>>723043063
Before 1975, military rations relied on canned goods and dried staples, with the U.S. military primarily using C-Rations and later Meal, Combat, Individual (MCI) rations. C-Rations, developed in 1938, included items like canned corned beef, bacon, hardtack, and coffee. The MCI ration, introduced in 1958, offered more variety with 12 menu choices, but still featured canned meats and fruits, bread, and a can opener, with a minimum of 1,200 calories per meal. Both were heavy and not particularly palatable, with soldiers often finding ways to supplement or trade items to make them more appealing.