The military marches on its stomach Published March 17, 2008 By Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon 366th Fighter wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- For many Airmen, deploying to a bare base means food is usually found in the form of meals ready to eat, or MREs, but during the Phase II portion of Exercise Coronet White 08-ACC-14, Airmen can have a hot meal in addition to the MREs. "Our mission at the field dining facility is not just to feed the troops in a deployed environment," said Tech. Sgt. Anita Allen, 366th Services Squadron deployed dining facility night-shift leader. "We're here to ensure the troops have the sustenance necessary to complete the Operational Readiness Inspection to the best of their abilities." The deployed dining facility uses utilized group rations, or UGRs, The UGRs include 14 different menus that support both breakfast and dinner. The rations arrive in heat-and-serve packets and cans. They're steamed in a multi-ration heater and ready to eat in about an hour. Almost everything offered at a fixed dining facility is offered in the field from hot entrees, starches, fresh fruit, vegetables and even dessert. A variety of hot and cold beverages, like coffee, tea and fruit drinks, are also available. "During the ORI, hot meals are served during midnight meals and lunch," said Airman 1st Class Arckay Santos, 366th SVS food services night-shift cashier. "MREs are available for purchase throughout the ORI, but a lot of people prefer a hot meal over a MRE." Prior to Phase II, Airmen constructed a compact version of a fixed dining facility located in the mock tent city at Base X. The ORI provides evaluation on how the 366th SVS food services specialists complete their jobs while responding to the different combat situations. Everyday, familiar tasks to Airmen become more difficult when performed in a chemical environment. "Some Airmen might not think a hot meal is a big deal but for some Airmen, coming in off a cold and windy flightline, the thought of warm food can raise their spirits," said Sergeant Allen. "We're not just giving them a hot, nutritious meal, we're contributing to every Airmen's morale, welfare and health."