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HomeTroop SupportSubsistenceOperational rationsMRE

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# Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE)

## Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) Associated Documents

                            - Attachment 1: MRE Rework, Waiver, Deviation, Reinspection, Foreign Material, Extension Template
                            - Attachment 2: MRE Substitution Request Template
                            - Attachment 3: MRE Microbiological Test Failure Results Questionnaire
                            - Attachment 4: MRE Primary, Secondary, Ancillary MRE Component Classification
                            - Attachment 5: MRE Bulk Packed Component Item Qualification Requirements
                            - Attachment 6: MRE Request For Early Government Inspection    

 

### Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) Rations National Contract (RNC) Items (MRE) Associated Documents

                            - Attachment 1: MRE Rework, Waiver, Deviation, Reinspection, Foreign Material, Extension Template
                            - Attachment 2: MRE Substitution Request Template
                            - Attachment 3: MRE Microbiological Test Failure Results Questionnaire
                            - Attachment 4: MRE Primary, Secondary, Ancillary MRE Component Classification
                            - Attachment 5: MRE Bulk Packed Component Item Qualification Requirements
                            - Attachment 6: MRE Request For Early Government Inspection    

## What is it?

The Meal, Ready-To-Eat (MRE) is designed to sustain an individual engaged in heavy activity such as military training or during actual military operations when normal food service facilities are not available. The MRE is a totally self-contained operational ration consisting of a full meal packed in a flexible meal bag. The full bag is lightweight and fits easily into military field clothing pockets. Each meal bag contains an entrée and a variety of other components as may be seen in the table of Menus. For the current production year, menus 1 - 12 are designated case A, and menus 13 - 24 are designated case B. Each shipping pallet contains 24 A cases and 24 B cases. The net weight per case is approximately 22 lbs. and 1.02 cubic feet, while each pallet weights 1,098 lbs. and is approximately 56.1 cubic feet.

## What's in it?

The twenty-four different varieties of meals can be seen in the menu table. Components are selected to complement each entree as well as provide necessary nutrition. Each meal also contains an accessory packet. The contents of one MRE meal bag provides an average of 1250 kilocalories (13 % protein, 36 % fat, and 51 % carbohydrates). It also provides 1/3 of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals determined essential by the Surgeon General of the United States.
                            - MRE 43  (2023)
                            - MRE 42  (2022)
                            - MRE 41  (2021)
                            - MRE 40  (2020)
                            - MRE 39  (2019)
                            - MRE 38  (2018)
                            - MRE 37  (2017)
                            - MRE 36  (2016)
                            - MRE 35  (2015)

## How do I eat it?

Except for the beverages, the entire meal is ready to eat. While the entree may be eaten cold when operationally necessary, it can also be heated in a variety of ways, including submersion in hot water while still sealed in its individual entree package. Since mid 1992, a flameless ration heating device has also been packed into each meal bag to heat the entree.

## How long will it last?

The shelf life of the MRE is three (3) years at 80 degrees F. However, the shelf life can be extended through the use of cold storage facilities prior to distribution.

## How can I order it?

The National Stock Number for a case of MREs (12 MREs per case) is 8970-00-149-1094.Contacts:
                            - 215-737-0480 (DSN: 444-0480)
                            - 215-737-7650 (DSN: 444-7650)
                            - 215-737-7446 (DSN: 444-7446)

We can only sell Operational Rations (MREs, UGRs, etc) to the U.S. Military Services and other authorized federally-funded agencies. We can not sell to the private sector (individual, business, or other organizations). For further information, please read our Customer Eligibility Policy.

## Ordering lead-time

                            - CONUS - 10 to 14 BUSINESS days
                            - Hawaii & Alaska - 45-60 days
                            - OCONUS - 60 to 90 days

## Related Links

                            - Assembly Contract Requirements (ACRs) and Performance-Based Contract Requirements (PCRs)
                            - Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs)
                            - Quality Assurance Publications (Appendix A)

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