Suggestions for first MRE?

[JABpunch]

I've been watching MRE and other ration reviews for a while now and have finally decided to try one for myself. Thing is, I don't know what ration I should try first. What ration (or MRE) did you guys first try? Would you recommend that ration or another? Any other information is helpful, thanks for your input.

[Norton]

My first MRE was ham and chicken loaf and it was good,
First field ration was 1978 MCI Ham Sliced, Cooked with Juices. (cans) The juice was messy and sticky. If you got it on your sleeve it made it smell like ham

For a good MRE to try
One of my favorites is Mexican Style Chicken Stew 2012 Or Chili with Beans any year. (These meals last a long time)
You cannot go wrong, both have good spices for a military meal. The crackers and Cheese spread, Jalapeño mix up great,
You can use Tabasco to make chicken stew even better. The Chili already hot
It's funny because these meals are associated with Mexican Food, but they are actually very American.

By the way the Cheese packets are very good products and I think Bacon Cheese is a great improvement. You can use it as a snacl with the crackers, add it to the main meal or eat it straight out of the packet.

I do not like MRE pretzel or Combos, they are a waist of good space.

[housil]

My first ration was back in 1982, so I can´t remember which MCI it was exactly. But since that day, I got addicted to them

[sourwes]

My 1st ration was in 1986 so I can,t remember the details... BUT the beef stew is always a good choice if you like dinty Moore....

[cavguy]

IIRC - the first MRE I tried was around 1989 or 90', I ordered a case of them from the U.S. Calvary magazine! These were the old school brown bag MRE's.. So I cant recommend you try one today, as odds are you will get a bad one. Anyhow, I always recommend Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Beef Stew, Chili And Macaroni and Cheese Tortellini menu's.

If you want to go for the gold - jump on Ebay UK and try and grab some UK 24 hour ration packs, those things are hands down the best Military rations IMO, any of the curry menu's are excellent!

[gundog4314]

If I read this right and you are asking what you should get for your first MRE, get something in your palate. If you like mexican, chicken and a little heat do the Mexican Chicken Stew. If you like Beef and Asian Stuff the Asian Beef Strips are nice. Just look at the menus and yeard and see what you would like. Then search for that exact meal and year.

Cheers,
GD

[JABpunch]

Thanks for all the suggestions and stories guys. The surplus store I went to didn't carry the real-military MREs so I got a couple of the Sopakco ones for my friend and I to try. They were really good, far better then I had anticipated.

[parafireboy]

Wow, that got me thinking about what my first MRE was. I'm pretty sure it was a very early-90's "Escalloped Potatoes w/Ham". It looks like the guys have already given you some great advice. I'd just pick something that mirrors what you like in "civilian food" and start there. If you can't decide, the spaghetti is usually a hit, and has been around since the MCI days because of it's popularity. Good luck!

[BlackDogBob]

Great thread, and great question. First MRE I ever had was at Boot Camp in 1989. I ate several during the 10 Day BWT (Basic Warrior Training). Can't remember the exact one I tried first, but my favorite was the Dehydrated Beef Patty. I would rehydrate them, then put it on a cracker with the cheese and tomato powder and call it a "Field Expediant Hamburger". Lol.

But to answer your question, I agree with Gundog. Go with your gut. (Yes, pun intended). Find one that lines up with what you currently enjoy eating and give it a try. When you are ready to expand out to other U.S. Rations, try a First Strike Ration. And when you are ready to go International, I highly recommend the Canadian IMPs.

In the meantime, welcome to the forums!