We used to call them ratpacks here in SA. In 1980 in the South African Defence Force the below pic was your typical MRE.
Since 1999 in the new South African National Defence Force that came into being things have changed somewhat.
Our new MRE
Giving rise to this:
Nearly 10% of the SA Defence Force’s (SANDF’s) soldiers are overweight or obese, according to the findings of a provisional report that is being circulated among all army personnel.
Percentages in the report are based on information gathered by the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) between April last year and March this year (2012).
The soldiers are being cautioned that they face potentially life-threatening lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardio-vascular issues if they don’t slim down.
In addition, “the army can simply not be battle-ready with overweight soldiers. Everyone has to know that the fight against obesity is now official,” the report states.
The soldiers are being encouraged to visit dieticians and establish a healthy eating plan and lifestyle.
All members of the SAMHS have to be weighed before Friday, and the statistics will be used in future projects aimed at encouraging army personnel to become more streamlined.
The SAMHS report uses the World Health Organisation’s definition of body mass index.