Which of the following is a necessary eating utensil in a ready pack?

In a ready pack for outdoor use, particularly in search and rescue operations, having a cup is essential. A cup serves multiple purposes: it can be used for drinking water or other liquids, and it can also hold food such as soups or freeze-dried meals. While a fork and knife may seem useful for eating purposes, they are not strictly necessary if other methods of consuming food are available. For instance, hands can be used for eating certain foods, and many meals can simply be cooked and consumed directly from the packaging. A platter is not typically required in a ready pack, as it is not practical for lightweight or space-constrained scenarios. Therefore, the cup’s multifunctionality and necessity for hydration make it a critical component of any ready pack.