Mountain House MCW Long Range Patrol Rations

The Food Packet, Long Range Patrol or "LRP ration" (pronounced "lurp") is a U.S. Army freeze-dried field ration. It was developed in 1964 during the Vietnam War (1959–75) for use by a special group of SF soldiers, the LRRPs.

Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols were small, silent, and heavily armed teams which ventured deep in VC-held territory. More often than not, 4-5 men were tasked with shadowing large formations of VC regulars.

To do this effectively, they had to be light, fast, and well fed. Bulky canned MCI rations (formerly known as C rations) proved too heavy for extended missions on foot. In fact they were worse than heavy.

In response to these concerns, a new ration was developed. The Food Packet, Individual, Combat (FPIC). Inspired by NASA’s astronaut meals, FPICs were a first generation freeze dried combat ration.

Weighing in at 11 oz, it was dramatically lighter than the wet canned meals, although it was ultimately doomed by shoddy packaging. Out of this project came the LRP. A lighter weight, humidity proof version of the FPIC. Specially made for the boys  pranking the Viet Cong every weekend. They were smaller than standard rations, but had enough calories to keep LRRPs going. More importantly, they were minimally packaged, fast to prepare, and easy to eat.

Enter the modern MCW/LRP main meal. The centerpiece of current issue US Long Range Patrol and Meal Cold Weather rations.

Weighing in at 5 oz or less, the modern LRP/MCW is exceptionally resistant to extreme temperatures. It will remain shelf stable for 10+ years, thanks to Mountain House's proprietary packaging, and freeze dry expertise. Built for high intensity exercise, each main contains absurd quantities of protein, up to 43g per serving. Yes that's double most protein shakes.

Thanks to Mountain House's "brick pack" packaging and proprietary barrier film, the LRPs far exceed government requirements. Flavor will be preserved until 2029, and the calories themselves will last long after that. 20 years from now you can cut open your LRP and be greeted by the satisfying hiss of depressurization and the delightful smell of turkey tetrazzini.

te·​traz·​zi·​ni served over pasta with a cream sauce, often flavored with sherry, sprinkled with cheese, and browned in the oven.

And for that brief moment of Italian cheesy bliss, the wasteland of post apocalyptic North America, will be filled with the aroma of Mama Bianchi's kitchen. Just like it was in the old country.