They were not supplied by the government but privately purchased, typically at a local PX (post exchange) or shop if they were near a city. Here, troops could by all manner of civilian goods like radios, tapes, batteries, playing cards, watches, sunglasses, cameras and film, razors, soaps, sewing kits, toothpastes, even beer, and lighters plus accessories. C Rations in the field contained matches, but lighters were much preferred because they are much less affected by wind, and will hold a flame for longer. Especially for those in the field, lighters had other uses besides just lighting cigarettes.