 Nutritional experts have long lauded breakfast as the most important meal of the day, but reports that 17 military bases stopped serving hot breakfast have one congressman up in arms. On January 17, Congressman Bruce Braley wrote to Secretary of the Army John McHugh to express his concern. According to Jeff Giertz, Communications Director for the United States Congressman's office, he was prompted to do so after being contacted by the mother of one of his Iowa constituents who is serving abroad in Afghanistan. "I am troubled that the Army would deny any deployed troops three meals per day, regardless of force size," Braley wrote in the release. “These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect the very freedoms we cherish. The exhaustive mental and physical labor that is required by soldiers to fight in harsh and unforgiving conditions is tremendous. We shouldn’t deny our troops something as fundamental as a proper meal." As of publication time, Braley had not heard back from the Army Secretary. While Braley and the mother were concerned that the troops weren't getting adequate nutrition, Army officials note that is simply not the case. Colonel Joseph Wawro, the commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said breakfast and the midnight meal are now MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) at the affected bases, while lunch and dinner are still served hot. He also noted most dining facilities have take-away items like cereal, granola, energy bars, milk, juice, fruit, etc. for supplemental snacking. "This has absolutely nothing to do with the national budget and everything to do with our responsible reduction of forces," Wawro said. Wawro said the initial complaint may have been raised by a recently arrived unit that was unaware of the recent meal changes. Giertz, however, noted that Braley wrote the letter out of concern for the troops’ morale. "The least we can offer is to get them a good meal," Giertz said. Registered dietitian and Captain Christina Deehl said while MREs are not very popular among the troops, they do yield all the nutrients a soldier needs to meet one-third of his or her Military Recommended Daily Allowance (MRDA). "When we initially entered Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers were eating MREs every day until we were logistically established. Once again when we draw down and pull out, we will see a similar trend," Deehl said. Deehl explained that army dietitians regard food as a tactical weapon, as it maintains mental and physical performance. "We would never deprive the soldier of adequate nutrition and that's just all there is to it," she said. 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:
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i m join army
I would like my husband to get out of the Army. A governemt that doesnt care -the military also coudl care less about them and the countries best days are way way behind it. Im not a proud American -are there any left?
I am very concerned about my husbands wellbeing!!! I understand that they still get served at least 3 meals a day, but what I dont understand is why only 3 meals? These soldiers are working 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! They dont get enough to eat and they lose sleep because of the fact that they have to wait for the cafeteria to open up, and the cafeteria is only open at certain times and for so long. My husband was even assigned to do gate guard and where he is at, they have someone bring the soldiers their food because they cannot leave their job, but they only get their meals if the people brining them their meals dont forget.
I am sitting here right now in AFG. i really dont care how many hot meals i get. i can live with two. the point is in my books is they cut the Breakfast out, i rather have them cut lunch. I ate MRE's 6 months straight 3 x a day in my first tour in Iraq, dont want to do that again but if i have to I will. Now my 5th and final tour here I prefer to ea twice a day but give me my breakfast back and stop lunch. going from dinner to lunch with out eating sucks but i will deal like i did before. buy the way after 6 months of nothing but MRE's i wont touch them again.
The last time I checked, I was DEPLOYED and we are at WAR. Whether it is complaining about no hot meals or complaining about the hot meals that are served, it seems as though people are starting to assume that they should be fed the best food in the world for doing their job. We would save thousands of dollars a day if we closed all DFACs and only ate MREs. But oh wait then there will be a whole lot more complaining, and we can't have that. Suck it up, do your job, and be grateful for what you do get, cause I know I sure am!!
Who really gives a flying crap that these bases are closing, Mr. Jim Garamone? Using that sorry excuse, we might as well starve the troops to death so that we can close up the kitchens and food-supply lines entirely. Tidy up a bit, you know. Stateside we taxpayers are paying for phones and contraceptives and redundant food programs, offensive art that has no aesthetic value, the mating habits of insects, and inefficent and technogically inchoate green energy, yet we can't afford to feed some sausages and eggs to those living in one of the circles of hell on behalf of U.S. security? This is an outrage.
I don't know who fed you these lies. But here in the east they have breakfast food. They just don't serve it in the morning. They serve it with the other 3 or 4 entrees for lunch. So explain to me how this is a logistics problem, if logistically speaking, the food is getting here? If you ask me, it smells of not wanting to pay the contracters for a morning shift. I get it. What I don't understand is why we are paying contractors at all.
Further...I have never had a tootsie roll in my MRE......maybe that's just me though :D
Give us an FPO and I'll see to it you get a damn crate of Tooties. Been there, done that. And, after eating at ONE Army mess hall, I think I'd rather have an MRE (as long as it wasn't fish).
BLESS YOU For offering to send a crate of Tootsies to the troops!!!!
I like how under the hot sauce tab it says included in some meals. I don't know which MREs they have been eating but I hardly ever got dessert or candy in my MREs. Maybe they should revise this crap cause most of the main courses and side dishes in MREs SUCK!!!!!!!
Wow...I had never thought of that. u are completely right. Someone doesnt want to pay for a morning shift...but at my chow hall they dont serve it at all...i have seen it served at lunch though at other bases. Im just so damn hungry all the time and eating a rubbermaid vegatarian ommolette is damn disgusting. but its just about calorie intake right? cuz that what it looks like on paper. people should come here for a month and work sixteen hours a day and then say eat an mre...wow...no respect...none.
MREs are probably one of the most UNHEALTHY things you can eat. look at all of the BS in them. nothing but artificial food and preservatives. how in the *** is that nutritional lol. youre right its all about calories. i bet if s**t had 1300 calories in it we could eat it too. all of crap in MREs just keeps your stomach "full" but hurts oyu in the long run
The military's problem with self-inflicted deaths could probably benefit greatly by paying close heed to the bromine, fluoride, and chloride chemicals in their members' diets – and recommend and provide more foods and beverages that replenish the body's natural need for iodine – instead of the bromine, fluoride, and chloride that might currently be replacing iodine. This will help to relieve mental illnesses.
Have them exercise and sweat more as a built in reflex to suicidal thoughts – and train them to eat sea salt and sea foods rich in iodine – and not contaminated with other heavy metals and toxic chemicals.
Make this is a war against the poisoning of the USA population by the USA population – as we are ultimately in control of this. Do it NOW – for everyone.
Do NOT allow fluoride, bromide, or chloride intensive ingestion as is seen prevalent in USA civilians even though it is a detriment to the wellbeing of societies.
I have spoken to many about the benefits of Iodine in the diet and even use Lugol's Iodine which is Iodine and Iodide which strengthens the Thyroid, pushes Bromide from the system which creates a more balanced mental state. Europe is pushing these chemicals out of their food production yet here in the US using dangerous chemicals and genetically modified foods is the norm, which is shameful. God bless our soldiers and Thanks be to God for their tireless dedication to freedom. Thank YOU!
I have been investigating seaweed and eating more seafood. I found one kind of seaweed that is bagged in dry form – that says you can put on food like spice almost – but I haven't tried it out yet. I did buy some seaweed ready to serve – and that did make me feel better right away.
Forgot to mention resting the adrenals – which would include resting the lower back to relieve overwhelm and stress reactions. Yoga – like kundalini yoga – is really good for this – for detoxing and distressing to put into better balance and relax. EFT (emotional freedom technique) works well. Learning more about yoga mudras and meditation will help greatly.
Thank you for your input. I will have to look into what you mention for better understanding.
Other ideas:
1. Get supply to order bags of organic almonds, walnuts, dried fruits, etc. that can be used to nutritiously supplement MRE's. Almonds are high in calcium, iron, protein, healthy fats, fiber and other essential vitamins – and can be carried easily. Walnuts are good brain food.
2. Order Celtic unbleached salt, or Himalayan organic salt. These contain the natural salts needed by the body to survive and feed (not destroy) the brain, etc.
3. Use pure cane mints and provide non-diet gums (at the least) – instead of skittles as an example. Provide as extra to MRE if needed.
4. Incorporate these items into MRE's for healthier sustainment.
I just got paid $6784 working on my laptop using these simple steps leaked on this web page. Make up to $85 per hour doing simple tasks that are so easy to do that you won't forgive yourself if you don't check it out! Payments are paid every Friday! Here is what I've been doing Big44.ℂOM
Go crawl back under the rock you came from. Trying to make a buck on other's misfortunes. You are the scum of the earth, and a liar to boot.
It's quite simple really. Now that females are going combat arms, who do you think is left to make the sammiches?
No more little pack of 4 cigarettes in an MRE?
I was station in korea during the 70's (hawk missile site c-1-44ada) Our 3 meals where nothing compared to what they get now. These guys are in combat. And it send some out laying bases where not getting hot meal. We didn't have MRE's, c-rations.
The article stated that the troops 'protect the very freedoms we cherish.' The article should have read that the troops 'to protect the very freedoms the democrats are trying to take away!' The troops will barely get what they need to survive until the idiot ruining the country is removed from office.
The Republicans during the Cheny, Shrubs era took away more freedoms, squashed more constitutional liberties and privacy than all the administrations before them ever did. But you were fine with that.
Can you name a couple of those freedoms that Bush took away from you?
