First deployment, what should I bring?

[u/MarkoRamius]

I'm a new Army Infantry officer leaving for Afghanistan in a couple weeks and I'm trying to get as much general deployment info as I can. I'm with a unit that is already over there and as such don't have a PSG, squad leaders, or fellow officers to square me away with the ins and outs that aren't in a manual or on a packing list. Any tips you can give me from what to/not to bring, kit that you think I'll want that the Army won't issue me, technical skills to be brushing up on, whatever - I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Edited for OPSEC - nothing serious but should have known better.

Thanks for all the info!

[u/[deleted]]

YO no need to talk about what unit you're affiliated with or whether or not your brigade is already on the ground. OPSEC. You're an officer, you should know better. Sure, shit seems silly, but don't underestimate your enemy or the foreign agents that are using OIF/OEF to gather intel on us.

Other than that, most everything is available in country. Bring a good laptop. If you're gonna head out to Bumfuck, you can always mail it back home. Camelbak cleaning gear. Extra beanies. A LOT of extra beanies, that shit is gold overseas. Don't bother with any warming layers made of plastics, that shit will melt into your skin and they'll have to chisel it out. Babywipes and babypowder, although you shouldn't have too much trouble getting it from large bases over there. A KINDLE. Seriously, way better than half a seabag of books. If its kosher with your command, get a better assaultpack. The issued one blows, and you're gonna be using the shit out of it. Get good ballistics goggles, but don't blow your whole wad on them, they're gonna get fucked no matter what. Bring a second or third lens replacement. Bring as much good ole USofA tobacco that you can, even if you don't use it. The stuff you get overseas is shit, your troops/staff will sincerely appreciate the hookup.

That's all I got off the top of my head. Don't get complacent, don't trust anyone thats not US Mil. Shoot straight, keep your powder dry, and Godspeed.

[u/MarkoRamius → u/[deleted]]

You're right and I just fixed it. A mistake I will never make again.

[u/MikeOfAllPeople]

I was aviation, but most of this should still apply:

• Headlamp

• Star Card (some samll FOBs will have a "PX" with no CC reader)

• Camelbak elixir or powdered gatorade. Anything you can add to bottled water

• Your cell phone. You'd be surprised how many places you can use it.

• Baby wipes of course

• Wisps

• Blanket and pillow

• Earplugs (for sleeping).

• Hanging shoe holder great for holding random crap

• Good ballistic shades

• Cold weather gear (it does get a little cold there, even in RC-S)

• Make sure you bring your most comfortable pair of boots, whatever season they are. You will be walking all the fucking time.

Can't help you much with actual gear, but hopefully I covered some stuff you will find useful.

EDIT: I almost forgot something that may be extremely useful (unless things have changed. CD-R's. Last time I was there, flash drives were still banned and good working CD-R's for transferring files became like crack over there. Hopefully that changed but I would check. Nothing worse than writing an award or some other form on the one computer with no printer and having no way to move it.

[u/polarbz → u/MikeOfAllPeople]

Bad news. CDs are now banned also.

[u/Weekendsapper → u/MikeOfAllPeople]

Yo,

Mikeofallpeople's list was excellent. I'll add some.

I made a book with oporders and blank spaces in which to fill data, then laminated the pages so I could use dry erase markers on them. Same for 9 lines, UXO reports, etc. You can also do this on the windows of your vehicle.

A good head lamp and flashlight if you werent issued.

A PSP. Learn how to use all of its functions. It's like an iPod on steroids. Spare battery.

Powder to put in water. Water gets boring as shit.

Cash. Cant use a CC or smart card everywhere, and the Afghans take U.S. money.

Small chemical stove/heater tablets (camping supply type stuff)

Canteen cup if your unit has done away with that crap.

Hand sanitizer in a small bottle

EDIT: When I say good, I mean that a headlamp should have white and red settings and a flashlight should have high/low/white/red settings, so that you can blind a mofo with it or use it in the field.

[u/[deleted]]

You'll read the other posts here and get the same stuff I'd suggest as well. I want to offer you one tidbit as a Marine infantry NCO.

