What was your favorite culinary delight from the mess hall? Yes, I said mess hall.

2015-06-16T11:18:59-04:00

Remember the days of scalding hot coffee served from a 16 qt pot? The smell of bacon frying at the Battalion or company mess hall? Oh, the delights of Army menu 1.... What was your favorite?

Response by SFC Henry Bartosik made Jun 16 at 2015 11:24 AM

2015-06-16T11:24:55-04:00

Hot chow? Only in garrison. Mostly c-rats/MRES or once in awhile Mermites with coffee and green eggs

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 16 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-06-16T11:26:48-04:00

I always ordered an omlet for breakfast, it was always something I looked forward to after PT. The 782nd's mess hall was the best in DISCOM, we riggers always got in trouble for eating there instead of or own mess hall. Their mess daddy took care of the troops, ours did just enough to get the job done. In fact our mess daddy was not well liked by the enlisted at all ranks.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jun 16 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-06-16T11:27:39-04:00

Aboard ship, we had a tradition of once a month the mess served Surf and Turf in recognition for all the birthday’s that month, best meal each month! SOS for breakfast, closet thing to biscuits and gravy for a Southern boy.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-06-16T11:48:50-04:00

Nothing was more consistently enjoyable than the chili-mac.

But nothing beats the feeling of eating a warm, thrown together egg, bacon, and whatever else sandwich at 0530 in the Korean winter. Felt like I could take on Kim Jong-Il Myself after half a night's sleep and one of those.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 16 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-06-16T12:13:13-04:00

2 eggs scrabbled (Scooped), bagel, SOS (chipped beef if they had it), home fries, lots of salt, and a banana.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 16 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-06-16T12:30:30-04:00

Breakfast!!! Omlet to order, biscuits and gravy, canned pears, cottage cheese, bagel with cream cheese, bacon, three glasses of milk, and anything else I could get second on... I frequently skipped lunch and dinner, but I always made breakfast! (And yes, I ate ALL that EVERY morning, to be young with a fast metabolism again)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 16 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-06-16T13:03:28-04:00

Overcooked lobster tails and crab legs.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 5:25 PM

2015-06-16T17:25:05-04:00

F-2-4 mess hall 1961. Best chow I ever had!

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Jun 16 at 2015 5:25 PM

2015-06-16T17:25:11-04:00

I still like SOS.... n eggs n bacon n biscuits... maybe I'll make some for breakfast

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-06-16T17:28:12-04:00

The Indian cooks on Camp Speicher would cook up a bang up dinner for themselves. My battle buddy and I would wait until 1930 rolled around to eat their food. It was always a hot, spicy curry that knocked your socks off. They also appreciated our interest in their food and welcomed us with warm smiles.

I also appreciated it when mess SGTs would take the time to season the meals and take pride in ensuring we were happy and fed. Hats off to our field cooks.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 16 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-06-16T19:45:06-04:00

You can't have breakfast without SOS!!!

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jun 16 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-06-16T19:49:19-04:00

Chicken cordon blu!

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Jun 16 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-06-16T19:57:32-04:00

No hateful responses please, but I preferred the powered eggs in the field. Even in cold,rainy weather whatever they tasted the same. Also bacon. Nuff said.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 9:59 PM

2015-06-16T21:59:42-04:00

Oh gracious!! Rally Point members showing their age again!! I love these threads!!

Response by SSgt Brendan Gardiner made Jun 16 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-06-16T23:03:23-04:00

Omelet all the way!!! I'll have to admit I loved the Chow Hall. Still miss it.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 17 at 2015 6:34 AM

2015-06-17T06:34:18-04:00

I don't think the Air Force can answer, they have dining facilities.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 17 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-06-17T11:21:39-04:00

Eggs over easy because they never figured out how to make them out of powder.

I remember eating at several Closed Messes in California which had free wine provided by the Wine Growers Association.

Don't know if anyone remembers the difference between Open/Closed. Open was retirees, family, etc. could eat. Closed was a separate mess only for the member. They were usually attached to the BOQ.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jun 17 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-06-17T12:21:21-04:00

At Keesler it was any of the breakfast items at the DFAC next to the training dorms, particularly the eggs/omelets, they did a good job with those.