How about the right to a trial, Habeus Corpus, freedom from unwarranted searches, etc? Did you know that if the president or one of his friends decides they don't like you, they can put you in jail indefinately for no reason? Think about it. And thanks to George W. Bush, our tax money belongs to Wall Street, not us anymore. They can do whatever they want, regardless of who you vote for. It's been that way for years.
You speak of the patriot act which BTW Obama could have allowed to expire but no he extend those so-called laws, and not only that he added to them. You know. like no due process for American citizens if you are SUSPECTED of being a terrorist not proven guilty. You know he took away the right to an attorney, trial by jury, arraignment, innocent until proven guilty and to top it off you can be held indefinitely-no charges-no chance to prove you are innocent. He even expanded on that and now says he and only he has the right to kill anyone he deems an American terrorist. Not only that but he has made it possible for law enforcement to eaves drop and spy on any Americans email without probable cause-no warrant needed. Maybe you like having your Constitutional laws violated but I don't. It's more important to you to say well Bush did this and Bush did that-well, I've got news for you Obama has done a whole lot more and it isn't anymore right when he's doing it. Grow up for God's sake and stop defending this loser and start defending your country and it's people. They are the one's that are important not Obama or congress.
You should both go back and read the actual legislation that congress passed. Both times the Congress was supportive in the majority for the initial changes and the modifications and expansions...note that the extension added fewer than it took away. A sitting president has limited power to implement laws and such without the support of Congress and then review of the Supreme Court etc...Both Presidents are to blame but remember who runs the Congress and Who sits on the Supreme Court.
I believe it was a Republican president who disgraced our military by sending them into two wars without proper armor or any sort of strategy. This lead to over 5,000 of our brave military being sent to their deaths. The Bush Administration is responsible for the deaths of more Americans than Osama Bin Laden and anyone who could support such a despicable group of people as well as the party they represent should be hung for treason, starting with you.
Bill, after reading your remarks, it seems to me that it's pretty hard to put blame on any one group in Washington. I am Independant and I say it like it is. The whole Wshington situation is a disaster, most of those elected people have one thing in mind and that is to make money. We cannot believe 90% of what they say, either side, it does not matter. Add that to the one sided Press and you will not ever get the real information. Hey, they cant even get togather for the better of America. No blame, they are all bums and need to be voted out, all of them including this great President.
Bill, I think the responsibility is on the military leadership who currently live in public mansions, are driven around in limos and have extraordinarily high retirement packages along with exclusive clubs and golf courses that failed to use the money they received to actually fight a war. Currently the money is being spent to feed 5 star meals and provide 4 star accommodations to senior military officers in Afghanistan while the guys in the field literally eat some of the least nutritious food that money can buy including being denied milk, eggs, meat, butter, fiber, etc. All the while the LTC and above are feasting like kings on the public dime. Our military is miss- managed and we should fire the lot of them and put real managers in their place. The military leadership cares little about the enlisted guys.
Am I wrong or is BHO a Muslim by admission? If so, is not Allah his god? And if so, is it not a muslim's religious duty to "kill the infidels?" Yes it is ...but I am "pre-coffee" this morning. In short, why the heck would a muslim president do anything for a country full of Christians except try to kill them and their country ....in the name of Allah of course. Wake-Up Everyone and if we must, let's all descend on DC and oust everyone that needs ousting. We, as a nation, do not need 80% of the "Federal Government" for anything (except a source of migraines). Each state can work with the others to achieve the same goals. Think about it...long and hard if you must. But not TOO long, or they'll be nothing left of any of the USA. Why cannot anyone see this "most clearly?"
Dear Equorial.
I am hoping desperately that you are a troll. But if you are, you're a pretty convincing one, so I'll say this anyway.
Leaving to one side your woeful lack of knowledge about the Muslim faith, Barack Obama is not a Muslim. He's a Christian. I'm sure you've seen some blog on the internet - with a url something like http://www.americanvalues2000.wordpress.com - say that he is a Muslim, providing supposedly convincing evidence to support this claim. Please remember that the Internet is full of crazy people making ridiculous claims. Just because someone said that Obama was a Muslim does not make it true.
Do I sound condescending? Good. I intend to. As a citizen of a democracy, you have a responsibility to seek accurate information about the politics of the nation you live in. You have a further responsibility to vet any news you read or see to make sure it is accurate. You haven't done that. You've accepted a ludicrous notion (essentially, a conspiracy theory, since believing that Obama is a Muslim requires you to also believe that his religion has been elaborately covered up) that could've been disproved with some simple research (Snopes, FactCheck, etc). Five seconds on Google could've prevented you from saying something stupid on the internet.
Your willingness to believe any story that supports your political point of view harms the foundation of the democratic process; without a well-informed electorate, we're in trouble. I say so as a political moderate. And, I might add, a Jew; there are other people in this country besides Christians, a lot of other people, and you'd better get used to it.
I couldn't agree with you more. Our big war is with our own government.
What’s next, a congressional over cappuccino? MREs have heaters, does little Jonnie want us to heat it for him too? How about no weekend wars?
For Gods sake leave the Congressman alone so he can work on the budget.
Earthseige- you ae an idiot. However, it is these soldiers who assures your ability to think freely and say dumb things. Lets see you eat MREs a couple times a week. Heck, you probably are a fat pig who regularly vist Mickey Dee and Krispy Kream several times a day. You are pathetic!!!!
Thank you JoeZ. I'm happy to defend the American people's right to badmouth me, and I say that truly without sarcasm. I eat MREs when I have to, and some of them aren't too bad at all. The vegetarian lasagna is pretty darn good with hot sauce. (Don't eat the 'beef" stew.) After the first week or two of regular MRE ingestion you even start pooping again. The soldiers I know don't cry when we are stuck somewhere and have to eat them, but we sure do appreciate real food. We (and more importantly our wives/husbands and kids) really do sacrifice a few things when we're away from home but a hot meal can make a big difference.
My son is a pilot now, but as an Infantry soldier he ate MREs for more than two weeks at a time while out on patrol and in combat. He also ate them when he returned inside the wire after mess tent hours. These soldiers have been involved in war for about 11 years and have been living in rough conditions. The article seems to imply that they have been on vacation. Please don't jump in about conditions in other wars. Never has so much been asked on an on-going basis from American soldiers. Those with the most difficult jobs come home looking starved and with major digestive issues. They only eat to survive at the most basic level. It is time the general public understands that the military is not a job program, but an ongoing commitment can still involve sacrificial living in terms of food, shelter and safety. For them it is all part of the job. We should be aware but not surprised.
ok already the troops are being feed the old 3 hots and a cot never existed for gods sake combat is a reality.
Colonel Joseph Wawro obviously doesn't spend much time outside of his air conditioned office. How was your hot breakfast today Colonel? If this so called officer had any awareness at all of the going ons of a base he'd have realized early that the crews that go over the wire are more often not back until long after the kitchen has closed. For them breakfast is the one hot meal they can get. It's one little stable piece of civilization before they face all the slop that'll be thrown to them during a long unfriendly day. Meanwhile, the fobbits, because of the wind down, are way too busy to stop and get some hot chow.
Col. Wawro is a bird brain and maybe that's what he thinks those birds he wears means. If a hot meal has to get cut, cut the lunch. Let's see a raise of hands here, how many of you here eat a hot lunch?
I realize I'm not getting shot at or burning as many calories. I also realize I don't live by the nutritionists handbook. I and most of the people I know don't eat a hot breakfast. Breakfast seems to be a meal on the run. I also backpack and work my body hard at the times, still if I have a hot breakfast its instant oatmeal fast and easy, only takes hot water, so I can get going. It seems like if you can find ways to get good high calorie food for these guys without worrying about a lot of cooking it should take less logistics. From my backpacking, things like cliff bars, granola bars, fruit (dried usually), drink mixes, and instant oatmeal work. The thing is to get a lot of calories that aren't pure sugar. Some of these items are good because you can pocket them to eat later. The Army could learn a few things from backpacking. I've backpacked with Army guys and they are always enthusiastic about how we can be more efficient and light weight. The Army is based on a lot of logistics that are great when it works, but not so great at times like this.
I'm glad you backpack, my friend. Try it in body armor, a 60-80 pound pack, an ACH and carrying a weapon with 210 rounds (or more). Go out on "backpacking trips" like this regardless of terrain or weather some time. You lose weight eating 5000 calories a day, and I speak from experience.
I second that motion and raise it 150%. Been there, done that – for 21-years (off and on), mostly on. It is "the way of life" for the fighting man, and a necessity. However, for some reason this time I am finding it to be a bit outrageous because those at the top are attempting to "cover it up" with falsified statements to the media, and that just ain't right. Makes me think there is yet another surprise coming from BHO. Who else?
My brother is getting ready to deploy on his second tour to Afghanistan with the USMC. While he was on his first tour we knew that he needed us to send him food, so we sent him all the canned goods we could. When he returned, he looked about close to death bc he had lost SO MUCH weight. He said they used to have to steal veggies at night time bc they were starving – think about how hungry you have to be to steal food from people living in a third world country! I understand its hard to reload their MRE stash bc of the logistics of their deployment (not being on a base) but they NEED TO EAT! As civilians and PATRIOTIC AMERICANS we need to support! Donate food to troops every chance you get! There are several orgs that allow you to send boxes to unknown deployed armed services.
