The MCW is designed to meet the Joint Service requirements of the Marine Corps and the Army Special Operations Forces (SOF). The Marine Corps requires appropriate nutritional and operational characteristics for extreme cold environments, and the SOF require a long shelf life restricted calorie ration to be used during initial assault, special operation and long-range reconnaissance missions. The ration is lightweight and includes ready-to-eat components and a freeze-dried entrée that can be eaten dry if necessary. Meal bags for each of the 12 menus contain the dehydrated entrée and a variety of spreads, crackers, cookies, sports bars, nuts, candy and powdered beverages with an accessory packet and plastic spoon. Extra drink mixes are included to encourage water consumption. The shelf life is a minimum of three years at 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and six months at 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), but significantly extended shelf life for the entrée has been demonstrated in storage tests. There are twelve different menus and each box contains 12 different meals. There are forty-eight boxes to a pallet.
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