Skip to main content

PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Content

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

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

 

 

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003