What Do Military People Eat?
Military personnel eat a variety of foods to fuel their bodies for performance, endurance, and optimal health. While the quality and quantity of food can vary depending on the military branch, location, and deployment, here’s an overview of what military people typically eat:
Meals in Combat
In combat zones, military personnel often rely on Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE), a pre-cooked, pre-packaged meal that is lightweight and durable. MREs are designed to be energy-rich and contain a main course, side dishes, and a beverage. Typical MRE menu items include:
- Main courses: beef stew, chicken teriyaki, or chicken fajitas
- Side dishes: rice, pasta, or vegetables
- Beverages: instant coffee, tea, or juice
- Desserts: fruitcake, crackers, or candy
MREs are often prepared by heating them with water, using a flameless ration heater (FRH). MREs are designed to be heated using a portable stove, solar oven, or improvised methods.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
When stationed in fixed locations, military personnel are entitled to Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), a monthly allowance for food. BAS rates vary based on rank, duty location, and other factors. This allowance can be used to purchase groceries, meals, or cook on-duty meals.
Chow Halls
In deployed or fixed locations, military personnel often dine in large mess halls, known as Chow Halls. Chow Halls offer a variety of menus, including American, Mediterranean, Asian, and International cuisine. Some common items found on a Chow Hall menu include:
- Meat: chicken, beef, pork, lamb, or seafood
- Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, potatoes, and green beans
- Grains: rice, bread, or pasta
- Fruits: apples, bananas, or oranges
Beverages
Military personnel have access to a wide range of beverages, including:
- Water: readily available in military facilities
- Coffee and tea: often served at mess halls or through coffee machines
- Juice: orange, apple, or cranberry
- Soda: popular flavors like cola, root beer, or lemon-lime
- Energy drinks: Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, or similar products
Unique Challenges
Military personnel often face unique challenges when it comes to eating, such as:
- Variety and repetition: Deployment menus can be repetitive, and variety is limited. Military personnel may eat the same meals repeatedly.
- Limited availability: Remote or deployed locations may not have access to fresh ingredients, making meal options more limited.
- Insects and vermin: In some cases, insects or vermin may infest food sources, making it essential for military personnel to take preventative measures.
- Caloric needs: Military personnel require a high caloric intake to maintain energy and performance. Military dietitians often recommend eating more calories than the general population.
Nourishment for Performance
Military personnel require a high-quality diet to maintain physical performance and mental agility. A military diet should focus on providing essential nutrients, including:
| Nutrient | Essential Function |
|---|---|
| Protein | Builds and repairs muscles |
| Carbohydrates | Provides energy |
| Fats | Maintains heart health and energy |
| Fiber | Regulates digestive health |
| Vitamins and minerals | Supports overall health and immunity |
Some key nutrients to focus on include:
- Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): BCAAs help build and repair muscles, making them essential for military personnel who engage in physically demanding tasks.
- Creatine: Creatine helps athletes perform high-intensity, short-duration tasks, such as push-ups or other military exercises.
- Iron: Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and overall energy production.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps regulate calcium absorption and bone health.
In conclusion, military personnel eat a variety of foods, from pre-packaged meals to fresh ingredients, to fuel their bodies for optimal performance and health. Unique challenges, such as variety and repetition, limited availability, and insect or vermin infestation, may arise, but military personnel rely on high-calorie diets, essential nutrients, and hydration to stay healthy and effective. Whether deployed or stationed, a balanced diet is critical for military personnel to excel in their roles.
