What is a typical lunch for U.S. Marine Corps?
Introduction to Marine Corps Rations
A typical lunch for U.S. Marines can vary widely depending on their location, whether they are in garrison or deployed, and the resources available. However, there are some common elements that can be observed. This article delves into the specifics of what Marines eat during various scenarios—both in and out of garrison—and the nutritional focus behind their meals.
Meals in Garrison
In Garrison: Meals served in mess halls often include options like grilled chicken, beef, or fish paired with vegetables, rice, or potatoes. Cold sandwiches such as turkey or ham with sides like chips or fruit are also common. Many facilities offer salad bars for a healthier option. Beverages commonly provided include milk, juice, or water.
Meals in the Field
Deployed and in the Field: When deployed or in the field, Marines often eat MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat). MREs are self-contained packaged meals that can include entrees such as beef stew, chicken with rice, or pasta dishes, along with snacks, desserts, and beverages. Portable snacks like energy bars, nuts, or jerky are also consumed for quick energy.
Nutritional Focus
The meals are designed to provide the necessary calories and nutrients to sustain Marines during training and operations. They emphasize protein, carbohydrates, and hydration to support the demanding lifestyle.
Dining in Various Situations
Field Training and Combat Operations: In the field, whether on field training stateside or in combat operations in some stink-hole of the world, Marines often rely on MREs. The mantra "If it doesn’t move, you can probably eat it" reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of Marines in such scenarios.
To survive without food for a few days, unless you have dry rations, eat them dry. If you are short of water to heat an MRE, use self-discipline and ration your water. When eating what moves, clock it upside the head with the handle tip of your KBar a couple or three times, making it easier to chew.
Praying for a REMF (Resident Executive Officer) hot delivery of frumma bucket or packaged hot meals can be a morale booster, though it may not come as often as one would hope. Plan on stuffing meals into your gut in garrison, as everything is available, and don't worry about getting fat. Marines are in constant training and run-off all that food before noon.
Chow Hall Experiences
At garrison duty, chow is fantastic, with everything you can imagine and all you can stuff into your gut. Don’t worry about getting fat; it will be run-off before noon. Some examples of meals include mounds of items like soups, salads, beef, potatoes, beans, corn, greens, asparagus, fruits, and bread. Ice cream, cakes, celery, onions, cheese spreads, milk, coffee, and water are also available. Meals often start all over again just after a 3-mile run, obstacle course, or martial arts training.
Afterward, you can consume additional food without leaving a speck on your tray, or you’ll get to clean ovens for six weeks. A cautionary tale involves a Marine who climbed into a big oven to clean it, only to be found two weeks later, practically starved, stuck in a metal rack at the back of the oven. From then on, he was called “Bones.”
Snack Time
Tell your mom to pack lots of candy bars and gummy bears for snacks. Marines are always trying to find out who the Pogey Bait may be, a Marine treated "special" by the Drill Instructors (DIs) and Troop Handlers. In the Fleet Marine Force, a Platoon Sergeant may come looking for the Pogey Bait Commando. This term is often used in a joking and light-hearted manner within the Marine Corps culture.
Conclusion
The meals and rations of the U.S. Marine Corps reflect the resilience, adaptability, and military ethos of the service. Whether in garrison or deployed, the focus remains on providing nutritious and energy-sustaining meals to support the demanding lifestyle of Marines.