K-ration The K-ration was an individual daily combat food ration which was introduced by the United States Army during World War II. It was intended to last for a day and provided three courses: breakfast, dinner (lunch) and supper. While it was intended that the three meals be eaten in the named order, they were not always issued in this manner. History In 1941, Dr. Ancel Keys (a University of Minnesota physiologist) was assigned by the US War Department to design a non-perishable, ready-to-eat meal that could fit in a soldier’s pocket. Keys went to a local supermarket to choose foods that would be inexpensive, but still be enough to provide energy. He purchased hard biscuits, dry sausages, hard candy, and chocolate bars. He then tested his 28-ounce, 3200 calorie (871 gram, 13400 kJ) meals on six soldiers in a nearby army base. The meals only gained “palatable” and “better than nothing” ratings from the soldiers, but were successful in relieving hunger and providing sufficient energy. The Army added a few extra items and named the packs K-rations, possibly in honor of Dr. Keys. Developed using ideas from the USAAF’s bailout ration, the K-ration first saw use in 1942, when it was issued to US Airborne troops for testing. Initial reports praised it for the variety of the foods incorporated, as well as the light weight. Also mentioned by some was the danger of over reliance, which could cause the three meals to become monotonous if issued for long periods of time. Due to …
For as much grief as it has taken, you kinda have to applaud the Army in it’s efforts to feed it’s troops. It’s difficult to feed Tens of thousands of men 3 decent meals a day….especially in field or combat conditions. I’m sure it was a treat to get behind the lines to a field kitchen for a HOT meal, no matter what it was. In my collection, I have an early, unopened K-Ration and 2 C-Ration B Units from 1940/41.
My favorite can within the C-Rations was the “crushed pineapple desert”…I think, on the can it said, “pineapple, crushed, fruit”…take your “John Wayne” (p-38, or if you were ’special’, your p-8 opener) and crank it open! Also, the cheese was neat…used together with the jelly, you could stay ‘regular’. Trust me, they were TONS BETTER than the 1st Gen MREs!!! Those patties were REALLY CARDBOARD!!!
C-Rations also had cigarettes…two individual cigs in their own little box, within the C-Rat. LOVED the green eggs and ham!!! It became green quickly after being canned…though was still ok to eat…I have eaten 1957 canned rations, still TASTY! Don’t throw the wagonwheel crackers…they could KILL someone!
I recently ordered a reproduction of the K ration. They took the cigarettes out but sent the box anyways XP
8:49 cigarrettes are great for your military! No one on earth has a right to complain about US Military rations, they are the BEST!
Thank you usa government for supporting our good, old fashion, nourishment for the lungs, decent and healthy cigarrette companies. Tests on military were sufficient to promote the product for profit in peace time.. Invest in war time products and become rich! Our own greatest enemies are those within who seek to profit off of you!
your right and they aslo used d rations which were energy bars and you could even boil it into a drink. that had to taste bad. X(
… In reality The K ration was a failure.. It just simply didnt provide the sufficient calorie for an invidivdual soldier..ended up soldier suffer from malnutrition..
The army continue to favor C ration..
Thank you so much for posting this, I’m writing a story, and all they have to eat are K-rations because, well they’re paratroopers.
they got me convinced! im enlisting! jk
thanks for posting the vid its kewl
Super pill = meth!! WooHoo!!!
Thank you so much for posting! Watching reels from this era is so interesting. The propaganda is so prominant in this film lol. German rations were crappy but they did have meat and stuff. Same with the Japanese rations although the main part of the Japanese ration actually was rice
Anyway Thanks for posting!