The History of Coffee and How it Impacted the US Military Strategy
Introduction: What is the History of Coffee and its Military Connection?
Old records show that coffee was first discovered by an Ethiopian goatherder who noticed his goats’ increased energy after eating the berries from a coffee bush. The beverage has been around for centuries but became a staple in the Military Diet around WWI. The British Army was the first to introduce coffee to its soldiers. They wanted the soldiers to stay alert and awake. They even gave them time off to drink coffee so that they could stay alert during battles. Coffee played an essential role in the military. The British Army provided it to its troops, but many other armies followed suit, like the United States, Germany, and Italy. Although caffeine is not a significant factor in keeping someone awake, it does help with mental clarity and focus. The US Army started to provide soldiers with caffeinated drinks because caffeine could keep soldiers alert during extended periods without causing too much jitteriness.
How Coffee Strengthened the American Spirit in World War II
The American Spirit was at its strongest during World War II, fueled by patriotism and hope. This intense spirit was evident in the culture, society, and even in the soldiers themselves. One of the most prominent examples of this was America’s love for coffee! During World War II, coffee became a symbol of America’s determination and refusal to give up hope. Coffee helped maintain their morale during these dark days as they fought hard against fascism overseas. It provided them with energy and warmth. Soldiers received a daily ration of coffee as part of their rations. Soldiers also viewed coffee as a necessity rather than a luxury item. Frontline soldiers were given about ¼ pound per day, and those in the rear received about half of that. Today’s allotment depends on the job of the soldier, region, and availability. Most soldiers drink an estimate of 4 to 8oz of coffee every four hours. Some soldiers have stopped drinking coffee altogether or have never started because it will upset their stomach or have adverse effects on their health that will not them perform their duties.
Coffee as a Source of Energy for Troops during the Vietnam War
Soldiers and military personnel in general love coffee, and they drink it all the time. It has been said that it is impossible to carry out a combat mission without coffee. This is because coffee provides energy and keeps people awake. Coffee was essential for military personnel during the Vietnam War due to its ability to keep them awake while fighting in the jungle, where there wasn’t much noise or light. The following are some of the field names for coffee during the conflict: – Black JOE – Joe Brew – Joe Blow – Cup of Mud
The Role of Espresso in the Recent Iraq War (2010-2011)
The 2010-2011 Iraq War is historically significant because it was one of the first times that espresso was used as a weapon. The military side of this conflict introduced espresso to their soldiers as an energy-boosting drink. It turned out that this drink had some profound benefits for the soldiers who were deployed on these extended deployments. Studies have found that a shot of espresso can help people stay awake for up to three hours. The caffeine in espresso is known to elevate your mood and reduce stress. It also enhanced their mental performance and focused on the mission.
Best Regards to Our Military Friends In All Branches Who Knew the Value of a Strong Cup of Joe!
Coffee and the US Military | Blog Article | Bowers Coffee | Wisconsin | All Rights Reserved | 10/12/2021