MRE/Ration Chronology

[CaptBob]

We've all seen the MRE menus change over the years and these are documented well enough to "date" an old meal sometimes to the exact year without having to open the pouch.

However, I am putting together a chronology of some of the lesser noticed items in the MRE (and other ration types, if time permits) including changes to packaging, contents, and even the companies that produce them.

Examples of these minor changes include the various dates that:

• - the brown MRE spoon was introduced
  - the large menu number began appearin on the old brown MREs
  - companies names changed (Southern Packaging... -> SO-PAK-CO -> Sopakco, etc.)

So, post your bits of knowledge on this subject and review those posted by others. I'll be editing them all together to create a chronology of the MRE and, perhaps, other rations as well.

Thanks for your help.

--CaptBob

[kman]

I know there was a short period of time in the 1980s when they included this little cardboard thing called a "Pouch Stand". I can see it listed in the 1986 menu contents but that's the only year it appeared.

Here's a picture of one I found on that Japanese MRE site I mentioned last week (the pouch stand is in the upper right corner):



You might also want to check out that site/page for some good pics of the wording on the cases from various years:

http://www.jttk.zaq.ne.jp/baboj700/Rati ... story.html

[CaptBob]

Okay....does anyone know which year they came out with the "Peelable Seal" and did away with the "tear notch" at the top of the pouch?

Any ideas?

[kman]

I'd have to look at some of the MREs in my collection to be sure, but didn't the "Peelable Seal" come out with the new tan bag designs in 1996?

I'm sure about the "tear notch" - was that on the MRE bag itself?

[CaptBob]

I have to check as well.

I just got some 1996 and some 1995 MREs so I can check the change from brown to tan and see if the opening changed as well.

The notch may not appear on all old MREs. I remember seeing it recently but can't remember where. I'll have to check when I get home.

I also just got two tan LRPs -- both from Wornick. But one has the repeating style printing (a la AmeriQual) and the other is the current, standard style.

[mreheater72]

Hi,

in my collection I found some dark brown MRE packed by CINPAC INC., on which a date code is stamped on the upper edge of the MRE-Bag (but not by all CINPAC MRE) e.g. 3214, 3237, 4055, 4150, 5152, 5174, 5178.

Normally only by the tan MRE`s a date code is stamped on the MRE-Bag.

I think a MRE-Chronology is a very good idea! Hope I could help you a bit!

[DangerousDave]

White spoon was for setting up Claymore mines. Rafco was old Texas MRE contract mfg. McAllen, TX. I was in a TO and E unit from '84 to 87 and an STR unit from "87 to 90. Have to really think back. The Ham and Chicken Loaf was OK, as long as I was really hungry. Thank GOD they brought back the Omelet!!!

[mreheater72]

Examples of these minor changes include the various dates that:

• - the brown MRE spoon was introduced
  - the large menu number began appearin on the old brown MREs
  - companies names changed (Southern Packaging... -> SO-PAK-CO -> Sopakco, etc.)

In which year the large menu number appear on the old brown MREs?

Thanks mreheater72