I'll eat 3 MRE's a day while deployed (and at times I have) if we can get more than the less than 1% pay raise we've been getting under this administration. And maybe counting my vote while depoyed would be nice too
At least you are getting a pay raise, I haven't had one for 4 years
Atleast you're home and not getting shot at.
Were you drafted?
Correct – need to go to an Elementary School to get shot at.
Blame Congress, they hold the purse strings. Yes the Republican majority House is all that stands between you and a decent pay raise.
MREs are fine. Its not about nutrition but about getting enough calories in your body. A soldier in combat will burn three times the calories as when they are not. 5 to 6 thousand calories per day. When your ramping down the force level the support has to ramp down as well. It takes time to clean and reload all the logistic support equipment for redeployment.
Frag it! ("packin's done, man!")
You're absolutely correct. As I mentioned elsewhere, I lost weight eating 5000+ calories a day (and I don't have a whole lot of extra weight to lose).
Noticed on the content list of the MRE at the bottom of this article, there is not ONE vegetable mentioned. And a nutritionist has developed these "nutritious" meals? Are you serious???
Maybe you didn't read it very well. I think the vegetables fall into the Side dish option; corn, rice, potatoes, etc.,. Sometimes they're also incorporated into the main entree i.e. BEEF STEW.
What is corn?
a starch. I believe aubrey meant greens for fiber in the diet. What she doesn't know, as MRE eaters do, is that MRE cheese or peanut butter will counteract all fiber on the planet and explains that three sheet wad of TP in the MRE pack ... you're not going it need it.
I'd be curious to know what our WWII and Vietnam Vets have to say about this. I know my dad did not get 3 meals, let alone hot ones. Not that I'm saying they shouldn't, but you know....there's lots of other problems out there. Like...protecting our troops with proper equipment?
I agree – served in Korea and we went days without hot meals but were grateful for whatever we had – todays kids are very unprepared to serve in a war zone – that is solely a military responsibility, not an administrations of either party – we need to go back to tougher standards -we didn't get to call home, or text, or skype so we could complain – we just did our job knowing it would be difficult – I had a son who served in navy on submarines often deployed for 6 months with no contact to his family (as is still the case today)
I am a 21yr Vietnam Era veteran. Sure, we went for long periods without food simply because nobody knew where in the world we were half the time. For the Army troops, there is NO reason the Air Force "fly boys" or Marines or even The USNavy can't be "air-dropping" Logistical Support in the form of FOOD. I am sure everyone in DC will get breakfast this morning. Why don't we take away their electricity until they correct this situation, and close THEIR "chow-halls" (which are incredibly "lush" eateries), and again ...tell me why we need, as a nation, a federal government when the states can do precisely the same functions for far less money. The Federal Government is "big business" now, and NOT in favor for any of our interests, except they still expect us to pay out the nose so that they get oodles of money for working 2-day weeks while "kissing hiney" to climb their ladders. Think about it. Impeach BHO isn't enough. We need to clean out DC now and forever. Writing letters is the last thing that needs doing. Strong-arm, full-frontal force is what we need to do ...or we won't have a country when BHO completes his agenda. (I am his biggest 'hater' if you can't tell). I hate anyone who claims they can't feed our men due to "logistics" ...which just shows that nobody did any planning. Just deploy troops and "make it up as we go" is how it is done in the real world" (imho)
I suspect the soldier whose letter to his mother started all this mentioned the lack of a hot breakfast just to have something to tell her about other than the other details of his life in the field.
I agree with fellow vets that this is a non-story. It was pretty much ordinary to get 2 C-Rats or MREs a day with one hot (if we were lucky) back when I served. I did 20 years and that was the norm. So if the norm today is 3 hots and a cot, I'd say things are pretty good. I don't see a problem with one MRE a day.
1. How can logistics provide other meals and not breakfast?
2. How can logistics provide so much to Afghans and yet can't provide breakfast to our troops? Let the Afghans suffer.
3. How can we, as a nation, increase food stamps 7 times what they were, to feed people who provide zero to the US and yet can't provide breakfast to our troops? Let's cut food stamps back, put limits on how much food stamps can be provided, and take care of those who take care of our safety - the troops!
4. This nation is too hung up on providing for indigents, illegals, welfare groups, etc and not enough providing back to the American taxpayers and to the soldiers hired to protect us!
5. BTW – Let's cut out breakfast for Congress, the President, and his little family too so more emphasis can be put on the "logistics" of providing for our troops FIRST!
Obviously, you've never served at a forwrad location. It is common for forward locations to either live off of or supplement with MREs. This is part of the drawdown of troops–less support troops means less ability to cook hot meals and bring in supplies. They still get two hot meals, have takeaway items available, and get MRES (which are actually higher in calorie content than most cooked meals). This is part of military life–it's not always glamorous. I'm sorry the young troop who just arrived doesn't feel pampered enought, but this isn't vacation.
I agree with you. I spent a week eating nothing but Mre's 3 times a day. Besides you can heat them up using the heating pack that comes with them or on the exhaust grill of an M1 tank. Been there done that.
To be completely honest, MREs aren't all that bad. Yeah they get bland after a while, but thats true of anything. Also, they make MREs specifically for breakfast, and they are pretty good. I look at it this way: if my options are a hot meal or an MRE (which technically is also a "hot" meal), then i would go with whatever is readily available. If i can get a hot meal, then yes, i would be happier than if i got an MRE. But regardless of what one i get, its food, and it will keep me alive and fighting.
People. This FOB isn't closing until Oct 2013 and the military isn't even providing the troops a cup of hot coffee in the morning...but you will be able to gorge yourself with multiple entrees at lunch and dinner. Oh, and the MREs out "for the taking" at lunch and dinner...the only ones taking those are locals and contractors–NOT Soldiers–which is why no one is accounting for them, I suspect. Yes, someone made a terrible decision here and are trying to cover it up. Omeletes aren't necessary. But a cup of hot coffee is not too much to ask. It ain't about logistics!
logistics is movement of materials. Supply is the stuff logistics moves. In this case, most of the logistical flow is out and not in. So, they cut supply of hot breakfast to provide a time slot and flow for movement of supply out instead of in. Can't do both guys.
This is just my opinion, okay? I know this is war and you arent going to get all of the goodies you do at home. BUT if somebody is willing to give their lives to keep you safe and free, I believe they should at least get a hot breakfast for their trouble! It wouldnt hurt to give them something nicer than that once in a while as well. If you knew what they truly went through, you would have alot more love and respect for them. Also since they are under such a physical and mental strain over there fighting, it would do them good to have a hot meal on their stomachs before going out to do their job in the morning!
The problem is the logistics. Hot (implying fresher than MRE) meals require more frequent convoys to deliver food, and in some cases, keeping more refrigeration and cooking equipment on the base (and fuel, and food service personnel, etc). As the base is turned over, and some of that equipment is moved out for redeployment, MREs are used instead, as they are in boxes that can be moved in much larger quantities/smaller sizes/less frequent convoys, and can be stored anywhere (except under water, but even then they would probably survive).
The flip-side would mean that the Army had to continue with more frequent resupply convoys, and keep more troops and equipment at the base longer. The headline is totally misleading, and should really read: "Army begins transitioning forward operating base to local nationals, draws back services accordingly". But, that would mean less add clicks for CNN.
Nothings too good for the troops – and nothing is what they'll get. Quit your bitchin' Mr. Congressman and fix the budget.
So we can afford to build carriers and jets and afford to fuel those jets. Anyone who argues against a soldier or sailor getting a hot meal made available to them, and even if they are offered sometimes they are still missed, that person is a moron. They should focus there time on realizing how many millions of dollars the US Gov't is going to waste on cutting up a naval ship and fixing up a reef.
Please what is all the crying about? Look at WWII and the Korean and Vietnam War. God are our soldiers that weak they need to cry for a hot meal. The Defense Dept spent millions on the MRE and it's about time they started using them to feed soldiers. Here's one for you Google Army Wrong! Soldiers are so poorly feed that we have 300 lb national Guard soldiers running around Afghanistan. Soldiers have been eating 4 meals for years. The Senator needs to get a grip and start working on employment for Americans at home. No more Thanks Givings with a million pounds of Turkey being sent either. We have made these FOB's homes for soldiers and they don't want to go out the wire!!! I am a soldier and this should have occurred years ago it would have save the tax payer a mint. Why is it that soldiers need ever soft drink under the sun? Milk,Strawberry milk Chocolate and any other milk!!!
Please CNN get something important to report!!!
I agree. I sure don't want our soldiers to starve...but come on... I think it's more important that they're taken care of when they get home then to make sure they have chocolate milk and hot wings when they watch the super bowl on their 65" TV.
Wow. Hot breakfast while at war. How about sauna privileges too? This is war. Tell the Iowa mom to get with the program!
I remember when MREs didn't have the heater and we ate them cold. Might not have liked them, but they always kept us fed. I did have a fondness for the tuna casserole. Troops are always going to complain....start worrying when they quit complaining.
Chicken A La King. Nasty wall paper paste! ;-)
When did they start making MRE's with heat packs. Ours were always cold and most of the time, we were happy to have them so we could eat when we were actually HUNGRY. Besides, Mom would be disgusted if she saw how dirty my hands were when I was served that piece of white bread to go with my hot meal. Imagine, the germs did not kill me. MRE's were great in the field. Civies just don't understand, can't make them understand. Soldier up kids.
