Evaluation of Meal, Ready-to-Eat 8 at Market Square 2
Abstract
The first production run of the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) VIII operational ration was evaluated at a field training exercise (Market Square II) with troops of the 82nd Airborne Division. Two companies participated in the evaluation. One company was issued MRE VIII as part of their ration cycle, the other company was issued MRE V and MRE VIII as planned for this exercise. During the exercise, two focus groups were conducted with each company; approximately twelve individuals participated in each group. Following the exercise, a comprehensive questionnaire was administered to each company. The questionnaire and focus group results indicate that the MRE VIII was viewed as a significant improvement over the older versions of the ration. Soldiers especially liked the new entrees, the larger entree size, the commercial candies, the beverage powders, and the hot sauce. When asked to compare MRE VIII to previous versions of the MRE or to the Meal, Combat Individual ('C-rations'), most soldiers stated a preference for MRE VIII. Soldiers comments also suggest that a rotation of menus every few years and the addition of some supplemental items are needed to maintain the high acceptability of the new ration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA200470
Entities
People
- Dianne Engell
- Richard Popper
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center