Dissecting a K-Ration Packet

The guy in this video is really into WWII K-Rations. It's interesting to follow his careful exploration of the contents, and interesting to see the variety of food articles they managed to stuff into that waxed packet.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjZicBu_2Y4

 

Almost makes me want to whip up some SPAM and eggs.......almost

 

I was more interested in the variety of food articles and how they were really trying to hit all the nutritional and personal needs, as they understood them at the time. The K-Ration was for the guy to carry out in the field, while the C-Ration was more or less for the battalion or company in reserve - too heavy to pack around more than a days supply since it was mostly canned. Yet, even in the K packet you have protein, fats, cereals, coffee, sugar, fruit bar (vitamins), toilet paper and smokes - and even that stick of chewing gum, which is really a substitute for brushing your teeth.

I doubt anybody sat back after breakfast patting their bellies while complimenting the chef back in Minneapolis, but you got everything you needed to slog on until lunch.

 

Actually, the "K" ration was initially intended as an assault ration and was intended to be issued to airborne troops, couriers and tankers. It was supposed to be limited to no more than 15 meals/5 days.

"The K ration, with a content of 2700 calories, was designed for a maximum of fifteen meals." -source US Quartermaster Museum

The reason that it's designed use was to be limited is that its caloric value was less than required by a man actively engaged in combat.

At the battalion level "B" rations would be the norm, and a company in reserve or not actively engaged would receive one meal a day brought forward from the field kitchens either B or A rations whenever available.

The "C" ration was designed for use from 3-21 days without supplementation by A or B rations, it contained 3700 calories (1000 calories/28% more than the "K" ration). The biggest problem with the C's is that there were initially only three variations to the M-unit and they quickly became monotonous. Additional entrees were added as the war progressed and the "C" replaced the "K" in troop popularity by wars end.

"Toward the end of the war, the usefulness of the K ration was coming to an end as a result of the emergence of a superior C ration." -source US Quartermaster Museum

The original "M" units were:
1. Meat Stew with Beans
2. Meat with Vegetable Hash
3. Meat Stew with Vegetables (carrots and potatoes)
Additional "M" units:
4. Meat & Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce-1943
5. Chopped Ham, Egg, and Potato-1944
6. Meat and Noodles-1944
7. Pork and Rice-1944
8. Frankfurters and Beans-1944
9. Pork and Beans-1944
10. Ham and Lima Beans-1944
11. Chicken and Vegetables-1944
12. Beef Stew with Vegetables-1945
They also had a Mutton Stew with Vegetables (can't find when introduced) that was unpopular and discontinued along with Meat with Vegetable Hash in1945.

Medical studies on infantry serving in Italy noted the low percentage of body fat and muscle wasting in troops eating K rations for extended periods. This could have been mitigated by issuing additional rations, which the Army was hesitant to do. They could also heavily supplement with "D" rations which the Army avoided because the "D" ration was intended to be an emergency ration and they didn't want troops to routinely consume them instead of retaining them for emergency use.

 

That meal went on until past the Vietnam era, and developed a unique nickname, which, um, I forget.

 

What were the other options called? eg gluten free, sugar free, vegan, vegetarian, Halal and Kosher :eatpopcorn:

 

1. Meat Stew with Beans
2. Meat with Vegetable Hash
3. Meat Stew with Vegetables (carrots and potatoes)