MRE/TOTM Price UPdate

[RockyRaab]

Prices are UP again for MREs and TOTMs at military commissaries. I shopped yesterday for a case of TOTMs, and the current prices are $57 for TOTMs and $118 for MREs, by the case. That's for current-issue, recent production meals. Yes, that's right at $10 each for MREs.

Use those as a baseline for your own shopping.

[TerraParzel]

considering 90% of MRE's are basically stolen I wouldn't worry about that.

[blue87fj60]

considering 90% of MRE's are basically stolen I wouldn't worry about that.

Stolen is a pretty bold statement.
My take, having been in NG over 30 years ago, is most are issued to Reserve and NG units for weekend and AT. Issued by troop rosters. Figure 50% might get consumed as most troops will leave and buy food off post. I see it where I live. Troops on weekend training at local convenience stores and pizza shops.
They wind up with cases and cases left over and rather than turn them back in, they are taken home.
I also worked on a military installation in the late 90’s running heavy equipment. Many a time we went out of our way to help a troop of reservists or NG when they asked. When they thanked us, a lot of times the louie or sgt would say “ you got room in that grader for a couple cases of MRE’s?” Lol there was always room I would say.

[RockyRaab]

"Stolen" might be a bit over the top, but "purloined from the intended use" fits pretty well. But if they were taken home for the purpose of selling them, then stolen is spot on. No different from selling other purloined gear. MREs are never surplussed, to my knowledge. So almost ANY that are out there were acquired by some more or less illicit means. There are exceptions, but not a lot.

[blue87fj60]

Purloined from the intended use indeed fits very well.

[ViperGTS]

Noob question...TOTM is a smaller training ration?

[RockyRaab]

Exactly. It is about 2/3 the calorie count of a full MRE at about half the price. They leave out the side and a snack, usually. You get the main, crackers/tortilla/bread, nuts or dried fruit, drink, candy or cookies, FRH, and an Acc pack. Annoyingly, they still include coffee but no bev bag. Occasionally they include a shake, cheese, or PB. 12 menus to a case.

[ViperGTS]

Thanks RR