When I was deployed I never ate a hot breakfast while in camp. Maybe one hot meal. But never hot breakfast. Back then we ate C rations. When MRE's came out I hated them. I liked my C rations better. Of course I also ate local stuff like cooked dog. Yum yum.
You know where you can get a hot breakfast? America. Bring the troops back, problem solved.
If the President/Congress.Senate are getting paid, our troops on the front line desrve hot meals!!! Especially in the winter!
Our military marches on it's stomach. Without proper nutrition, we lose the battle, before it begins.
I'm with Nietodarwin. Sounds like they're just winding down logistics as they're preparing to withdraw – much ado about nothing. According to the story, this all started when momma called the congressman. Nothing about the soldier. He's probably just out there doing his job. And catching hell from his buddies if they know his momma started all this...
"Food is a tactical weapon" and has been since the days of medieval sieges. I have to believe the Defense Dept. completely on this particular story. Much ado about nothing.
It is a tactical weapon. And MREs are weapons of mass destruction ... to the colon.
For all those that complain, the every branch of the military defends your rights and privileges as a citizen of the USA, including your right to bellyache on line. Perhaps it is time for you to stop asking what your country can do for you and ask what you can do for your country.
theres between 1800 and 3000 calories in an MRE. have you seen some of these soldiers that never leave the fob??? theyre obese!
my point is that a lot of soldiers dont need all the chow.
Most MREs have far fewer calories than that (in the 1000-1500 calorie range), when you don't drink the powdered milkshakes. I eat 4000 calories a day at home to maintain my weight (180 with low body fat). When away with the Army I need far more. I was losing weight eating 5000+ calories a day (I was 164 when I came home last spring). It's true that the Army has it's share of overweight individuals, especially in some MOSs. America and the Army in particular, needs to deal with that. But as they said in the article, food is a tactical weapon. If I spend 11 months without my family and friends or a cold beer or my car/house/etc. and I'm literally putting my body on the line, shouldn't a get a yummy breakfast when possible.
I remember C-rations. Box about 4x4x8 with canned everything, including a mini-pack of 4 cigarettes. Smokers in an advance state of nicotine shakes would gladly trade their dessert for your smokes, or if you felt generous (as I usually did) you just said "....here...enjoy..." Ham and Lima beans – yes, sounds disgusting – were great. Interesting that the ham and eggs were great in the can; in the MRE it was beyond inedible. Initial offerings in MREs were pretty grim and hit-or-miss....new ones, while not what one would want to make a permanent diet, are varied, nutritious, and reflect a lot of thought and research.
Also, a side bennie...after almost any MRE meal, a rifle platoon could emulate a 30 piece wind orchestra, if you get my drift.
I hear of a couple of civies choking to death on a hot breakfast. We need to get them out of civilian and hands and keep them in the military where they belong.
You sir, are win. xD
Thats why we have Ramen and Tabasco sauce...You guys need to get creative over there, parlay some cases of MRE's for some goat and eggs...I mean really this is supposed to be a counter insurgency program...
Here , here!!! Some one gets it!
When we first invaded Iraq I got one meal/MRE a day. I survived. Just as in this case, it was due to logistical problems - while it's wrong, it does happen.
I ate MREs 3 meals a day all the time in Desert Storm. All you need a canteen cup and some water to heat it up. Sounds like a hot meal to me.
Must of been a jarhead since the army had hot food. I have the journal that my husband wrote for me during his time over there. He wrote about how he and a couple of other Marines went out on night patrol one evening to an army encampment and they all came away with their alice packs full of food. My husband actually carried out a plate of spaghetti! They stole the food out from under the army's nose. The story still brings a big smile to my face, whenever I read the journal. Hard to believe that yesterday was 23 years since his friends died over there. They were times when they would get only one MRE a day and sometimes he went without food and enough drinkable water so his men could have it. Crying over the lack of a hot breakfast, please!
MRE AKA Meals Rejected by Ethopians
Do the evil-doers in Prison get 3 hot meals per day?! Make their treatment mirror that of our troops. No Better. Our Service Men & Women deserve better trearment than the thugs, thieves, rapists and murderers in prison. Something to look into...
Er, actually, many prisons are serving Nutraloaf, which is so awful that prisoners in several states are actually suing to get it barred as cruel and unusual punishment. MREs, while not something pleasant to live on, are way better than that.
They dont deserve a hot breakfast.
Only POG's eat gourmet food at the army.
Soldiers are there to FIght for FREEDOM not chow down
Ha, live a hard day in your life.
Anyone that signs up for the military must anticipate that at any time throughout their enlistment, hell can happen. It could be physical or pschological. It could be torture or possibly dying. If someone signs up to take advantage of health, educational, monetary benefits, etc without taking into account the demand and accountabilty possibly made on them, they are fools. Wise up. This is not a resort to expect hot meals, especially in a war zone. If this is too much beyond a "Happy Meal" or Mommy's dining that they're used to, well, too damn bad. Go out and make your mark in the civilian world.
Why don't you join? I am sure you appreciate all the rights and privileges that the people who serve in the military defend for you. Perhaps it is time for you ask what you can do for your country and not what your country can do for you.
As someone who has served in the Army and been deployed multiple times, I can definitely agree with Wayne. Although the intro is a bit grandiose, the point is correct. Those nice benefits come at a cost. Stop whining and heat up your MRE already. Logistics can suck at times during deployment. Get over it. Besides, the newer MREs aren't that bad.... except for the bean and rice burrito.
Should have joined the Air Force. We fight in style and comfort.
hey jerk off youre in the air force....you dont fight.
hey mr chair force, the last time I checked you people dont fight.
um, I served in the air force. Went through basic training, tech school, M60 Machine gunner school, Advanced Infantry Training at Ft. Dix, NJ, spent many months deployed carrying an M16 or M203 – many wear Ranger tabs. SO, yes, the AF DOES fight. The officers, on the other hand .. well, different story.
The AF – aren't those the guys who have carpeted hotels, hot meals, bus boys, and full-service gyms to stay fit? Those guys who gain so much weight that their class B slacks are always 1 inch too high above the shoe? Those guys? Pleeeeez.
Air Force? Fight? Did you really use those two in the same sentence. About the only combat you guys see, except for a few pilots who have actually had someone shoot back in the early days of the wars, is in Call of Duty and Halo 4. Even your security forces personnel rarely get to due more than babysit a gate or perimeter.
I've seen on a number of shows, including Modern Marvels, that today's MREs are actually quite good and get the overall approval of most troops. It may not be Mom's home cooking, but it sure beats the rations from wars past. Many civies stocked up on these in 2012, you know, just in case.
Try eating them three meals a day for a couple months. The novelty wears off very fast.
You got that right!
They're not that bad, but you definitely don't want them day in and day out. That being said, that's just a part of life for some personnel. They either get over it or whine about it. Either way, life goes on.
Listen...they put ther lives on the line every day.while the rest of us sit here and play armchair quarterback.
Would it really be a problem to feed them well? Or are we to commited to giving all our money as handouts to other country's?
Reading these comments is amazing. There are so many people who have so many 'expert' opinions and really have no idea waht they are talking about. The only things that anyone knows for sure are 1) some soldier wrote his mommy a letter stating that he wasn't getting a hot breakfast, 2) the US presence in Afghanistan is being reduced which presents huge logistics problems and 3) most soldiers aren't crazy about MRE even though they contain enough 'nutrition'. Seems to me that this is not a crisis!! Nor is it a permanent change in policy (no hot breakfasts for any soldier anywhere anytime!!) So, why doesn't the nice Congressman continue to demonstrate 'effective policy making and governing' in DC like all of his other Congressional buddies who have been so effective for the country – and leave running the military to the people who actually do that for a living. If this is the largest problem the US faces, we're in great shape!!!
These clowns must think the cooks, and supply trucks are the last to leave. And to think this guys a Congressman.
Read the source of this "article"...FROM JAN 10th!
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118959
In the Foreign Legion we only have food every other day
REAL men !!
I've seen so many B%$#S&%$ reports about this. So here are the facts:
1. Soldiers overseas STILL (and always have) get 4 meals a day.
2. Breakfast is no longer a hot meal, its an MRE. But cereal, juice, milk and all sorts of other foods can be picked up in addition to the MRE.
3. Lunch and Dinner are Hot meals. "Two hots and a cot" sound familiar?
In the Foreign Legion we only eat every other day.
But then we are REAL men !!!
The French have the best weapons in the world. Never fired and only dropped once. Real Men HAHAHAHAHAHA
Never fired and only dropped once? Oh. I get it. Its a joke. Just about every country that was in the way got steam rolled by the German blitz. Why is it that the French the only ones called cowards? England survived because of the channel and Russia had more people than the Germans had bullets. The French underground were a major reason the Allies did as well as they did. I don't think I have read many stories about the Jews putting up a huge fight. The were murdered by the thousands and acted like sheep going to the slaughter. Do yourself a favor and get a library card.
Tell me again why you speak French instead of German....
I'm surprised the French military still had enough energy left to raise the white flag in WW2.
The French Foreign Legion is not made up of predominantly French people, they're from all over the world.
I trained with some of you clowns. I'll never drink that mud you all call coffee, again. My hands are still shaking from that sh#$!
I served with Colonel Wawro and if he says it is not a budget issue then it is NOT a Budget issue. He is a great officer who puts his troops first. Keep your head down and your powder dry Joe.
