authentic military MREs vs civilian MREs

[Eddo36]

Well, civilian MREs have much less calories than the military version, right? I guess you don't need that much calories in the miliary version unless you are constantly working out. Otherwise it may be bad for you. Right?

[dirtbag]

Depending on the manufacturer,civilian versions usually lack the "side" dish and mostly substitute civilian crackers,jellys,and fruit bars for the "genuine" article. As far as calories,yes,most civilian MRE's offer 800-900 cals vice 1200-1300 calories of the military version.
They are meant to be three per day,which gives 3600 calories,which can be burned off rather easily in high stress combat .However,you and I,sitting on our duff mostly, only require ~ 1800-2200 cals/day,else we would be blimps.
All the civilian versions I've seen have a "real" main entree and a combination of "Real" and store bought items for the rest.Most do not have the flameless heater as well.
HTH,
Dirt

[Eddo36]

Well, some of the manufacturers military and civilian MRE's are the same, like Sopako and Wornick. I usually buy the main entrees of Sopako's civilian version from www.theepicenter.com and it tastes genuine. Only with less calories.

Not just the weight gain by eating too many calories, but it will also make you stink bad.

[dirtbag]

Main entrees are genuine,most lack the sides, IE: applesauce,fruit pack etc.Most have substituted items. All good,some are more complete than others.

[Eddo36]

Well the sides can be purchased seperately as well. Epicenter sells packets of MRE pb, jelly, cheese spread, crackers, etc. It just costs quite a bit. And I only go for the main meal anyhow.

http://www.geoduck.com/epicenter/order. ... =%%cart_id%%

[dirtbag]

So,whats your point?

[Eddo36]

That civilian MREs are in many cases better than military MREs because they don't have as much calories and are still authentic.

[dirtbag]

I would think that the most calories/$ is best. You don't have to eat it all at once!
Main entrees are warnick/sopaco.

[CaptBob]

IMHO, one of the main attractions to the genuine MRE is the fact that you're getting the same stuff the soldiers are getting. It's not some substitute or imitation MRE -- it's "The Real Deal". It gives you a feeling of solidarity with our fighting forces. Also, it's the opportunity to have something to eat that most people cannot get, and that you just can't find at the local supermarket. Plus, eating out of a pouch? How cool is that?!!

Aside from that, the Sopackco other civilian MREs don't differ that much and are great if you are simply looking for meals you can stash away in case of emergencies. The only difference with the entrees is that in the genuine MREs, the raw ingredients are purchased by the government (which is why they cannot sell them to anyone else). Otherwise, your civilian Jambalaya should be no different than the military variety.

True, there are fewer calories. Face it, Mr and Mrs American are not involved in active-duty-type tasks, burning up them calories. You've SEEN the people at Disney World, etc., haven't you? They'll probably pound down an MRE on their way to Burger King or McDonalds for their REGULAR meal.

It's rare for me to open an MRE and consume the whole thing anyway, unless I'm showing someone how the whole thing works. I have some many cases and separate items, I just go pull an entree and a side (maybe) and a couple of other things if I'm in "an MRE mood."

So, my vote is -- as long as I can get the genuine thing, I'll go for the MRE since it gives you the most. If they get unattainable, then for disaster preparedness, I'd wholeheartedly support the civilian versions.

And that's my two cents!