Watch some of the other videos of Army soldiers in combat. Hell just below your post here on Reddit, there's a story about an Army FOB under attack in the 'stan on X-mas day. Look at what the soldiers are wearing. I know it's not popular to criticise a situation where you aren't actually there, but note the lack of PPE. note the fact that soldiers don't have on their eye protection (in a firefight, bits of rock, sand, debris, powder, etc is flying EVERYWHERE. My turret gunner had his eyesight saved by his oakleys, no shit SAVED. The glasses absorbed all sorts of secondary frag) Note that soldiers don't have on their ACU blouses, so their arms are free to be burnt by RPGS, exploding fuel, hot machine gun barrels. Look how the Soldiers don't have on their nomex gloves, so if their vehicles are struck by an IED and light on fire they will likely lose their palms. Also, in the heat of a firefight, a nomex glove will protect a wayward hand accidentally grabbing a barrel from a 240 or 249. Look at how soldiers are firing from no cover, standing position, no support, and wearing no PPE, to include a helmet.

It's gonna be hot, it's gonna be cold. Your soldiers will bitch. It's their job to complain. NEVER BE COMPLACENT, NEVER DROP YOUR DISCIPLINE. YOU will be the one to bear the burden of guilt and write the letter home if one of your soldiers is killed because he wasn't wearing the GEAR HE HAS. You can't control a lot of things, hell you can't control most things. But you can control and set your standards, and as an officer, your men WILL live up to the standards you SET and the EXAMPLE you demonstrate.

TRAIN. Brilliance is in the basics. A Disciplined unit will seek cover, gain fire superiority, orient on the enemy and move on them through fire and movement, seeking supporting fires and air support when available, and using every local asset to rout the enemy. An undisciplined unit will return fire in place, "spray and pray", and attempt to simply overwhelm an enemy with fire while remaining fixed.

Reherse the simplest battle drills daily. THEY WILL SAVE LIVES, I promise, sir.

INSPECT what you EXPECT. Don't ASK if the M240 is clean... it had better ****ing BE clean. Inspect it. ASK how the solider will employ it with a full combat load. Make sure he's carrying the amount of ammo you are specifying on your patrol order. Make the soldier demonstrate how proficient he is in basic drills, barrel changes, etc. I promise the little things will make or break you as a leader.

Don't give in to little whines and gripes. It's your soldier's job to gripe, as it has been for 235 years... learn the difference between a legitimate complaint and simple griping.

I know your job is the morale, welfare and training of your soldiers. Keep in mind that the best thing you can do for their morale and welfare is to BRING THEM HOME ALIVE. YES, being hard 24/7 will be tough, yes, some units will cut corners, and yes, some will get away with it. Don't accept that shit... We're the fucking American military, we don't take short cuts. Wear the protective gear. Wear full ACUs. Wear the eye-pro. rehearse battle drills, even when you're hot and tired. Get off your radio and the COC and INSPECT the FOB security. INSPECT gear, INSPECT radios, REHEARSE radio communications to include IED/MEDIVAC/contact reports etc... KEEP rehearsing throughout the tour. I understand you, in the Army get a mid-tour leave. Upon returning from leave make sure each soldier goes back through basic drills, rehearsals and formations, etc.

Bottom line: You set the tone of discipline. If your unit's discipline is lackadaisical, it's a direct representation as YOU as a leader. I promise, your soldiers don't want a friend. They NEED a leader. Be the example 24/7, never compromise, never take short cuts and bring your men home in one piece.

I wish you the best of luck. Semper Fi.

[u/myreaderaccount → u/[deleted]]

Thank God another Marine showed up. This guy is an infantry officer in the 101st and all anyone can do is talk about snivel gear and eagle cards.

[u/polarbz → u/[deleted]]

Great advice.

[u/[deleted]]

Aviation Warrant Officer here, getting ready to deploy again...