I cannot agree with you more Charles. I was in the battalion HQ when he served, then a Major, as the Battalion operations officer, then as Executive Officer. He was the single most humble and knowledgeable office I ever dealt with. If breakfast had to go, it's because it had to go. MREs aren't nearly as bad as some people make them out to be.
Stop sending money to Towelstan and other countries Jeeez!
Has anybody blamed Bush? Can we still place blame on him? If so.... I think it's his fault somehow.
When he comes out of hiding maybe we will.
Our cooks were detailed to the mess hall when we were home and came with us when we deployed. These Marines preformed with distinction and we were so thankful to have them. This is not that hard. The field mess operation should be handled by the military and not contractors. Food is important to mission accomplishment. The youngest of leaders know that.
MREs for breakfast? Yuk. The terrorists have won.
bah! I used to have them for lunch almost every day when i worked in the QM,because the mess was a 2 click walk.since i worked in the qm i could chose the good stuff every day like spaghetti,ravioli,and lasagna
Heat up your MRE Soilder.
LOL! That's what I thought. As long as there is water just heat up that entree and coffee. Not bad.
MRE's = YUCK!! What if you're Vegan??
yes, even the vegan d-bags have their own veggie MRE's. awesome to see how much the army is bending over backwards for special interests and wondering why we can't impose our will on an enemy.
I bet all that sausage and pasta you cram down your throat has givin you a dickie doo! You know? When your stomach hang further than your dickie doo?
no, no ... for vegans they bend the other way.
if we can't get our troops overseas a hot meal in the morning (the only meal that they probably get if they're running missions all day), then the whole army, INCLUDING THE PENTAGON POGS should have to eat MRE's too!
You've never served, have ya?
I can't remember the last time I could afford 3 meals a day. On a really good day I get 2, on a bad day I get a snack. And yes before u ask I have a job it just doesn't leave much after rent and heat.
As someone who served in a rough spot in Afghanistan and not one of the comfy giant FOBs, we got 2 hot meals a day and one of those was breakfast. There were times in which we didn't get supplies flown to us and we would go on just drinking water and not have any milk or juice. Big deal. We are Soldiers. We can manage on no hot meals a day. I am sick of civilians getting into military matters and it wasn't long ago that I just said the same thing when it concerned women serving in primary combat roles. I'm glad to be getting medically retired next month. I begin leave next friday and I am sick of the interference the military is beginning to experience from outside forces.
You have no idea what you're talking about. The decision to lift the combat ban was made ultimately by the Pentagon. It was military policy, not law. You're just mad because if women start serving in combat roles, you won't be able to feel superior anymore. Give me a break.
Maya, with all due respect you're making a lot of assumptions here.
bwa ha ha women in combat thats so funny!!!
I agree. I am a female veteran and there is a difference between what civilians want for troops and what is realistic for troops. There is no one starving to death on the front lines- far from it. And for the love of God stop sending soldiers Girl Scout Cookies. They can pave a road from the World Trade Center to Kabul with the Girl Scout Cookies that are sent to troops.
Clam down – you're about to join those outside forces. Do yourself a favor, when you get a civilian job and see people slacking off – don't let it upset you. Focus on your work and move on. If you let it get to you, it will affect your friends and family and, before you know it, they will no longer be around – because they were to uncomfortable being around someone that was too wound up for their own good. So, relax. The forces on the outside medling into military affairs are called the taxpayers flipping the bill. Congress reports to them.
Even the illegal mexicans want to join the military for the three squares of hot food. the us army gravy train
The U S Military IS the biggest "employer" of illegals in the United States
Yet people in prison get rest, medical attention and air conditioning... oh and three good meals a day that some free people never see. Thank our troops, they and families suffer enough. Eat up
I agree Hoorah for the troops but what do you want to do.If you want to stop giving people in prison "rest" medical care air conditioning.Seems kind of cruel.At least if we are going to just put people somewhere with no escape and no rest somehow no medical care lets at least quit putting people in prison that did not harm anyone and are not a danger to society they just either smoked or sold weed or some other drug.
Or we could go your way but put people that drink and sell alcohol cigarettes and other tobacco in there with the Rapist Child killers and other maniacs and what why they are so angry when they make it out alive.
For most CNN readers their notion of privation is a day without HD cable.
While it is true that today many of our soldiers are not to the things that are going for them. Many write the mothers and congressmen. A true story was a Naval officer who was called to the Captain's conference room. Here he met a Congressman from the home state of one of the enlisted men under his command. The son had complained that the officer was being too hard on him. Of course the Officer was concerned that he was about to get his ass chewed out. Instead the Congressman thanked the Officer for trying to discipline the enlisted man out . He had been trying for years trying to do it. While it would be nice to give our men and women a hot meal when possible. IF IS NOT POSSIBLE SO BE IT MER'S. BUT if its if the convenience of the Army, then that is bullshxt.
The real reason for keeping these USELESS, UNJUST WARS going is to keep the American unemployment from being 30%. and to keep tax payer dollars flowing into the war machine, Military Industrial Complex. Yes I guess it is a rude awakening when you realize your service does'nt warrant a hot breakfast. Welcome to the new reality austerity.
You Sir are Crazy!
When you've eat' n food cooked in an ammo can in the middle east in the 80's and thought it was the best meal you ever had, let me know. When you actually missed sitting at a red light and people watching, let me know. When you call your mommy from halfway around the world and have nothing better to say except, "Breakfast is cold" you fit right into today's combat arms. She and you will get along just fine, Skippy!
My grandfather on my fathers side was Navy off the coast of Korea during the Korean War...grandfather on mothers side was Army – Communications Specialist – WWII Battle of the Bulge... and father was Army – M.P./Infintry – Vietnam......if they ever heard me complain any shape way or form, they kicked my ass straight, ecspecially over food!!! Yes, today's soilders are slightly more pampered compared to wars gone by... ...if they were to complain to any of my relatives about a lack of a hot meal....they would get their asses handed to them in a quick second...believe that!!! ;-}
An American Service Man/Woman looks forward to the meals and tracks time by them. MRE's are suitable nutrition-wise, but also cause constipation by design over time. Hot meals at an established base in Afghanistan or Iraq were contracted out and served by third-country nationals and occasionally local hires (who certainly showed their disdain but clearly liked the pay). Those hot meals make a difference in morale, and if you have ever served our country on either just a rotational deployment OR war deployment, you would understand exactly how important the meals become. Each of those service members deserve hot meals , but also know that there are times logistically it can't be possible. What is key here is Leadership getting the message, passing what is happening to the NCO's and Petty Officers, and let the small unit leadership sort it out. Provide the troops with their requirements, make them happy when you can, and ensure the have the beans, bullets, and bandages to successfully complete their mission. That is what they really want and need.
Amen. I served in the Persian Gulf war in what was then the 24th ID, and just one hot meal a day is a real morale booster. It aint always possible when you're on the move, but they need to try and be as regular with that as possible.
The response to Congressman Braley should read,
"Dear Congressman,
Leave the logistics of fighting wars up to those who do it everyday.
Sincerely,
The SECRETARY OF THE ARMY"
Dear Secretary of the Army,
You're fired by order of those of us that outrank you.
Signed,
The People of the United States
Now we know why the military suicides are so high.
It's a good thing we did'nt have to fight the Japs and Germans with this lot of GI joes now. We for sure would have lost
“These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect the very freedoms we cherish."
Whatever. They do it for themselves just like every other human on the planet.
Not all of us do it for "ourselves". Some Americans (as I'm sure others in many cultures world wide as well) still feel a sense of pride and an urge to serve our great nation. To enlist and raise one's right hand is a selfless act. We do it knowing that we could be deployed and shot at anytime, at home or abroad.
Respectively,
Sgt. Lowrey
You're not serving the nation. You're serving the executive branch. Big difference. If the president commanded you to deploy within the U.S. to control a civilian rebellion and kill civilians, you'd be legally required to do it.
Actually Maya per the Law of Armed Conflict and the Uniform Code of Military Justice as a service member I am obligated to disobey illegal orders such as the one you point out. If something else is the case I really would like to stop doing the LOAC computer based training annually...
It would also depend on if it is a rebellion or demonstration. You sure are vague Maya.
Yes, but you are automatically assuming that putting down a civilian rebellion is not "serving the nation." If a small group of crazies rise up and have an armed rebellion, I would appreciate the army coming in and putting it down.
WOW. Yes we all know everyone over there is tuff as nails. We are aware they don't expect 5 star hotel service. You think maybe we civilians just think in this day and age we can do better for our soldiers. . We send food and supplies and letters and so on. We think our government can do better . It's how we show our graditude ! I here a lot our soldiers don't get thanked as much as they should . SO SO F*CKING SORRY WE GIVE A DAMB!!!! I'll go shove my face in my pillow and cry like a little cry baby now .. Because our graditude is in vein . Then I'll go f*ck myself....
What?
Let's write some Congressmen, people, please! This is ridiculous, and it smacks of a Pentagon trying to scrape by on a budget that is, to say the least, inadequate, and in my own opinion, criminally negligent. It reminds me of the austerity forced upon our military during the term of President Carter from 1977 to 1981. How can we hope to see our young men and women choose to stay in the military when they can't even count on a hot meal at their base? Does anybody really think that this is as far as the belt-tightening will go if this travesty is allowed to go unchallenged?