At Scott when the civilians were still there you could get ribs or steak every once in a while and one of the civ chefs in particular did an outstanding job of making both of those.

As for here at Whiteman, I haven't eaten in the DFAC here yet since I am on BAS. I might have to stop in at some point though as I do hear good things about their food.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-06-17T21:03:07-04:00

Now, for us sea-going types who didn't have the luxury of mess halls with tables and food trays that did not slide around, I actually looked forward to General Quarters in Nam when I got to chow down on some WWII C-Rats. It was a welcomed change from the norm.

Response by 1SG Marvin Vanderventer made Jun 19 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-06-19T10:42:43-04:00

Chili and rice

Response by CPL Eric Allen made Jun 23 at 2015 1:36 AM

2015-06-23T01:36:30-04:00

None with the army but when I deployed to afghan the Canadians this guys could cook.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Sep 20 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-09-20T15:03:45-04:00

I've had some decent Defac food. When I was in Korea I'd put A1 Sauce on Grilled Chicken because the chicken was so dry.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 20 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-09-20T15:04:32-04:00

Chow during basic was actually pretty good...either that or by the time we got to chow I was always so hungry, it was good. LOL

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Sep 20 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-09-20T16:50:53-04:00

Universally, the best meal of the day was breakfast, followed by midnight chow. By and large most GDFs did a great job during my 24 years in the service. I still love breakfast in a GDF when I am near one that accepts ORFs...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 20 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-09-20T17:12:41-04:00

SPC Margaret Higgins In some places I definitely liked it. Overseas there were a few FOBs and locations that I enjoyed. In basic training I never tasted it - didn't have enough time. Still eat like that today - like I'm in a hurry! LOL! The best Mess Halls in all the services for me were at the Air Force Bases. The AirForce know hows to run a dinning facility - hands down some of the best dinning facilities that I'ev been in. Anything beats an MRE, so I was never too picky!

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Sep 20 at 2015 5:17 PM

2015-09-20T17:17:33-04:00

With some highs and lows, the Air Force chow halls were good. The best was the main chow hall at Kadena. Their broccoli, cream of potato, and chili were awesome! Better than a lot of restaurants before or since. The lasagne one month was rocking the next a rock,just depended on the Cook I guess.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 20 at 2015 5:17 PM

2015-09-20T17:17:55-04:00

I liked Mess Hall food at Fort Leonard Wood in 1974 and 1975; at Fort Campbell I liked the all night mess hall that served burgers etc,; at USMA at West Point 1976 to 1980; at the 1/52 Infantry Mess Hall in Warner Barracks, Germany - mostly in the field 1981 - 1983; aqnd at A-9-2 in Fort Benning in 1985 to 1985 when I was company commander of A company and HHC and the mess hall was under my charge.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 20 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-09-20T17:28:47-04:00

Depends on where the mess hall was. Parris Island was OK Cherry Point was great On board the APA USS Fremont was really gross the Boston Navy Yard was excellent.. Camp Geiger was OK..
So I guess I have one out of several that I liked the rest were just ok with overcooked and heavy on carbs with bad coffee .. I was asked by General Pate how I liked the food at Camp Geiger and I told him we were given C rats once a week that I didn't appreciate so he "Well Sergeant you don't look like you have been missing any meals" and I said " Yes General but I eat off base a lot" Later my CO told me he agreed with me and was glad I spoke up while others would not... Being humble or quiet is not my thing when asked tough questions by anyone..

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 20 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-09-20T17:47:43-04:00

SPC Margaret Higgins interesting, I do, check this article out!
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/field-combat-army-rations-what-are-your-stories-of-eating-chow

Field/Combat Army Rations. What Are Your Stories of Eating Chow? | RallyPoint

Military Rations, MREs & Food we all got to have it for survival. I always said, you can work me hard but just feed me! There I was Soldering all day in Iraq, instead of an empty stomach all I wanted was some HOT chow to keep pushing. Just gives me that replenishment to DRIVE ON WITH FOR THE MISSION/TASK AT HAND! The military food supply, combat rations, ranging from the canned rations of World War II, Korea and Vietnam to the modern Meals,...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 5:53 PM

