How many days of emergency rations (meals, ready to eat [MRE]) are authorized units allowed to purchase?

Units are authorized to purchase two days of emergency rations (meals, ready to eat [MRE]) to ensure that they have sufficient supplies to sustain personnel in the event of a crisis or operational readiness situation. This policy is designed to provide a balance between readiness and resource management, ensuring that units can adequately prepare for unexpected circumstances without over-allocating funds or resources.

Having two days of MREs allows for a practical emergency supply that can effectively support unit personnel, while also being a manageable quantity for stockpiling and logistical handling. This standard supports mission readiness by ensuring that forces can remain operational without relying solely on fresh food supplies during initial phases of an emergency.