@Jerry C,
Sir, while I thank you for your ferocity and vigor for the well treatment of the troops, I can assure you that we are taken care of. We receive an adequate amount of food that sustains our needs. We understood when we raised our right hand that to secure requires sacrifice. This, seen as a very small sacrifice int he scheme of things, is not really a sacrifice at all. Considering our heritage of protecting this and other great nations, we have it fairly easy. Our fathers and grandfathers had conditions that would seem atrocious by today's standards, yet then it's, "just how it was". Again, I admire your fight for us, but rest assured, we do not necessitate such luxuries. We are simply doing what we said we would regardless of the conditions and that is being, "guardians of freedom and the American way of life".
Respectively,
Sgt. Lowrey
Come on, just flat out say it... MREs are actually good now. It's time we inform the general public of this fact.
I would have to agree, MREs are good! I'll eat just about everything in them except for the Charms candy. That's just taboo.
Did you READ the story?
Oh no! The soldiers aren't getting gourmet food for breakfast in a combat zone!
With all due respect you sir are a moron. Gourmet meals really? You have obviously had the pleasure of dining in one of our fine chow halls.
so – we should then have no more hot breakfasts in the White House or Congress...
How often do you eat a hot breakfast really? And do you really think it's feasible to serve a hot breakfast every day in a combat zone? This sounds like a case of a spoiled kid no knowing what he was getting into.
When you're fighting a war 7,500 miles from home, and a politician is whining about the temperature of the breakfast?
Puh-lease!
There are more important things to worry about, like getting shot at, than hot breakfast. Give me a break!
It's grandstanding for votes, plain and simple. He really doesn't give a sh!t.
Why can't Obama feed the troops?
He can, it's just that they're getting MREs instead of flapjacks in the morning for the next few months. Still getting actual food for lunch and dinner.
Why can't you read the story?
This is a war... not a hotel... they all chose to be there... how many children have been wrongfully murdered for profit? yea...thought so they're fine without a "hot" breakfast... wow you people amaze me
These people are fighting so you can spew your hateful, sick, Anti American sewer thoughts all over decent people...enjoy your dinner...
Dont be silly, man. They are fighting because that's where they were told to be. If you think killing people in their own country protects freedom you need to think some more. If anything, this makes us less safe.
You're right...I'd much rather have them come over here and kill another 3,000 office workers in skyscrapers...you're so intelligent.
What a bunch of bs.These men and women deserve the best of the best.
Yeah, when they get home. They are in a combat zone. Did you think they were off picking daisies for the next State Dinner?
I have eaten MREs many times, and it's not that bad. Half of it is common canned food you would get in a grocery store, but packaged in pouches. It's not worse than what a lot of civilians eat every day, and it's only one out of three meals. Fortunately, our troops are a lot tougher than the drama crybabies throwing a fit here.
Except for the "snack bread". Good lord that stuff is horrible.
I spent 51 – 53 aboard ship, so we ate veyr few MREs – just when we periodically 'refreshed' the rubber life-rafts and passed around the chocolate bars. However, we once spent 53 days off Resolution Is. with 250 doggies aboard, were so low on fuel we couldn't make it back to port, and as food we were down to powdered eggs, powdered potatoes, and powdered milk. The potatoes and eggs were served hot to all 500 of us, but the powdered product was of much poorer quality than today. We stayed on 'station' without regard to problems. Then the 'old man' shot a polar bear – we think it was near a world record of a ton – it was not inspected so it could not be served as "mess", but it was served out the back door and we each had a very nice cut. A Swedish tanker/refer rescued us.
Meanwhile, no Republicans can explain why we still haven't declared victory when we outnumbered, outteched, and outspent the Taliban by a factor of at least 100 to 1 for 8 years.
Actually, your Left wing Fuhrer is declaring victory when it's not true...live in the past do we?
That "past" is pretty relevant to what's going on. Turn off Fox News and educate yourself.
you're in the army now and your azz is ours. quit complaining you bunch of pampered pussies. go home to mommy if you can't handle it.spoiled forkin brats.
I would tell this soldier to quit going to his mom with meaningless crap. If he gets 2 meals a day he's doing better than most. During my 2 deployments I've learned that you have 2 types of people, the ones who can't hacket and the ones who get it done. The biggest issue I have is that the ones who fall-out come back with every war story happening to them. They are the "PTSD'ers" scamming the government, the ones who demand free meals at restaurants, go to a bar in their uniform to get free drinks, display their vet stickers on their new trucks they got with the tax free money, get hooah tattoos and the ones who will go out of their way to let you know they served in a combat zone (not necessarily in actual combat), even if it was for just over a month, enough to get their combat patch. That's worst to me than missing a meal. This congressman needs to send a letter to the Secretary of the Army demanding they go after people who commit stolen valor. That would be a greater deal than getting a soldier an omelette for breakfast.
this is bullcrap. i did 3 tours in iraq as a 19D and morning hot chow was the only thing to look forward before rolling out the wire all day. Even then it was maybe a 2 or 3 times a week, but it was nice to have. WTF!
Once can argue that a MRE is a hot meal but unless your a fobbit or your staging for the next mission the MRE is cold.
Agreed!
Must be a REMF who whined to his mama!
If that bothers you, maybe you should be attacking the irrational, primitive culture of military worship in this country.
I agree with both of you.
We can ship trucks and rockets, but we can't ship eggs and pancake mix? Let's just bring them home and they can eat at Roscoes Chicken and Waffles.
Unlike military equipment, eggs actually have expiration dates
The military deployed overseas doesn't get a hot breakfast while serving our country, but illegals in our public K-12 school systems do get a hot meal for breakfast and lunch, for free.
Im with you bro, those illegal kids should starve or be killed
Yes, the compassionate Republicans would advocate letting these kids die.
I'd advocate them living where they belong until such a point as they enter this country legally the way my ancestors did – speaking English and waving an AMERICAN flag...
I'm pretty sure comming to a foreign land with muskets and killing off the natives wasn't legal.
Which ancestors are you talking about? The Spanish ones who enslaved and committed genocide against the natives or the ones from England who enslaved and committed genocide against the ones already living there?
I guess it doesnt matter because at the time genocide and slavery was perfectly legal unlike these evil illegals doing stuff like construction work for low pay, what immoral disgusting animals. I sure do miss the good old days when you could kill a savage for fun.
Your ancestors did no such thing.
This Republican adopted one...what have you done?
...so do all those confined to our penal institutions. Nice.
Common Sense: the least common of all senses.
Twenty years in the war says that hot meals for the troops are a bonus, but NOT a requirement. Soldiers are way tough enough to do without the pancakes and sausage, take it to the bank.
I have served 20 years in the Army. I bet we have some Kids here in the States that would just love to have something to eat in the morning. The poor guy is still getting 2 hot meals a day. how many people here only eat ceral in the morning. Alot of time the upper command group don't even eat 3 meals a day.
The low-income kids here in the states are given free or reduced meals in their public schools, at the expense of the taxpayer.
Tenuous analogy. Military Deployment vs. the poor as to food. The military should enjoy similar hot meals to the American Middle Class, for whose "way of life" they are fighting. This is food they are accustomed to, not MRI's. If you weren't raised in the South, your stomach may not like grits. Such physical upset, or lingering unsatisfied taste (personal taste) for comfort (normal) food may result in less than a good day. This is not “pampering.” A Latin American staple diet may be baked cornmeal and beans. It is nutritious, but not very palatable if one is accustomed to potatoes and chicken. And how much more do those thermal heating cans cost than a fresh, hot meal at mess?
As to poor children & the homeless in USA, they should have access to American resources that 3rd world citizens don't. Surely our troops shouldn't live at poverty level as to food acceptance? We should provide hot food (even if in temporary mess tents), now apparently being denied. Not forsake our troops for efficiency, budget cutting, or lack of empathy from Top Brass (who sit high and fat at their desks). We are talking of “nutrition” of mind, and emotions, not just material body needs.
Here in South Florida we can buy Hurricane meals, similar to MRI's, but that's for an emergency lasting no more than a couple of weeks. And yes, in La La land we have feeding programs for all poor who need a hot, tasty meal daily, meeting minimal nutritional needs. rel
Why is this news. This is the army, in a combat zone. They don't get maid service and a chocolate on their pillow at night , either. Leave it to a congressman to stick his nose in. What a dufuss.
You know what always got to me, always having to eat MREs with a spoon (and we ate a lot of MREs). Have you ever tried to eat a beef patty with a spoon? They should have put sporks in there. Just sayin'.
Understood – The aluminum trays took some getting used to as a plate, and the big cups with no handles, but the real problem I didn't get used to was the tablespoon – only. I still don't like a tablespoon with my soup – it sounds petty, and it is but it is one more shift from civilian life forced three times a day.
you can tell in these posts who knows what their talking about and those who will never know what their talking about.
Essayons America!
They told me it would be a life of adventure. Now I spend every day filling out paperwork and playing with MATLAB (while wearing camouflage, because we're "warriors").
Just like you can tell who knows the difference between "their" and "they're", huh... I smell and edit coming.
...and there it is. *an
MRE – Meals Rejected by Ethiopians.
