Lea Gallo, a Cuban serving in the U.S. Army, has taken to TikTok (@leagallo_) to shed light on some of the most commonly asked questions about the U.S. military. Her most viral video, with over 16 million views, showcases how soldiers consume food while in the field.
In the clip, Lea demonstrates the various packaged foods included in the well-known MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat), which is the standard food kit for soldiers during field operations. The MRE she displays includes items like crackers, chocolate protein, strawberry, and peanut butter, among others. The main entrée in her package is macaroni with sauce. "This is one of my favorites," Lea admits, as she shows the preparation process. To make it ready to eat, water is added to a bag that heats the macaroni pack.
The post quickly went viral, generating a wave of comments and reactions from her followers. Many expressed curiosity and surprise at the details of military meals, while others thanked her for revealing a lesser-known aspect of a soldier's life. Some even shared their own experiences or knowledge on the subject.
FAQs About U.S. Military Meals
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) that U.S. soldiers consume in the field, inspired by Lea Gallo's viral TikTok video.
What is an MRE?
An MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is a self-contained, individual field ration in lightweight packaging used by the U.S. military for its service members in combat or other field conditions where organized food facilities are not available.
How do soldiers heat MREs?
Soldiers use a flameless ration heater, which is a water-activated exothermic chemical heater. The heater is placed in a bag with the MRE, and water is added to activate it, heating the meal within minutes.
What types of food are included in an MRE?
MREs typically include a main entrée, side dishes, dessert or snack, crackers or bread, spread (such as peanut butter), a powdered beverage, and an accessory pack with utensils, seasonings, and sometimes a flameless ration heater.