commercial availability of rations

[rationtin440]

I noticed that the rations of the Netherlands had parts which could be bought in the supermarket, no "special army" components. I'm curious which other countries' rations are the same way. Here in the U.S., our rations have the "official" military labeling on their components, but the commercial manufacturer's info is printed as well. Also I'm curious which countries' rations have the longest shelf life (we'll assume the ration is factory fresh and immediately stored under proper conditions.). Thanks for any help.

[housil]

Before the Netherlands joined the "far east" mission, they had their regular, military made rations only. But they run out of supply. So they replaced their "territory" rations with commercial items to make sure to have enough for their troops in mission.


Left commercial, right military ration.
But note the dutch rations don´t contain any entrees!

Military items


Commercial items


Entrees in plastic bags like in UK rations




Entrees in cans like in French RICR





During cold war, German rations (EPa´s) were designed to be stored as long as possible. The official shelf life was 20 years. I had a 19 years old entree and it was still great! So to me this was the longest shelf life.
In 1999/2000 even the Germany Army changed their policy from cold war storage purpose to be eaten in combat. They changed their containers:


The EPa has also now only a shelf life of at least 3.5 years.

Rations cold be stored for years, depends to the condtions. But you have no guarentee they will last for years.
Due to my own experiance: MREs >10 years no problem (when TTI ok), old style EPas 20 years no problem, new style up to 10 years no problem (there aren´t any older yet). This is valid for mostly western made rations.

[rationtin440]

Awesome pics, housil! Thanks for the replies on my questions. I wonder if the Chinese or Soviets have/had a similar system or if they use purely military items. That MARS bar in the pic is the same one that Stop&Shop supermarkets sell here in Massachusetts. They have a couple rows of international foods with everything from Chinese ethnic foods to Spotted Dick (canned sponge cake from what I can tell of it) to British and Dutch candy bars.

[rationtin440]

BTW this is probly for another subject, but it was explained to my national guard unit when we first got MREs that the outer plastic bag (brown then tan later on) was of a material that could be de-contaminated easily in case of chemical agents exposure. Of course when I went thru the NBC school, we were taught that many chemical agents have a high acid content, so not sure if the bags would survive. I'm wondering if the EpA or other NATO rations were designed in similar ways, it looks like the EpA's are foil containers. Please excuse me if this needs to be posted on another subject, was not sure.

[laughing_man]

I wonder if the Chinese or Soviets have/had a similar system or if they use purely military items.

Although there are many kinds of Chinese rations, I haven't seen a commercial item included.
All the rations consist of only military items.

[ak70g2]

Although there are many kinds of Chinese rations, I haven't seen a commercial item included.
All the rations consist of only military items.

How many types I've posted here viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4264 you have in your collection?

[rationtin440]

Thanks for reply laughing_man! On another note, I'd be curious to try Chinese rations, but not sure what kind of quality control they have compared to NATO or other western rations.

[ak70g2]

Thanks for reply laughing_man! On another note, I'd be curious to try Chinese rations, but not sure what kind of quality control they have compared to NATO or other western rations.

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=4276

I had one of these and I'm still alive, brother. Without problems. So, I think they take a good care of their soldiers.

[rationtin440]

Well that's good to know ak70g2, the stuff in the photos looked pretty appetizing actually, although I do realize that "Americanized" chinese quisine is nothing like authentic Chinese cooking. The rations are probably high in nutrition as well, and seriously, how often would a PLA soldier complain about his/her food? I have to say, we Americans are a bit spoiled by the quality and variety of our rations.

[ak70g2]

You want to try?