Breakfast for troops in Afghanistan are being cut as a way to reduce the "footprint" and as "part of the effort to begin closing down U.S. operations," having nothing to do with the budget, according to officials.
The Washington Times reports that instead, troops will be getting pre-packaged meals known as MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), which are referred to as "Meals Rejected by Everyone," as reported by CNN. The MREs are "considered by health experts to be 'restricted rations' which should not be served for more than 21 days." MREs are designed for troops who are "out in the field without access to cooking facilities," as reported by the Jewish Press. The move has prompted troops to write home to request alternatives. How pathetic, that the men and women who risk their lives are not getting breakfast!
Perhaps the President should reconsider his Lobster, Bison and Apple Pie.
The outrageous decision is not only completely irrational and disrespectful, it is dangerous. How is it possible that the troops can effectively do their jobs without breakfast? The MREs are designed for an emergency situation on the ground, not as a valid meal replacement. Col. Joe Wawro, an infantry commander for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat team explained that "As a part of the responsible draw down of operational forces serving in Afghanistan, my staff examined ways to reduce our footprint and set the conditions for the reduction of forces." With all due respect, Col. Wawro, you can take your reasoning and stick it where the sun don't shine. Find other ways to reduce your "footprint," but do not take it out on those brave men and women who risk their lives every day.
While there are troops in any part of the world, America should make it known that what can be done to support them, will be done. A hot breakfast for troops is not too much to ask.
Photo Source: Examiner
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Comments: 29
Some kidding aside, that's what they did with C-rations when I served way back... try to get us to eat them all up before having to toss them. Ya' never know...
I can see it now one sunny morning in Helmond Provence " come hear you nasty little Taliban" I have not had my scoff this morning as he sticks his bayonet up the backside of Taliban now where your frigging goat, thats your wife you dozy twerp I said your goat, oh sorry mate how did I know the goat was your wife ;-)
Graham...I'd been watching some Battle footage of the lads in Helmand, or Haditha..not quite sure where..the other day. They must have missed their scran (or their pussers;)...
Some of the Boys were in a firefight with the Taliban, and they didn't much take to the flying lead. The Taliban had caught them with their pants down a bit, and they'd taken cover behind a short, 2-foot wall. Every time a bullet impacted the berm just in front of their faces, these guy's would start yelling, "Oh YEAH??? Well FU*K YOU!!! FU*K YOU, YOU DIRTY SANDY BASTARDS!!!"...and they'd all jump up and just UNLOAD on 'em!
I cant speak for the U.S military but this is what we get in our military when in barracks or out fighting anywhere in the world.
Breakfast, cooked breakfast comprising of bacon,eggs, sausage, beans, mushrooms, chips. Cereal of all kinds, fresh fruit, yogurt.
Lunch. We get anything we want Steak Gammon, Lamb, Pork all the usual veg and fruit all the usual sweets.
Dinner, Its the same as lunch.
Whenever possible we take the cookhouse as we call them and the chefs to FOBs. if the lads are out for a few days they take with them OPRs short for Operational Ration Packs this will sustain them until they get back to the Forward Operating Bases.
When out in places like Afghanistan they do not have to pay one penny for the food that they eat or the drink that they have. Alcohol is forbidden for all ranks but it has been known for a few to smuggle a bottle or two away chuckle chuckle.
When out on Patrol bases, these are locations when its impossible for our soldiers to get back daily sometimes far out in enemy territory they get boil in the bag food these can be eaten hot or cold and are made specially with the right amount of calories and nutrients to keep them going and in fighting shape which is important. They might not sound appetizing but our soldiers in these Patrol bases can go at least twenty days without having the same meal from these boil in the bag meals, gone are the days when all they were just boiled rice and curry.
Its very important that our soldiers are well fed and satisfied. The shear weight alone of the equipment that they carry (its not unusual for them to carry at least 80 pounds on their backs when out on patrol as well as the heavy equipment walking sometimes running for miles when in contact with the enemy) says that they must be well fed at all times.
He's with an SF unit somewhere in southern Afghanistan. He has sent us a few pix, and I gotta tell you. They don't look like the kind of guys you want to piss off.
Someone please explain how this would "reduce our footprint" They are still there, they will just be hungrier.
Another idiotic decision by an administration that has no regard for the troops health or welfare. If you don't believe me, ask the guys who used to provide protection in Benghazi.
Which, by the way, is ANOTHER concept that seems to be beyond the understanding of the "Smartest guy in America"!
They come in a plastic pouch, the heating device is salt-and-water activated...not much unlike those hand-warmer thingies...;]
You can get just about anything; Beef Burgundy, Italian Pasta...it's a good job that a large part of their success is that when you're ravenous, a rotten egg buried in a sneaker under a Chicken Coop might be delicious. ;] If you've ever been in the Woods for a few days, I think you get my meaning. Even pretzel dipped in Dijon can seem like a 5-Star Meal!
Not all bad, really. But trust me, I can prepare better at home;]