2015-09-20T17:53:08-04:00

I don't have a problem with it when living in the barracks. It's easy and most of the time I can stay on a healthy diet.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-09-20T17:56:49-04:00

It wasn't my Mom's home cooking, but it was pretty good when you were hungry!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 20 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-09-20T17:58:17-04:00

when I was younger I didn't mind it... today I would probably rather have a salad

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-09-20T18:49:11-04:00

yes... except the omelettes

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Sep 20 at 2015 7:37 PM

2015-09-20T19:37:47-04:00

Boot Camp in San Diego food was un-memorable. I knew it was going to be a long enlistment one dinner on my first duty station, USS Sperry. Beanie Weenie, pork & beans and lima beans. Next day was SOS. My other ships were actually okay with the exception of reconstituted milk. Haven't had milk since that first bowl of cereal in the Tokin Gulf. Best meal in the Navy was when I was invited to a sub for breakfast. Wow!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 20 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-09-20T21:01:35-04:00

While I was active duty and at Ft. Campbell. Loved the Chili Mac. Not the same now a days. they went and made it health. now it tastes like crap! and when did the army stat using corn beef for SOS or chip beef. Gravy has SAUSAGE or HAMBURGER!

Response by LTC Henry Barber made Sep 20 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-09-20T21:18:22-04:00

Never had a meal I did not like. Great cooks and great people.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-09-20T23:16:57-04:00

Hell no....... I like to eat healthy and stay healthy. I already have a family history of high blood pressure.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 12:30 AM

2015-09-21T00:30:50-04:00

I don't mind mess hall especially during deployment... Free food!

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 21 at 2015 12:57 AM

2015-09-21T00:57:08-04:00

In Boot Camp, I could have eaten shoes, I ate so fast, so there is no comparison.
Upon graduation, I found out how good the chow was in the Air Force, and was instantly jealous...
Having been around (with the exception of on a ship-unless we count a cruise LOL) Air Force has it hands down for chow.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 4 at 2016 6:36 PM

2016-06-04T18:36:05-04:00

3 different Varieties of SOS would be it, The Sliced Salted Beef, Chipped Beef and Left Over Navy Tomato Chili all 3 go well over toast and eggs over easy. Yummy. The first 3 days after the Helo came in wasn't bad either Rock Lobster, King Crab, Steaks. Now the end of the 2 week cycle was not quite that good.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 7 at 2016 4:23 PM

2016-08-07T16:23:06-04:00

Know we were considered somewhat of the elite of mess halls, but the omelets at alert facility chow halls could not be beat. Served at several alert facilities but omelets always best, SOS a close second.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-08-07T16:39:58-04:00

LTC Bink Romanick Sir, I loved SOS. There was also a breakfast hash with a tomato sauce base that was very good. breakfast was my favorite meal.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 7 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-08-07T18:52:46-04:00

Conehead Mass Consumption of Quantities. Down in Antarctica working outside, we'd eat 3-5000 cals a day and still lost weight. Like submarines, the food had to be pretty good as a morale factor. So having 3 different deserts was a habit you had to break on redeployment. After that, the Club where beer was a quarter a can. If you were cheap, you'd drink 3 Buds and then when you didn't care, switch to Piels in the steel can for a dime. It was a dime for a reason.... nasty.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 1 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-10-01T19:24:05-04:00

Love good SOS, has to be made right though.

Response by SPC Samuel Matthews made Nov 26 at 2016 1:25 AM

2016-11-26T01:25:27-05:00

My favorite was the Ham and Cheese Omelet, potatoes , and biscuits with Texas Pete and ketchup on the side. When I was on a health kick though, it would be 2 boiled eggs, grits with butter and sugar(in place of cream of wheat) and cottage cheese.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Dec 8 at 2018 11:21 PM

2018-12-08T23:21:06-05:00

We had a.mess Sgt in 1/35 Armor, Ferris Barracks that put out what he called Super Supper. T Bone Steaks, Lobster, all kinds of fancy fixings. He was a gourmet cook. Like dining at a 5 star restaurant.
After he was reassigned our Dining hall was deep in debt. I felt bad for the Mess Sgt that took his place. He caught hell from everyone.