Army Serving MRE's Instead of Hot Cooked Breakfasts to Troops in Afghanistan-Truth!

Army Serving MRE’s Instead of Hot Cooked Breakfasts to Troops in Afghanistan-Truth!

Summary of eRumor:

Rumors are circulating social media like Facebook and Twitter that allege that, owing to cutbacks, the U.S. Army has ceased serving hot breakfasts to service personnel in Afghanistan.
 

The Truth:

The U.S. Army is serving what they call MRE’s or Meal Ready to Eat to servicemen in Afghanistan instead of late night meals and breakfasts.  This according to a January 17, 2013 press release by U.S. Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) who said, “I am troubled that the Army would deny any deployed troops three meals per day, regardless of force size.”

The press release said that lunch and dinner are still served hot to base company and that “most dining facilities have take-away items like cereal, granola, energy bars, milk, juice, fruit, etc. for supplemental snacking.”   The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander, Colonel Joseph Wawro, said, “This has absolutely nothing to do with the national budget and everything to do with our responsible reduction of forces.”

It is doubtful that the dietary change might be considered depriving any meals to our warriors in the field. The MRE’s were described in the press release to be packed with calories and nutrition.

According to the United States Armed Forces, a MRE provides an average of 1,250 calories (13 percent protein, 36 percent fat, and 51 percent carbohydrates) and one-third of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals. It includes the following items:

Entree – the main course, such as spaghetti or beef stew
Side dish – rice, corn, fruit, or mashed potatoes, etc.
Cracker or bread
Spread – peanut butter, jelly, or cheese spread
Dessert – cookies or pound cakes
Candy – M&Ms, Skittles, or Tootsie Rolls
Beverages – Gatorade-like mixes, cocoa, dairy shakes, coffee, tea
Hot sauce or seasoning – in some MREs
Flameless Ration Heater – to heat the entree
Accessories – spoon, matches, creamer, sugar, salt, chewing gum, toilet paper, etc.


updated 02/02/13