1957 Ration Combat Individual - Review and Taste test

[Glass]

the latvia rations look pretty good as well.

It seems that getting actual military mre ration packs is pretty difficult. Most things out there are look like copies of what the military use.

[crimethink]

I finally watched the whole video...OMG, I was so hoping he wasn't going to actually taste the Frankfurters ala Botulinum.

[crimethink]

It seems that getting actual military mre ration packs is pretty difficult. Most things out there are look like copies of what the military use.

It is technically illegal to trade in USGI MREs. Nearly all of what is on the market is identical in content but with civilian packaging, made by the OEMs (e.g., AmeriQual Foods). You can occasionally find USGI MREs that were "borrowed" from duty stations for sale, usually quietly (i.e., no eBay).

[hoarder]

If it was really food, it wouldn't keep that long.

[Glass]

It is technically illegal to trade in USGI MREs. Nearly all of what is on the market is identical in content but with civilian packaging, made by the OEMs (e.g., AmeriQual Foods). You can occasionally find USGI MREs that were "borrowed" from duty stations for sale, usually quietly (i.e., no eBay).

I actually came across a discussion about this topic a few hours ago, it seems that it's illegal if you are in the services to sell your rations or get US mil rations - military assets and sell for private profit. It seems you can trade in them if you are not in the service. I think it was the MREinfo forum where I was reading it.

That still doesn't get around the issue that there just aren't that many places to get them and if you do find them they are out of or nearly out of code. The copy cat ones seem to have mostly the exact same brand items in them. For the most part the copy cat ones don't seem to have heaters but otherwise same stuff AND about a 5 year shelf life remaining.

So unless I was looking for real mil spec MRE's for some kind of collectable authenticity I'd be happy with good copy cats. Not cheap though at an average of USD $45, Around $60 in aussie bananas + shipping. Probably pushing $100.

He did do a review of what looks like a good copy cat. I think it was February 2016. To me it looked like a heck of a lot of food but if you're in the field you'll need the calories or you eat what you need/when you can. Black Dog someone puts them together.
There are also some that look ok on his site. Again $$. I guess with time and patience you can assemble your own.

[crimethink]

I actually came across a discussion about this topic a few hours ago, it seems that it's illegal if you are in the services to sell your rations or get US mil rations - military assets and sell for private profit. It seems you can trade in them if you are not in the service. I think it was the MREinfo forum where I was reading it.

I just found this:

http://www.mreinfo.com/mres/us-govt-vs-ebay-auctions/

No actual statute (US Code) is cited, and, DLA is using different tactics to get them off eBay, leading one to believe the "illegality" is more hype than reality.

The US Postal Service claims "misuse" of their free Priority Mail boxes is illegal, too, but I've asked for a statute, and none is forthcoming.

So, it's a gray area. I wouldn't want to be a test subject in Federal "court," but I imagine quiet sales are no real problem. Getting caught as a soldier/sailor selling them is quite another problem, indeed.

The military personnel prohibition apparently stems from the great personal profits made during Katrina of pallets of MREs "liberated" from military stocks and sold privately.