OUTLINE
I. Abstract
A. The Meal, Ready-to-Eat B. Nutrition 1) Caloric value 2) Recommended Daily Allowance
II. Introduction to the Retort Pouch
A. Make-up of the pouch 1) Tri-laminate MRE retort pouch 2) Manufacturing specification 3) Thermo-stability requirements
B. Laminate qualities 1) Three layers and object of design implementation
C. Possible problems with military retort pouch use 1) Punctures, tears, holes 2) Outer carton use and integrity boost
III. Difference between retort pouch and non-retort pouch
A. Adhesive use on seals
B. Types of food and retort pouch use
C. Other packaging use in MRE
IV. Retort Pouch Printing
A. Required Markings
B. Soldier or inspector use of markings
V. Defects Likely to Occur
A. Delamination
B. Inspection for defect pouches
VI. Design Improvement and Testing A. Laboratory testing of pouch suitability
B. Pouch component shelf-life 1) Freezing effects 2) Dry storage shelf-life 3) Refrigerated shelf-life
VII. Summation
A. Combat soldier acceptance
B. Field feedback
The Meal, Ready-To-Eat (MRE) has been specially designed to sustain an individual soldier in heavy activity such as during actual military operations when normal food service facilities are not available. The MRE is a totally self-contained operational ration consisting of a full meal packed in a flexible meal bag. The full bag is lightweight and fits easily into the soldier's military field clothing pockets. The contents of one MRE meal bag provide an average of 1250 kilocalories (13 % protein, 36 % fat, and 51 % carbohydrates). It also provides 1/3 of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of