An intrepid Dutch reader sent us this report on their issue ration packs.
It consists of one of the boxes shown in the photos plus two meals in a can or sachet which can be eaten both hot or cold. These main meals are based on standard Dutch meals like cooked potatoes, veggies and some meat to lasagna, stews and special meals like halal-prepared.
The contents inside the box have varied over the years. Studies showed that Soldiers are attracted to ‘branded’ items so there was a transition to items like the Mentos bar and chewing gun. A little while back the dark chocolate bar was replaced by a Mars bar. But luckily they changed it back to this delicious chocolate! Our reader also commented that he also likes the recent addition of toothpicks.
Dutch Soldiers are taught to make a snack pack from ration items like a packet of biscuits, the chocolate bar, Mento’s and the dextrose. They keep it in their smocks so they can always grab a quick snack.
What is most telling is that our reader reports that the Dutch troops deployed to “derka-derka-stan” don’t use these rations much since the heat makes them go bad quickly. The tend to rely on US issue MRE’s or would make a meal from what their wives/moms would send.
