When Duty Calls…What’s For Lunch?

Written by
British soldiers in WWI prepare bully beef (tin corned beef) for lunch.
British soldiers in WWI prepare bully beef (tin corned beef) for lunch. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

In last week’s New York Times, journalist Ashley Gilbertson paints a picture of mealtime for soldiers in Afghanistan.  While on the front lines, soldiers are given meals that are not only meant to nourish, but also meant to remind them of home.  Australians receive Vegemite, South Koreans eat Kimchi and Rice and Brits nosh on Lamb Curry.  Unsurprisingly, French rations are the highest commodity – a mere portion of cassoulet or pâté is often traded for up to 5 entire American Meals Ready to Eat – more commonly called MREs.

For a sneak peak into the culinary lives of soldiers, check out this Interactive Graphic detailing what exactly is in each country’s foil wrapped pouches when it comes time for lunch.  For a link to the full article, click here.