Editing Jerky (section)

== As a military combat ration ==
Jerky, particularly beef jerky, is a common component of military [[Field ration|combat rations]], both historical and modern. It is included because it is a convenient, shelf-stable, and nutritious protein source that soldiers can easily carry and consume in the field. Jerky has been a staple in military rations for centuries due to its durability and ability to stay fresh without refrigeration. The [[Continental Army]] in the Revolutionary War era, for example, included salted meat, and jerky as part of their rations when fresh food was scarce. It is also a common component of modern military rations, such as the [[Meal, Ready-to-Eat]] (MRE). Some variations of jerky are found in rations like the "[[First Strike Ration]]," specifically designed for initial deployment periods, providing an "eat on the move" option. Jerky is lightweight, easy to store, and provides a concentrated source of protein and energy. It is also a great option for survival rations when fresh or prepared food is unavailable. While traditional beef jerky is common, military rations also include other variations, such as turkey jerky and osmotically dried meat. Some experimental rations even include [[Caffeine|caffeinated]] jerky.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-09-19 |title=Army designing tastier meats for field rations |url=https://www.army.mil/article/87474/army_designing_tastier_meats_for_field_rations |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.army.mil |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Debutify |date=2023-07-04 |title=Bite into US Jerky History |url=https://matthatjerky.com/blogs/jerky/bite-into-us-jerky-history#:~:text=Beef%20jerky%20was%20a%20staple,make%20it%20easy%20to%20carry. |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Matt-Hat Jerky |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-24 |title=Natick researcher develops turkey bacon, turkey jerky |url=https://www.army.mil/article/159017/natick_researcher_develops_turkey_bacon_turkey_jerky |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.army.mil |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dean |first=Sam |date=2011-11-01 |title=Caffeinated Beef Jerky and "Zapplesauce" in Experimental MREs |url=https://www.bonappetit.com/trends/article/caffeinated-beef-jerky-and-zapplesauce-in-experimental-mres#:~:text=Caffeinated%20Beef%20Jerky%20and%20%22Zapplesauce%22%20in%20Experimental%20MREs%20%7C%20Bon%20App%C3%A9tit. |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Bon Appétit |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-09-17 |title='Where's the beef?' -- DoD finds answers in osmotic dehydration process |url=https://www.army.mil/article/87419/wheres_the_beef_dod_finds_answers_in_osmotic_dehydration_process |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.army.mil |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Christian |date=2011-10-30 |title=Caffeinated jerky and Zapplesauce: Adding kick to the military's tough-to-swallow MRE |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/caffeinated-jerky-and-zapplesauce-adding-kick-to-the-militarys-tough-to-swallow-mre/2011/10/27/gIQAtI9aTM_story.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kuivalihakundi Beef Jerky Field Ration - Varusteleka.com |url=https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/kuivalihakundi-beef-jerky-field-ration/79697 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Kuivalihakundi Beef Jerky Field Ration - Varusteleka.com |language=en}}</ref>