Editing C-ration (section)

==Background and development==
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===Iron Ration (1907–1922)===
The first American attempt to make an individual ration for issue to soldiers in the field was the Iron Ration, introduced in 1907. It contained three 3-ounce cakes (made from a concoction of beef [[Bouillon cube|bouillon powder]] and parched, cooked wheat), three 1-ounce bars of sweetened chocolate, and packets of [[salt and pepper]]. The ration was issued in a sealed tin packet that weighed one pound, to be carried in an infantryman's top tunic pocket, and was designed for emergency use when the troops were unable to be supplied with food. It was later discontinued by the adoption of the "Reserve Ration", but findings from the development and use of the Iron Ration went into the development of the emergency [[D-ration]].

===Reserve Ration (1917–1937)===
The Reserve Ration was issued during the later part of [[World War I]] to feed troops who were away from a garrison or field kitchen. It originally consisted of {{convert|12|oz}} of bacon or {{convert|14|oz}} of meat (usually canned [[corned beef]]), two {{convert|8|oz|adj=on}} cans of hard bread or [[hardtack]] biscuits, a packet of {{convert|1.16|oz}} of pre-ground coffee, a packet of {{convert|2.4|oz}} of granulated sugar, and a packet of {{convert|0.16|oz}} of salt. There was also a separate "tobacco ration" of {{convert|0.4|oz}} of tobacco and 10 cigarette rolling papers, later replaced by brand-name machine-rolled cigarettes.

After the war, there were attempts to improve the ration based on input from the field. In 1922, the ration was reorganized to consist of {{convert|16|oz}} of meat (usually [[Jerky (food)|beef jerky]]), {{convert|3|oz}} of canned corned beef or chocolate, {{convert|14|oz}} of hard bread or hardtack biscuits, coffee and sugar. In 1925, the meat ration was replaced with canned [[pork and beans]]. In 1936, there was an attempt at variety by having an "A"-menu of corned beef and a "B"-menu of pork and beans. This was cancelled upon introduction of the new C-ration in 1938.