“Don’t Open Their Rations” — Why US Green Berets HATED Dining with Australian SAS Operators
In the world of special operations, camaraderie and respect between elite units are essential to the success of joint operations. However, even the most battle-hardened soldiers can find themselves locked in unexpected rivalries, especially when it comes to something as seemingly mundane as a shared meal. One of the most curious and occasionally contentious relationships in the special forces community has been the bond between the U.S. Green Berets and Australian SAS operators. Despite their shared purpose and dedication to elite service, there was one area where these two groups didn’t exactly see eye to eye: the food.
It’s an odd thing to consider, especially when the focus of special forces is usually on high-intensity operations, covert missions, and global security threats. But in the world of elite soldiers, where every detail matters, even the humble act of sharing a meal becomes a subject of serious discussion. The phrase “Don’t open their rations” echoed through the ranks of U.S. Green Berets when referring to their Australian counterparts, and it wasn’t just an offhand joke. It was a warning. For many U.S. Green Berets, dining with Australian SAS operators was an experience best avoided. But what was it about their rations that made such a big impression, and why did it cause so much tension?
To understand the deeper dynamics of this culinary disagreement, we must look at the history, cultures, and missions of these two elite forces. The U.S. Green Berets and Australian SAS may be united by their commitment to elite training and special operations, but their approaches to everything—especially food—could not have been more different.
The U.S. Green Berets: A Legacy of Efficiency and Resourcefulness
The U.S. Green Berets, officially known as the United States Army Special Forces, are renowned for their expertise in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counterinsurgency. Since their formation during World War II, Green Berets have prided themselves on their ability to adapt to almost any environment and fight with whatever resources are available. Their training emphasizes resourcefulness, leadership, and cultural understanding, which allows them to work effectively with indigenous forces in various conflict zones around the world.
The Green Berets’ operational focus has always been on flexibility. They are often deployed to remote areas where access to standard military supply lines is limited. As a result, the Green Berets are used to making do with what they can find in their surroundings, whether it’s improvising weapons, using local resources, or—most famously—working with limited rations. Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), the standard field rations for U.S. military personnel, are designed to be lightweight, nutritious, and capable of surviving the most extreme environments.
While MREs are far from gourmet, they are highly functional. They come with a variety of components, including a main entrée, snacks, and an energy drink or dessert, designed to provide soldiers with the sustenance needed to maintain their strength in the field. The quality of the food may not be the highest, but Green Berets are trained to make the best of what they have. Their operational mentality is simple: you eat to survive and fuel your mission. The taste? Secondary. It’s all about practicality.
The Australian SAS: Gourmet and Gutsy
On the other side of the world, the Australian SAS (Special Air Service) has a different approach to field operations. Though similar in mission profile to the Green Berets—performing direct action raids, reconnaissance, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance—the Australian SAS places a strong emphasis on elite physical fitness, mental toughness, and advanced tactical training. These soldiers are known for their resilience, ingenuity, and their ability to endure extreme conditions, much like their U.S. counterparts.
But when it comes to food, the Australian SAS has earned a reputation for being somewhat more… refined. Over the years, the Australian SAS has developed a culture of self-sufficiency and independence, which extends to their field rations. They pride themselves on preparing meals that not only meet the nutritional needs of their soldiers but are also much more appetizing than the typical MRE. In fact, their rations are often referred to as “Gourmet Field Rations.”
These rations are designed to be both practical and pleasurable, containing items like freeze-dried curries, pasta, and even better-quality snacks and desserts. For Australian SAS operators, the emphasis on quality food is not just about sustenance but about maintaining morale. Meals are seen as a way to improve the overall well-being of the soldier, particularly during long, grueling operations. In the Australian special forces mindset, eating well in the field is part of maintaining the edge, both physically and mentally.
While the food is certainly better than the typical MRE fare, it’s important to note that these rations were not exactly gourmet in the traditional sense. They were still designed to be easy to carry and prepare, but compared to the Green Berets’ standard-issue MREs, they were often considered a cut above in terms of flavor and variety.
The Ration Rivalry: Why U.S. Green Berets Hated Dining with Australian SAS Operators
So, what exactly caused the friction between the U.S. Green Berets and Australian SAS operators when it came to their rations? On the surface, it seems like a small issue—after all, it’s just food. But as anyone in special forces knows, the smallest details can become a source of tension when operating in high-stress environments.
The primary point of contention came down to the quality of the rations. The U.S. Green Berets, accustomed to the standard MREs, had a certain mindset when it came to field food: it was functional, utilitarian, and there was no need for extravagance. For Green Berets, eating was about sustenance and survival—not about culinary enjoyment. Many felt that the Australian SAS’s focus on more refined meals was unnecessary and even a little absurd. Why focus on making a meal better when there was a mission to complete?
For Australian SAS operators, however, the higher-quality food was a source of pride. They believed that the better meals contributed to the overall success of their operations. Eating well helped them maintain morale, which was just as important as physical fitness in the field. They saw their rations as a reflection of the elite nature of their unit, a symbol of their attention to detail and their commitment to ensuring that every aspect of their operational readiness was taken care of.
This cultural difference in how each force viewed food inevitably led to some tension when the two units found themselves sharing a meal. Green Berets, unfamiliar with the Australian approach, would sometimes mock the seemingly over-the-top nature of the SAS’s rations. In contrast, the Australians would often look at the Green Berets’ more utilitarian MREs and shake their heads at what they saw as a lack of sophistication. The rivalry wasn’t just about the food itself—it was about the mindset and values each unit held.
The Impact of These Differences on Joint Operations
In the heat of joint operations, when both U.S. and Australian special forces units were working together, this subtle friction over rations often became a point of humor and camaraderie, albeit one tinged with competition. The Green Berets would joke, “Don’t open their rations,” a reminder of the culinary divide between the two units. But beyond the jokes, there was an unspoken understanding that these differences were part of the larger cultural divide that existed between the two elite forces.
Despite their differences, both the U.S. Green Berets and the Australian SAS had an immense respect for each other’s capabilities. The shared experiences of joint operations—whether in the deserts of the Middle East or the jungles of Southeast Asia—cemented a deep bond between the two units. Yet, even with the mutual respect, their culinary differences were a reminder of the unique identities that each unit brought to the table.
As both forces continue to work together in various global operations, the food rivalry remains a lighthearted yet enduring symbol of the cultural differences between these two special operations powerhouses. And while the food might not have always been the focus, it served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a sense of identity and pride, even in the most unexpected places.
A Deeper Understanding of Special Forces Culture
The rivalry between the U.S. Green Berets and Australian SAS over rations is a small, yet fascinating, window into the larger dynamics that define elite military units. It’s a reminder that even in the most serious of environments, culture, tradition, and personal preferences play a significant role in shaping the behavior of soldiers. For both the Green Berets and the SAS, their food choices reflect their approaches to special operations: one rooted in practicality and efficiency, the other in a desire for comfort and morale-building.
In the end, the phrase “Don’t open their rations” is more than just a joke—it’s a testament to the enduring differences and similarities between two of the world’s most formidable special operations units. And in the high-stakes world of elite military operations, even something as small as a meal can be a window into the heart of the forces that defend our freedoms.