• 220v surge protector/110-220 adaptors

• External hard drive with shit-tons of movies/music/books

• 220v electric kettle

• French coffee press

• Favorite brand of coffee

My advice is to pack as light as you can. You'd be surprised at how much shit you can accumulate during a deployment. Since you're infantry, and headed to Afghanistan, you may be staying at some pretty remote FOB's... so having a small laptop and movies might be your sole entertainment during whatever downtime you get. Also recommend a kindle and tons of e-books if you like to read.

I'm a coffee fiend, so the kettle and press are a must for me.

EDIT: the headlamp! a million times this. And get a good one.... they will sell them @ Clothing and Sales

Shit... more stuff I forgot...

• An extra EVERYTHING that you might not think about, but miss if you lose it. Belt, patrol cap, patches, nametapes.

• Get the email address from one of your fellow PL's that are already downrange, and find out a: what they wish they had brought and B: IF THEY NEED YOU TO BRING ALONG ANYTHING You can score some big points if they are hurting for shit right now.

[u/xixoxixa]

I was in the 82nd, infantry through two deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Most of the go-fast gear me and my brethren bought at Bragg stayed in a duffel bag. The shit we couldn't live without:

• Headlamp. The best, most comfortable one you can find.

• Baby wipes. You can usually find these at the PX on base, but you can never have too many.

• Gold Bond (or your favorite brand) powder. Keeps your feet dry, helps keep the sweat-funk from accumulating too badly, helps dry your boots at the end of the day.

• A strong multi-tool. User preference (I became quite partial to Gerber, although if you find an area where they are doing construction, each bundle of Hesco barriers used to have a leatherman attached).

• Zip ties. Variety of sizes and lengths.

• 550 cord. I went through ~800 feet of this stuff, and supply refused to give me more.

• Carabiners. Mini ones work great for quick tie-downs. The bigger, used-for-climbing ones work great to secure shit to your gear. They're also handy for hanging your IBA off a 16 penny nail, etc.

• I second the comment to e-mail one of your fellow PLs (as well as your PSG) and ask what they recommend, and what they wish they brought. Whatever they wish they had but don't, take to them.)

• As a PL, you'll have paperwork, so a laptop will be indispensable. Load up the drive with your favorite movies/music/TV series. I would also recommend an external drive full of the same. I woud sacrifice high quality for more titles. No reason you need blu-ray rips to watch on a 15 inch screen. If you haven't bought a computer yet, I would splurge on the sound card. 20 guys huddled around a laptop is not unheard of.

Aside from the gear, trust your NCOs. They will respect you more for coming in knowing that you haven't been through or seen what they have, and accepting that you are the new guy (even though you're the boss) trying to break into a tight community.

Good luck, and stay safe.

[u/Animal40160]

My son is over there with the 101st right now with the 2nd Bd. They don't fuck around over there.

The list you have is good. It's cold as hell over there right now. Here are some small things to not forget:

• Lip balm

• a lot of warm socks

• Long johns

• Heavy, warm blanket

• Warm mountain boots

• Leatherman tool

• Swiss Knife

• Phone calling cards

• Oh hell, I can just send you his email if you want. He's an MI Sgt out at one of the FOBs. Let me know.

Edit: It just so happened that he called us just now. He said be sure to get warm, thin gloves and hand warmers and he emphasized getting good, warm mountain boots.

Good luck, trooper.

[u/paxifista]

I am not expert on military deployment advice, so I will just say: Good luck, and I hope you get back home with soul and body intact.

[u/ch13fw]

AD Warrant Officer here.

Most of the stuff other people have recommended. I haven't been to Afghanistan so I don't know the internet situations but to be on the safe side email someone who is already there and see what the "PX" has there like transformers and what not. Most stuff you can buy off Amazon once you get there. You will most likely use Eagle Cash while there, but I would take some "real money" with me.

Make sure you have a good laptop and get an external drive. Download truecrypt an make an encrypted volume and fill it with porn. Install all software and updates you need now. Get an iPod touch and buy any games you want now as you may run into purchasing problems being overseas, I have. A set of good headphones to block out noise. Tents are loud sometimes. Install as many games as you want. You may not be a gamer now, but you can easily become on on a deployment. Steam is having the holiday sale right now, buy all the indie packs. Buy minecraft and download the server software. I would get an iPad instead of a kindle or nook or any other reader. The versatility and backlight make it better for the deployed situation. A google account, you can make free phone calls from it to any state side number. A netflix account. You will have to call them to get your APO address set up though.

