What is the 'lobster and steak' myth? US Army influencer’s lunch sparks debate amid Israel–Iran war
Photo: Tiktok
A video shared by Antonia, a 24‑year‑old US Army influencer, has reignited the long‑standing “last good meal” myth amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.
Posted on June14th which was the US Army’s 250th birthday, the clip shows her in a car enjoying a lunchbox with lobster and steak, among other items like salad, garlic bread and baked potatoes. The caption reads “What I Get for $450 a month in the Military.”
@retiredhotcheetogirly Part 38 | It’s the Army’s birthday. 🎂 #dfac #food #lumchbreak
♬ original sound - retiredhotcheetogirly
The lore is well known in military circles: troops receive a lavish “surf and turf” meal—steak and lobster—before combat as both a morale booster and symbolic gesture.
It comes with dark humour about being “fattened up” before danger.
Many internet users in the comments speculated jokingly that the meal marks the start of Antonia's deployment to the ongoing Israel–Iran war, now escalating with regional tensions over missile strikes.
One user commented, "Lobster AND steak...Make sure you've called your loved ones". Another stated that this was "the calm before the storm".
Others merely pointed out that it is standard DFAC practice to serve special meals on occasions like the Army's birthday.
Although no official confirmation ties the meal to impending deployment, the timing and lavish nature of the food have sparked widespread discussion online.