Forgot about that, lol
MRE = Meals that Refuse to Exit
"Ah man, I didn't know war was going to be hard ;("
Wait... I think I figured it out... They're giving the veggie omelet one (no salsa) out for breakfast, aren't they?
Nobody should ever be subjected to such torture.
That, or the always delicious bean burrito. That's why they make a point to include TP in the accessories list, as pointed out by another post.
Just enough TP to make a mess, that is.
Hahahaha.
Typical bullsh!t thrown at our troops. Send them on multiple back to back deployments, ignore their wounds and stress after they get out of the service, deny Agent Orange was a problem for years, deny, deny, deny.
You people who brush this aside and think our men and women can eat MRE's or in my day C rations for breakfast should forgo your egg muffins and Dunkin donuts to eat that crap. Sure, in the field on missions it has to do, but in camp a hot meal is a simple pleasure they deserve. Good enough you say !!!! Great job Congressman for bringing the issue to light. As for you who think he is grandstanding go eat a can of Spam heated chemically or an MRE out of a bag. I ate that crap in the form of C rations in Nam. Sure it was food, but a hot meal, especially in the beginning of the day does wonders for your well being. By the way, it ain't ham you idiot, its Spam.
Are they sure they were cold in the first place? I can't remember a field breakfast ever actually arriving warm. Cold eggs and grits, yum.
*weren't cold
Did I read correctly that this all came to surface after an Iowa soldier complained to his mommy, and she contacted her congressman? They don't make those cornheads like they used to do they?
I did not see the part about mommy being the one contacting the Congressman. I kind of get it now. The soldier was performing the ancient tradition of griping, and mommy didn't get it.
2nd Para.
"According to Jeff Giertz, Communications Director for the United States Congressman's office, he was prompted to do so after being contacted by the mother of one of his Iowa constituents who is serving abroad in Afghanistan."
Yeah vatoloke – maybe he did call his "mommy" to complain. Why don't you give her a call and let her know that you'll get off the couch and take his place so he can come home and spend time with his family. Or is that too much?
Been there. Done that. Grassyass.
Their labor is exhausting, not exhaustive.
The soldier to complained to his parents better watch himself – if he can. I know someone who complained to his parents about deaths from heat exhaustion on a troop train. Those parents wrote their Congressman, there was an Army investigation, and the soldier found himself with two weeks hard labor, followed by another two weeks, then sent into combat without finishing training. This didn't happen in recent wars, but I bet things haven't changed that much.
Sure you do. Here's how it actually works: Soldier complains to mommy. Mommy calls congressman. Congressman (staffer, actually) makes a call. Army reacts. Commander now knows the Soldier is poison, but if he does anything to him, commander's career is over.
And then you read about it on CNN.
How to get Hot Breakfast in field condition:
1) Take MRE.
2) Get water.
3) Take entree pouch and flameless ration heater out.
4) Put entree pouch into the flameless ration heater.
5) Pour water into flameless ration heater up to the line.
6) Wait a few minutes.
Congratulations: You have hot breakfast.
How to have fun in the field:
1) Empty ration heater contents into a plastic water bottle;
2) Introduce H2O;
3) Cap and Throw bottle;
4) Laugh.
how much water ?
Doesn't take much. 1/3 cup or so
^ This. Homemade Hydrogen Bomb
Shhh.... the Taliban doesn't know about our secret rations-based IED technology yet
You forgot to add the hot sauce for a home made CS grenade !!!
Wait until the first knucklehead falls asleep, add in hot sauce AND pepper, throw in the lap of the unsuspecting victim. Boom! That'll teach that doggone yahoo to fall asleep! Hahaha! LMAO! Good times.
The military peson who complained better watch himself. I know a man who complained to his parents about two deaths from heat exhaustion on a troop train. They wrote their Congressman, there was an Army investigation, and when the dust settled, the man got two weeks hard labor for some small infraction, and when that was done, he was sent for another two weeks. After that he was sent into combat without finishing training. That was not in recent wars, but I doubt things have changed that much.
I don't remember which one it came in (maybe chili mac?) but I was always sure to get the one with the blue skittles
Spicy Penne Pasta with Vegetarian Meat Sauce. That one is pretty good.
something else that is bad for morale is STILL BEING THERE. i think that if we brought those troops home and quit spending my tax money protecting the barbaic middle east we could make sure all troops got hot meals. but i also have to ask how a senator can make the jump from 'no hot meal' to 'poor nutrition'. food does not have to be hot to be nutrionally satisfying.
This is probably the same type of senator that could not tell you what a gallon of milk costs. Reppin her peope!
This is ridiculous. Some of you who are standing up for the government and saying this is okay, are douche'B's... Our men and women deserve a hot meal and not a stinking MRE for 6 months to 9 months to 1 year. You "can't" live on those they will destroy your health. Stand up for your fellow soldier, sailor, marine and Airman.
plain and simple... we deserve a hot meal and breakfast is by far the best meal the military serves...
I've eaten at an Army mess hall. I'd prefer MRE's
I would agree, breakfast is the best the military has to offer as far as food.
But this problem exists because we've farmed out all of our logistical support to contractors. Our cooks seldom cook, and our mechanics and commo guys and pretty much everyone else is in the same boat.
I'd love to see you open a can of ham and limas in the Central Highlands, 2 Corps, Vietnam in 1968 and have to eat it cold. This Vietnam Vet has just got to laugh his A$$ of at this new breed of warrior. If you can't get room service, do you write your mommies ?
Exactly why I say they don't make 'Cornheads' like they used to. The guys I knew from Iowa never griped squat. Cold beanie weenies are the best. Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner anytime!
I'm not trying to minimize your service and sacrifice, but I know a lot of guys who've been deployed 3, 4, 5+ times. I'm sure your 12 months in Vietnam were brutal but people I've served with have spent 6 of the last 11 years deployed in Afghanistan and/or Iraq.
Wow, I'm a bit staggered by our good TSgt. First, thank you for serving the nation. Second, other branches of the US military serve in some amazingly spartan and truly difficult environments... not on flight-lines and sleeping in dormitories around the globe. The US Air Force certainly has its role, but really... hot meals are where you draw the line? Thankfully, the Greatest Generation didn't live by this standard. If they had... well, most in Western and Central Europe would be speaking ‘Deutsch’ now.
Remember, we serve to execute national defense objectives. We serve to protect our Constitution. We serve to protect all of our freedoms, and we serve so that others don't have to. I'm all for comfort, but I’ll also serve without it… when the situation calls for it. I agree that we should serve hot meals to our Soldiers, Airpersons, Sailors, Marines, Coasties, and the rest… when it’s possible.
And, remember, this is the home of the FREE because of a very few number of BRAVE people that are willing to do what most are not. Think on it. Again, hot meals are where you draw the line?
Regarding the story itself, in my humble opinion, there's nothing to see here... move along. Army Strong!
I can remember when I was in the corp. even when we in the field, a mess tent was setup fairly quickly and could be broken down just as quickly, So, whats this logistical crap, hot meals is a moral issue, these troops are enduring conditions that are horrible, no bath for days on end, no sleep, and now you say eat cold food?? Thats bullsh-t!! ask one of the generals who sleep warm everynight to go in the field with the men and eat cold food. We have helicopters to spare, trucks to spare, SET UP A DAM TENT AND SERVE THESE MEN HOT FOOD, EITHER THAT OR BRING THEM HOME! DAMMIT!!!
MREs are hot meals, or don't you know what they are? And the word is morale not 'moral'.
Hey, they still get B-rations twice a day. And MREs aren't really all that bad. Griping is an ancient military tradition, and it could always be worse: we could be giving those guys the God forsaken A-ration for breakfast.
Amen! This isn't about the value of MRE's vs. meals prepared in a mess tent. This is about morale in one of the few things that hold any comfort for our troops. When I see the senior officers eating MRE's day in and day out, then maybe I will change my mind, but I am sure the senior staff officers still have white glove service. Also MRE's day in and day out are not a good thing, just the sodium content is insane.
oh...you mean no warm meals for people fighting in a pointless war? I feel sooooo bad.
This war is not pointless, would you rather be fighting the Taliban and other terrorist orginizations on our streets, in our schools, in our places of worship, in our grocery stores and in your kids or grandkids playgrounds OR would you rather our troops fought them over there? Just think about that for half a minute before you give some smart mouth reply.
The Taliban IS already here. The American Taliban, in the form of Rick Santorium, Sarah Palin, Paul Ryan, the Birthers, the Tea Party et al.
Using your logic, liberals = communists and modern Viet Kong.
I don't believe this, but seriously, hyperbole much?
I buy MREs at the local Army surplus store and bring them on camping trips. I only eat them for lunch on daylong hikes mind you. Back at camp, it's a hot meal over the fire.
Some "flavors" of MREs are wretched filth banned as torture by international treaty. But some of them are actually rather good.
"Some "flavors" of MREs are wretched filth banned as torture by international treaty. But some of them are actually rather good."
Probably the most intelligent post of the day...
They're not getting HOT breakfast. I think most of the troops are OK with this as it means they are packing up and going home. There options for breakfast are the MRE or cold breakfast items like fruit/cereal, or they can go with breakfast bars. This isn't as big a deal as this grandstanding congressman made it out to be.
Welcome home, fellas. They should have buy a serviceman a hot breakfast week at IHOP or denny's to make up for this "travesty" when they come home.
