No more fast food at our military bases in Afghanistan

[Ought Six]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100405/...istan_fastfood

They are also cutting back on first-run movies. The asswipe that thought this one up should be publicly flogged at one of these bases.

[leistb]

Screwing with morale is always the best policy for those serving in stressful situations far from home and loved ones.

[Sysiphus]

You know - we have to protect them from dangerous things like cigarettes and fast food. Not like they are living in a warzone or anything. Poor guys can't even have a drink, right?

[VT9]

I wonder how much of this has to do with soldiers having an alternative to the contracted chow hall meals?

The contractors may either be feeling it in the amount of meals they aren't serving or would love to have bigger numbers to justify a larger fee during the next negotiations.

If that makes any sense...

[Brihard]

Originally Posted by VT9

I wonder how much of this has to do with soldiers having an alternative to the contracted chow hall meals?

The contractors may either be feeling it in the amount of meals they aren't serving or would love to have bigger numbers to justify a larger fee during the next negotiations.

If that makes any sense...

Speaking from experience, no, that is not the case. The amount of food served through fast food outlets is negligible compared to what the Dining Facilities (DFACs) serve.

I think this is just a misguided/dumb decision. There wasn't much better than coming back late from a convoy having missed supper and being able to grab a pizza. Luxury items like fast food are a huge morale booster.

[Fiddlerdave]

Offhand, the article seems much more to be a concern in overloading temporary power and waste infrastructures.

Having all these power and gas hungry outlets operate is decidedly inefficient compared to one central kitchen.

As usual, I find the beancounter's decisions to be short sighted, as Bri indicates, the returns are not financial but are very valuable for our troops.

Although several of our big contractors there have shown an ability to be incredibly petty, and unconcerned with serving the troops' needs, just their own financial well-being, and might resent the fast food outlets biting into their own pocket, however minor. Their behind-the-scenes-lobbying in administrative meetings to get rid of the competition could have an effect, especially if they complained of power shortages because of Pizza Hut ovens.

[Brihard]

Originally Posted by Fiddlerdave

Offhand, the article seems much more to be a concern in overloading temporary power and waste infrastructures.

Having all these power and gas hungry outlets operate is decidedly inefficient compared to one central kitchen.

As usual, I find the beancounter's decisions to be short sighted, as Bri indicates, the returns are not financial but are very valuable for our troops.

Although several of our big contractors there have shown an ability to be incredibly petty, and unconcerned with serving the troops' needs, just their own financial well-being, and might resent the fast food outlets biting into their own pocket, however minor. Their behind-the-scenes-lobbying in administrative meetings to get rid of the competition could have an effect, especially if they complained of power shortages because of Pizza Hut ovens.

The resource consumption of these outlets is practically nil compared to the larger demands. Realize that we're talking about bases that number in the tens of thousands of transient or permanent inhabitants. I'm taking this story at face value.

[Fiddlerdave]

Originally Posted by Brihard

The resource consumption of these outlets is practically nil compared to the larger demands. Realize that we're talking about bases that number in the tens of thousands of transient or permanent inhabitants. I'm taking this story at face value.

I am confused from your comment. "Cutting down on extra resource consumption" IS the "face value" of the story.

The U.S. military says its beef with the burger joints is that they take up valuable resources like water, power, flight and convoy space and that cutting back on non-essentials is key to running an efficient military operation.

[Brihard]

Originally Posted by Fiddlerdave

I am confused from your comment. "Cutting down on extra resource consumption" IS the "face value" of the story.

My apologies, I'd read a different story on this where it was pitched that the intent was to get people mentally focused on combat operations and not on the various luxuries and comforts they can try to scrape up.

[VT9]

Luxury items like fast food are a huge morale booster.

I can only imagine how awesome a cup of Tim Hortons would be in Afghanistan.

[Ought Six]

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/290054

There are even problems with the military food service. It appears that logistics are being very badly handled, and the surge was not properly prepared for. As a result, troops are not always getting properly fed.

[ProgressiveTokyo]

Originally Posted by VT9

I can only imagine how awesome a cup of Tim Hortons would be in Afghanistan.

You could always enlist, then you can find out first hand how it tastes!

[Brihard]

Originally Posted by ProgressiveTokyo

You could always enlist, then you can find out first hand how it tastes!

Or take my word for it.

It's good. Real good.

[CanadaSue]

I'm not a coffee drinker - ask BriHard.

Last couple of weeks, I've been sneaking to Timmy's for double doubles.

Scary.

But they go real nice with apple fritters.

[VT9]

Originally Posted by ProgressiveTokyo

You could always enlist, then you can find out first hand how it tastes!

One of my shooting buddies is due back from basic and advanced training any day now. Last I heard from him was "this isn't an old mans game." He's 40.