I’m on a mission to find out as much as I can about this before leaving for BT.
Is kosher food regularly supplied in the mess, or would I have to make a special request for kosher rations during reception?  I don’t just mean kosher meat.  I mean food prepared with kosher utensils, not preparing meat and dairy together, etc.  Or is that level of kashrut in the army just a dream.

That level in an Army mess hall is definitely a dream.  The only way to find 100% kosher food in the military is by kosher MREs.

I’m guessing you live in a large Jewish community right now.  The last few places I’ve been stationed didn’t have a kosher restaraunt within 100 miles of me.  In other words, if you want kosher food, you have to do it yourself.  I do that now, but in boot camp, you won’t have the option of preparing your own food, so you need to make arrangements for kosher MREs well in advance of your arrival, so they have the time needed to order the items you need.

I would also recommend contacting Joe Kashnow, over at the JSF.  I know he has arranged for kosher rations for Jewish soldiers in the past.

Look into My Own Meals for Kosher MREs.  I know Mary Anne Jackson works hard to supply them to the Military.  We use them in our Kosher for Passover Seder Kits.  The Hechsher (kosher certification) is very good.

Dee

MOM is the company that makes the military issue rations.  If you are going to get them, you should try getting them through the Army (at no cost to you).

Food is routed differently than other supplies.  See this post for more info.  Since you are not in the military yet, you may not be able to deal with them directly, but you can pass on the info to the Jewish layleader there.

Follow Major Simmons’ advice and contact the current layleader there.  That’s the person who can really help you out with this.

I second the suggestion of going through the system.  By using it, you are strengthening it and will serve you better in the future.

For other Jewish supplies, check out http://www.chaplainscorner.com or contact .  We supply lots of stuff, from Tallits, Siddurim, Sukkot and Lulav/Etrog, Passover Seder Kits, Chanukah Menorahs and Candles, Kosher Wine, Mezuzahs, Siddurim, Bibles, Psalms, Yarmulkes (in camouflage) and more.

Dee
Jewish Prime Vendor

Thanks for the help.  I sent an email to Thomas Carlin at the DLA looking for direction on this.  I’ll let you know how it works out.