal items are available from the exchange system. Even when items are available, the problem of cashing checks to pay for things becomes an issue. The solution is to include necessary items in each box of packaged field rations, called Meals Ready to Eat or (MREs).
Each box of 12 MREs has extra room for small items to support GIs, such as: a small roll of toilet paper, a disposable razor, a small tube of toothpaste, a small bar of soap, a small container of shampoo, a writing pen and writing tablet (for letters home or company business) In addition, each box should have a "prize", such as: a pack of cards, a paper-back book, a small board game, crossword puzzles, a toothbrush, dental floss, or shaving cream. To paraphrase Napoleon: "In war, the moral(e) is to the physical as 3 is to one".
This may seem unnecessary during peacetime. However, GIs in the field deserve a few free MRE goodies, like those provided by hotels during TAD/TDY trips. In the race to provide high-tech gear, it is easy to overlook basic personal items. Including essential items in MRE boxes are the ideal method to insure that GIs get what they need in the field.
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21st Century Weapons
E-mail May 1998