Is there a right way of opening up the U.S. MRE so you can have a sumptous meal if you like packed pre-cooked meals? The Airsoft Headquarters shows how in this video. The Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) is a self-contained individual ration used by the United States military and Department of Defense, intended for American service members in combat or field conditions where other food is not available. MREs are also distributed to civilians as humanitarian daily rations during natural disasters and wars.