What was in a box of C-Rations in Vietnam?

C-Rations were developed in 1938 as a replacement for reserve rations, which sustained troops during World War I, and consisted chiefly of canned corned beef or bacon and cans of hardtack biscuits, as well as ground coffee, sugar, salt and tobacco with rolling paper — not much in the way of variety.

What were the 12 meals in C-Rations?

In late 1944 “Chopped Ham, Egg, and Potato”, “Meat and Noodles”, “Pork and Rice”, “Frankfurters and Beans”, “Pork and Beans”, “Ham and Lima Beans”, and “Chicken and Vegetables” were introduced in an attempt to increase the C rations’ period of continuous use.

What meals came in C-Rations?

Contents. C-Rations were packaged in 12 ounce cans, and included 3 different types of meals: Breakfast, dinner (i.e. lunch), and supper. Troops would be supplied 6 cans per day, with two cans for each meal.

What was in MCI rations?

The MCI consisted of a rectangular cardboard carton containing one small flat can, one large can, and two small cans. It consisted of an “M”-unit can (meat-based entree item), a “B”-unit (bread item) composed of the Crackers & Candy Can and the flat Spread Can, and a “D”-unit can (dessert item).

What replaced C rations?

Meal, Combat, Individual
In 1958, C-Rations were replaced by “Meal, Combat, Individual” rations. The contents were almost identical to C-Rations, so they continued to be called C-Rats until the early 1980s, when “Meal, Ready-to-Eat” replaced them.

What’s the difference between K rations and C 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.

What replaced C-Rations?

What’s the difference between K-rations and C-Rations?

What are K-rations and C-rations?

When did they stop putting cigarettes in C-rations?

During the 1960s C-ration cigarettes were identical to the sample packs of four that tobacco salesreps handed out to the public. Pall Mall, Luckies, Winston, Salem and Benson & Hedges Menthol were five of the brands found in Vietnam era field ration packets. C-ration cigarettes were discontinued in 1972.

What did the soldiers in Vietnam 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 does K stand for in K-Rations?

The first procurement of K-rations was made in May 1942. Some believed the K-ration was named after Dr. 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.

What was the C ration in the Vietnam War?

Well, my friends, let me refresh your memory and tell you everything you need to know but have forgotten about those wonderful meals. “The Meal, Combat, Individual, is designed for issue as the tactical situation dictates, either in individual units as a meal or in multiples of three as a complete ration.

When did Meal, Combat, Individual ration end?

Elements of a United States Military Meal, Combat, Individual ration, as served in Da Nang, South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, 1966 or 1967. The Meal, Combat, Individual (MCI) was the name of canned wet combat rations issued by the United States Armed Forces from 1958 to 1980, when it was replaced by the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE).

How long did the MCI ration last in Vietnam?

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.

How many calories are in a C rations Meal?

Although the meat item can be eaten cold, it is more palatable when heated. Each complete meal contains approximately 1200 calories. The daily ration of 3 meals provides approximately 3600 calories.” OK, now that your memory is refreshed, do you remember how you cooked your C-Rations. Well, with a STOVE you made, right?