And I'm not getting hot breakfast either. I have about 20 minutes from the time my alarm goes to the time I need to leave home for work. I'm lucky to squeeze some hot coffee in between.
Umm have you ever thought of setting your alarm clock to wake up earlier? I wake up at 4:30 or 5 in order to be at work at 7:30. It's not a hard thing to do.
That's your choice however, the troops aren't affored the luxury of choice. If you want a hot breakfast, get up earlier.
Aboard ship when we were firing (not too often) we were served "battle breakfast" which consisted of steak, eggs (style on order), ranch fried potatoes, coffee, milk, and all you wanted – waste wasn't permitted but you could get all you asked for. There were other selections too, if you wanted like; bread, jam, apple sauce, cornbread, grits, etc. In the navy I also ate things for the first time such as; sweet-potato pie, scallops, spinach, grits, BBQ chicken, and polar-bear.
This congressman shuld check his facts. Anyone who has been in the military knows that you probably won't get a hot meal ever in the field. It sounds like they are getting two hot meals a day. That is better than when I was in in peace time.
I have been in the Army for 20 years. I could never guess how many MREs I have eaten, both in Afghanistan and here in the States during training exercises. They may not be the most desirable meal to eat. And I don't argue that it doesn't compare to home cooking. But they are more than sufficient to get the job done. They provide all the dietary needs a Soldier requires. And I can tell you first hand that MREs have come a long way in the taste department in 20 years. Some of them are actually quite tasty now! They also come in vegetarian and kosher varieties, to ensure Soldiers have a choice that aligns with their individual preferences or needs. This story is trying to make something out of nothing.
They should have reported on the bad luck that the "Charms" candy brings. (Inside Joke)
STANDING UP AND CLAPPING!!!!! Very true, trying to make something out of nothing! Soldiers, Airman, Sailors, and Marines will ALWAYS have meals. Stop trying to find a story when there is not one....jeez!
I agree with the First Sergeant but I wouldn't say we will ALWAYS have meals. COPs are notorious for running out of supplies, not all of them but the most remote and f'd up ones do. I was at a COP in AFG last winter where we had no heaters, literally, in sub zero temps. All of the COP water was frozen and without heaters we had to sleep with frozen bottles in our sleeping bags to have a drink in the morning (got that from Bear Grylls, thanks haji shops). The milk and the juice was frozen as well. We did have MRE's but on a COP with 100 soldiers they would run out quick, and it was 3 weeks in between air drops. We would stock up on pop-tarts, muffins and cereal but that wasn't that great of a meal especially with the calories we burned in sub-zero temps. We sure did have some fun though, that's what true leaders show their troops, how to make something great out of a bad situation. Can't say it was ideal but man that's the sh!t we sign up for. To do something most can't. No one, not even your mom can ever understand why we do what we do and trying to explain it just makes something cheap out of something sacred. My wife never knew all the times I got into a firefight, when we lost someone, when we had cold miserable nights and certainly nothing as meaningless as a cold meal. All my family knows is that I left and came back in one piece.
My hat's off to you... thanks for doing your part, even if few will ever understand!
Well stated Top.
In my more than 25-years of serving the nation - in peacetime and war, I too have "enjoyed" my fair share of MREs. As 1SG A states, they've come a long way over the last few decades. I still avoid some... from mostly bad memories - couldn't eat the 'corned beef hash' MRE entree even if I were starving, but MREs do the trick.
Again, remember... there is a "heater" in each kit for the entree. If you have the time, you can have a hot meal with MREs. In terms of this story, in my humble opinion, there's nothing to see here... move along.
Yes, I'm still serving, and proud to do so. Army Strong!
MREs are OK, but not if you have to eat them day in and day out, and I bet it's bad for morale. I can understand them out in the field, but even a forward base should be able to serve simple hot meals. That's Scout camp level stuff.
Like they always said when I was in the Marine Corps, "If you don't like something, write your Congresswoman."
That's the problem and that's most likely how this story started , a crying soldier writing his Senator!
I've served in a hazardous area, and I've eaten plenty of MRE's.
They aren't "haute cuisine", but rations have come a long way since WWII, Korea and Vietnam. They will sustain you.
Eating out of brown, plastic pouches for prolonged periods of time can have a negative effect on morale, but I didn't expect home-cooked meals while being so far out at the end of the chain.
Funny...when I was in Afghanistan with the 26th MEU back in 2001-2002, we only ate MRE's during our stay there. I remember using the ham, cheese spread, and the horrible 'bread' some of the MRE's would contain, to create a 'breakfast sandwich'.
Hot meals are a luxury for command and permanent bases. Get over yourself. The military promises you food and you will always get it. If you can't handle the military, then don't join it or get out.
Desert Shield/Desert Storm breakfast: MRE coffee, cheese spread on crackers with hot sauce.Yum! And we still got some of the older MREs: beef patty with hot sauce on shelf-stable bread – cheeseburger!
Stoping hot breakfast to troops in Afghanistan of Americxan forces is treason & falure of logistics. Food alone keep the troops fighting even when ammunition gets short and in bunkers they got have extras reserves.President Obama being Commander in Chief will certainly take it seriously and find a solution that it never occures again.
Troops miss a hot breakfast and that's treason..... right.
Those MRE's are very gross. I tired one that I got from some army guys that were at my work. The troops should have hot meals because those MRE's are not food.
My dad had MRE meals, I tried one it was gross, I truley would prefer soft dog food. Yes I would eat it . If I was starving.
I would like to see these high end blow farts eat MRE meals 3 times a day, for 6 to 12 months a year. This story is embarrassing . My family and I are so grateful for all our military's sacrifice no matter how big or smal l. THANK YOU!
Anyone else notice that an "accessory" in the meal is TP? Probably didn't need to mention that one..
Obviously you haven't had to eat a steady military diet including MREs. Toilette paper is most certainly an essential item.
yeah, if you'd eaten enough of them, you'd know you probably don't need the TP, cause you can only poop once a week and it comes out like a side-ways brick.
This is the sort of article that would have made CNN's front page prior to Obama being elected.
I guess this is Bush's fault too.
CNN sucks.
You are really reaching here to grind that ax of yours. Sure, this is an over-reaction and misplaced anger, attempting to dredge up support for a non-issue cause. However, there is nothing to suggest it was directed at or from an agenda other than the welfare of our troops. Blaming Obama, Bush, or even the Easter Bunny is as misdirected as the attempt to change the reality of combat logistics.
Incidentally, the "front page" is selected by computer algorithms more than by editorial bias. The more people reading an article, the more people commenting on it, the higher it ranks in preference until it appears on the "front page."
So, if you want this on the "front page," ask all your friends to click on it, comment on it, click its "like" buttons, etc.
Wow....really? Kind of a new low isn't it?
Nope. Same kind of low since the Clinton admin. Sux to the max, too. Goes right along with the fact that if you're old enough to enlist AND HAVE and you carry a gun to protect your country, you should be considered old enough to drink.
I remember drinking legally at the age of 19, on base in 29 Palms California. That changed soon after I turned 21, with no impact to me – but there was a bit of an uproar at the time.
But in the end, the link between drinking and doing other "dangerous" things is artificial. The real reason for the legal drinking age has little to do with being a "responsible adult." I would imagine that if it did, it would be tied to the right to vote, which (sarcastically) would obviously mean that people wouldn't get to vote until they were 21. ;p
Seriously though, allowing service men to drink legally would have very little impact on society, but would be a big political issue...
Hey, wait a second – let's keep that between us, because politicians LOVE issues. After all, they get paid to perpetuate them rather than to solve them! Both sides would line their pockets with the effort to keep "the issue" alive for as long as possible!
in 2002 You could drink at 18 on base at Fort Bliss in El Paso. The theory was so that you wouldn't go to Mexico to do it.
I took a reserve cruise in '48 and passed thru NYC – the law was 21 or in uniform. 27 of us were indeed in uniform and the average age was less than 18. After getting the group back to the Is from Coney Is, dead drunk, two of us got a bed and spread the others out on the floor of one room. The hotel got them to Grand Central. I gave up both smoking and drinking after seeing 25 guys make fools of themselves. I'd spent two weeks wages on booze and cigarettes and had nothing to show for it.
If you are responsible enough and old enough to kill and die you have certainly earned the right to have a drink or two or three.when the time is appropriate.
This is so wrong.
Are detainees at Guantanamo hainv to live on MREs?
Let's face it. We live in a country that treats terrorist and criminals better than our troops. I never thought, after the disgraceful way our Vietnam Vets were treated, that something like this could happen.This is disgraceful, disgusting and true!
This makes me want to vomit everytime I see a fat democrat.
Typical Washington political theater. Obviously Congressman Bradley has never served in the military nor learned the lesson of his WWII father that you should be happy with what you get. 3 hot meals a day in a combat zone is joke. To some of the troops embedded in extremely remote areas, 3 hot meals a week is a luxury.
MRE's these days come with a chemical bag that reacts with water from your canteen to heat the pouch of chopped and formed "ham" for you. Good enough! That means our troops get hot meals every time they eat!
Political Bragging Rights!
You probably never have had an MRE before or C rations (hot trays) the diffrence is big.
These are soldiers not congressmen!! They know how to survive on MREs, just leave them alone so they can do the damn mission, SHUTUP!
I'm former military, homeslice.
Once you aquire a taste for them they are not bad.