There are so many stories from the field training exercises that I lead while a Basic Training Officer in the Women’s Army Corps. I was the Executive and Platoon Officer (There is a story here too!) for 6 platoons of 30 women each. If my math is correct, that is 180 women for whom I was responsible.
Two of the platoons rotated every 2 weeks because they were filled with Reservists on their 2 week active duty. The other 4 platoons rotated every 6 weeks. During those 6 weeks, they were dressed, trained, inspected, marched, and exercised to within an inch of their lives. However, the men would not agree that we were rigorous, and maybe we weren’t but those women graduated knowing what it meant to be a WAC.
During their training, we did have field exercises. Now at this time, women did not carry weapons, and there was no training around this. We did train on such wonderful topics as chemical, biological and nuclear attacks; how to pitch a tent; how to cook C-rations, etc.
One thing I learned about C-rations is that you wanted to be the one serving the hot entrée. This was because there were some really nasty ones you never wanted to open much less eat such as “Chopped Ham, Egg, and Potato”; “Meat and Noodles”; “Pork and Rice” and “Ham and Lima Beans”. You stirred the hot water bath and kept pushing the meal you wanted away, which usually was “Frankfurters and Beans”; “Pork and Beans”. These were not the best nutritionally, but they tasted better than any of the others, and you could actually eat them with your eyes open.
Common to all the ration packs were the following:
-5 crackers, water soluble coffee, powdered milk, sugar, and dessert item
-A can of fruit
-Gum, toilet paper, a P-38 can opener, granulated salt, and a flat wooden spoon.
You should also know that the Army stopped making C-rations in 1958. However, even in the early 1970’s and in Viet Nam, these rations were still being used. They truly could survive Armageddon.This does sound like such a gourmet meal, doesn’t it? It was something that you so looked forward to as permanent staff. I am curious.
What exotic or just really unusual dining experience have you had? I would love to know.
Something else I have learned as a business woman is to ask for what you want. If you loved what you just read, this content is not for free. As a form of payment, I am asking you simply to comment or share this on Facebook or tweet about it on Twitter.
Linda Patten, MBA, BSN, RN has over 30 years of experience leading women to success in building and achieving their dreams. She turns networking marketing women from product sellers to leaders of highly functioning teams. To learn more about her innovative programs, click on Contact Us.
