Compressed meal (CM)?

CCD · Post by **CCD** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 12:31 pm

There was a small article in Discovery magazine about compressed meals for military. It just said they are about 1/3 the size and weight of an MRE but has the same amount of calories. It also said that (Natick-the Combat Feeding Directorate) is working on a transdermal nutrient patch that will enable soldiers to go without food for up to three days. Anyone ever heard of this stuff?

Post by **kman** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 12:51 pm

For those "compressed" meals, maybe they were talking about the "Meal, Cold Weather" and the "Meal, Long Range Patrol". Those rations use lighter freeze-dried entrees that have to be reconstituted with water (unless you like your entree super-crunchy). I have a little bit of info here:

http://www.mreinfo.com/other-us-mres.html

but more info can be found on the DSCP site:

http://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/pr ... mcwabt.asp

Lifesaver · Post by **Lifesaver** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 4:50 pm

kman,

The compressed meals do actually exist. At least, in a test format they do. I had a complete set of them. They were tested at our base (well, actually on Pikes Peak) by the folks from Natick. In some ways, they are like lrrp rations as they are a dehydrated meal. They are smaller, though. I've traded most of them away to folks from here. I still keep a couple in my vehicle "just in case". Sadly, I do not have any photos of them. I'll see if I can remedy that soon.

dirtbag · Post by **dirtbag** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 5:27 pm

I just bought a case of MCW's off e-prey, $45 plus shipping. I guess I should have asked this before I bought... Are they any good? Any nasty surprises ? Are the entree's the same as commercial freeze dry/dehydrated eat in the bag stuff?

Post by **kman** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 6:39 pm

Lifesaver, I seem to recall a posting from you about those compressed rations sometime in the past. Is that correct or am I just imagining things? I'll have to do a little googling to see what I can turn up.

Dirtbag, I'd be interested in hearing about how your MCWs turnout. I've seen a bunch of those auctions for $45 and if they check out, that's a great deal!

The entrees in the MCWs are the same thing you get from Mountain House (freeze-dried) and they usually taste great.

Post by **kman** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 6:48 pm

Here are a few links and one picture I was able to find about the Compressed Meals:

http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2006/06-03.htm

http://www.rdecom.army.mil/rdemagazine/ ... meals.html

http://www.amc.army.mil/amc/pa/junissue.html

Stef · Post by **Stef** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 3:35 am

Hey, it looks fime once it's been prepared

Before it looks like ...nougat

DangerousDave · Post by **DangerousDave** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 2:37 am

Is this for real. Shuttle craft meals come to light. I guess this is what made the nice lady-Astronaut from Texas, go nuts.?????