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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

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Food – Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’S)

NFES #
001842
Category
Miscellaneous
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Storage and Shelf Life Checks How long MREs last depends on how long they are stored and at what temperatures they are stored. At the least, they'll last 1 month at 120 degrees F. Or they could last 60+ months at 50 degrees F.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Receipt inspection: Verify shipping carton for marking of MRE meals. The carton must show the following data:
    N (National Stock Number)
    Item Nomenclature
    Wt. _______ Cu_______
    Contract No. ______________ Lot No._________
    Name and Address of Ration Assembly Contractor
    Date packed
    ITD Inspection test date
    Fresh – Check Indicator
  2. Expiration of MRE meals will be based on a US Army food service inspector’s evaluation.
  3. The Fresh-check Indicator may be used for field inspections.
  4. Return to stock if MRE’s are in original unopened carton packaging, have no indication of damage, and are within expiration dates indicated on outside of carton.
  5. There are no refurbishment procedures for this item.
  6. Dispose of all loose, partial, or open MRE meals, and all unmarked MRE meals or meals not in original carton packaging.
    1. The meal will be removed from its container and rendered unusable and placed in a wet-garbage container.
    2. The water activated Flameless Ration Heater, for heating the MRE entrée, will be removed from its packaging and placed in a metal pail with enough water to submerge and deactivate. It may then be disposed of in your local landfill.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  • Dust or wipe down outer carton.

B. Repair

  • None

C. Testing/Retesting

  1. Inspect container for proper marking.
  2. Look for container damage, insect or rodent damage, product leakage, and foul odor. If damage is found, follow Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria.
  3. Mark case/pallet with next inspection test date if no damage found.
  4. Extension of Expiration Dates requires US Army Food Service Inspector’s evaluation.

D. Repackaging

  • Label appropriately and store accordingly.

Time/temp chart provided by the manufacturer:

MRE Shelf life graphic. Months from 1-60, temperature from 0-140.

Since about 1997, MRE cases have also included something called a TTI (time and temperature indicator) on the outside of the box to assist inspectors in determining if MREs are still good. There are two parts to the TTI - an outer dark circle and an inner light circle. As long as the inner circle is still lighter than the outside circle, the MREs are supposed to be good.

MRE time-temperature indicator graphic showing what the dot on the label should look like. MRE temperature button showing an actual TTI button where the inner circle is lighter than the outside circle.

Reference

MRE Shelf Life

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources