The Best Food in Military Boot Camp: Surprising Insights and Rations
Boot camp is a rigorous and challenging experience for anyone entering military service. As much as one might be looking forward to a break from training, the food that's provided is often the subject of much discussion. In this article, we delve into what makes the best food in boot camp and explore the various meal options that await trainees during their initial training phase.
The Joy of MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat)
Anytime you get to put something in your mouth within a three-minute span is considered a treat during boot camp. My recollection of Military Ready-to-Eat (MRE) days was filled with delightful breaks from the intense training regimen. I distinctly remember enjoying a Salisbury steak. While grilled chicken might not have been my first choice, it's a relief to see that variety did exist. Hoping the recipe has undergone improvements since then.
The Chow Hall and Boot Camp Rations
The chow hall in boot camp serves as a feeding ground for all the trainees. You'll take what you want and eat what you take, but here's the kicker: being picky with your food is not an option. The goal is to consume a meal that keeps you energized and keeps those metabolic fires burning.
High Fat and Carbs: The Ideal Boot Camp Diet
During your eight-week training period, high-fat and carbohydrate-rich foods are your allies. While a diet this heavy isn't something you'd maintain for long-term health, it's perfect for the short duration of boot camp. Enjoy bacon, candy, sweets, pancakes with heavy syrup and butter, oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins (if available), beef, pork, corn, and peas. Satisfy your cravings with a diverse selection of these foods, knowing your body will consume them with the ferocity of a furnace.
Life in the Boot Camp Mess Hall
Back in the day, around the 1960s, the food served in boot camp was of adequate quality and quantity but monotonous. Lined up in close quarters, units would be funneled through a formation to get as many individuals into the mess hall as possible. Despite the efficiency of this system, it was akin to any civilian cafeteria experience with the added challenge of sidestepping through the line to receive your meal. Everything served on your tray was mandatory; no picky eating allowed. Additionally, overweight trainees were singled out with verbal reminders to eat 'diet' portions, adding a layer of unwelcome attention to the process.
Graduating and Relaxation
Once you graduate from boot camp, the surroundings become much more relaxed. You now have the freedom to choose what you eat based on your preferences. However, there is one exception: if you find yourself at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California, your dining experience might take a turn for the better. The old Marine Barracks, now billeted for the military police detachment, served outstanding meals. Steak and eggs on Saturdays and Sundays, and quality menus throughout the week, prepared by skilful chefs who knew how to cook. The added perk? One of the refrigerators was left unlocked, allowing you to make sandwiches or cereal bowls anytime you got hungry. This was a rare treat, providing a taste of home for those craving familiar dishes.
Conclusion
The best food in military boot camp might not be gourmet, but it's certainly functional for the intense training you're undergoing. Whether it's the fun of MREs or the variety of high-fat and carb-rich foods, your nutrition requirements during this period are crucial to sustaining your energy levels. And, if you're lucky, you might experience the rare luxury of outstanding mess hall cuisine during your training period.