C-Rations

FSN
8970-577-4513
Specification
MIL-M-35048

First procured in 1961, the Meal, Combat, Individual (MCI) weighed just under 2 pounds and was produced in 12 different menus. Each menu contained approximately 1200 calories and consisted of:

One canned meat course
One canned fruit or cake
One B unit can that contained crackers and either a cocoa beverage or candy
One canned spread (peanut butter, jam or cheese spread)
Accessory Packet containing:
- instant coffee
- cream substitute
- sugar
- salt
- chewing gum
- matches
- toilet paper
- cigarettes

Soldiers opened the cans with the P38 can opener and though the contents were typically eaten unheated, the food could be warmed using a fuel tablet. Known as C-Rations, the meals were issued to U.S. forces throughout the Vietnam War, however, the lighter weight freeze-dried LRP Ration was developed for reconnaissance teams.

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