Ratpacks!

I recently found this photo of an South African Defence Force rat pack from the 1980's. It bought back a few memories. There is one thing that I actually miss and that is the Rum and Raisin energy bars. I had a few other rum and raisin energy bars after I left the army but it was just not the same.

A rat pack or rations pack is a self-contained, individual field ration in lightweight packaging provided for service-members for use in combat or other field conditions where organized food facilities are not available. Also known as MRE's ( Meal, Ready-to-Eat ) or IMP ( Individual Meal Pack )

A few other examples of rat packs below ( click on photos for bigger view ) Please note that some of the rat packs is or was meant for a 24 hour period ( ours for eg. ) while others is provided for one meal (eg. US MRE ) :

The new UK Army rations packs:

French combat rations:

Canadian rations pack:

Irish Army rations pack:

Chinese Military rations ( more photos here )

US MRE:

The United States Army also have a First Strike Ration. It is a compact, eat-on-the move ration concept, designed to be consumed during the first 72 hours of conflict. ( More info here )

All South Africans can verify if they are alive!

The South African Department of Home Affairs is so helpful. They have released an incredibly useful new online verification service, which let’s you type in your SA ID number and find out if you’re dead or alive!

Verify here.

Rubik cube cake

Saw this Rubik Cube cake. Source

First post!

This is my first post! Not much to say yet, but watch this space . . . . . .