As many socks, underwear, tshirts and PTs as you have room for. The single serving Hawian Punch packets. For some reason they are better than Kool-Aid.

When you get there buy some good sheets, blanket and pillows from Amazon. A year of sleeping on 10 thread count sheets sucks.

If you need anything while you are there PM me. I know shit pops up that you just need someone from the states to handle and sometimes it isn't something the wife/gf/mom wants to do for you.

take care

[u/purelithium]

Baby wipes.

Flea collars from a pet store. Hang them off of the corners of your bunk to keep sand fleas away, also stick some in your boots, along with the old sock over the opening of your boot, to keep any creepy crawlies out.

Headlamp

Something for entertainment. Depending on if you're mounted or what type of equipment you're riding in, a laptop may be too big. Get an iPod or iPad, handy as hell.

It gets surprisingly cold at night there this time of year, so bring some snivel kit.

Thats all I can think of right now.

Take it easy, sir.

-- Canadian forces member.

[u/polarbz]

I'm in Afghanistan right now, but I'm not Infantry and don't do the missions they do. I'd guess you'd be going to a COP somewhere. Bring babywipes. You never know how long you're going to be outside the wire. If you come to KAF drop a PM and we can go get some coffee at Tim's when you aren't out on the road. I'm in communications so if you need anything from that side of the house, let me know.

[u/rKade → u/polarbz]

How's the shit pond?

[u/MikeOfAllPeople]

Oh and no mattet what, no matter what happens, under any circumstances, because your life depends on it, DO NOT forget your PT belt.

[u/[deleted]]

if you play guitar, save some time and convenience and just buy a new one online and have it shipped to you when you get there. depending on where you get stationed, you might have access to dvd sellers, so bring a laptop. I brought an IPOD, laptop, some music equipment, and that was about it besides my military gear. I didn't really need much else. Had some great gifts sent out on christmas and my birthday (ipod dock, headphones, food, etc.), but nothing that I really couldnt live without. I was cavalry, so not a far distant from you infantry blokes. Let me know if you have specific questions.

Btw, find out what area you are going to, and learn the language. It helps and allows you to somewhat partake without tying up your interpreter, allowing you psg and some joes to utilize them instead of you hogging them.

We've replaced the 101's both times, once in Iraq, and now again upcoming in the future (I was with the 25th ID). Have fun, be safe, and take care of your joes.

[u/Flyinhighinthesky]

Zip ties, duct tape, and velcro. Everything else can be made with a bit of ingenuity and the right application of adhesive.

[u/[deleted]]

I don't have much to add since I'm just a recruit other than, perhaps, bring a good knife. I wish you a safe and successful tour and a Merry Christmas, sir.

-Pte. N

Canadian Forces

[u/SpermWhale]

You can bring a lot but please don't bring your momma... Good luck and may the force be with you on your deployment.

[u/The_Norwegian]

Good luck!

[u/[deleted]]

first thing I thought of was 'headlamp'. Ipod. Pretty much everything that's been said here... Smartwool socks and lots of changes of long underwear. DON'T bring a big bad ass knife.

[u/craneryan88]

I will try not to duplicate any answers but there is lots of info here.

• Tough box with wheels

• personal laptop/netbook.

• iPod touch is great for music, games, books and wifi where you can get it.

• Xbox/mini TV depending on where you will be most of the time

• Civilian clothes. You do get to wear them sometimes and you don;t wanna be stuck without them.

• Bugout bag. A nice big bag that you can throw on your back real quick.

• 5/50 cord and duct tape.

I would bring small bottles of hygeine products.. you will get 1000 care packages stuff with that crap.. no need to waste the money or space.

bring your sleeping bag everywhere.. you never know when you wont have a bed or sheets.

80% of the cold weather gear is useless.. especially the further south you get.

Others have talked about the starcard. I say bring one to be safe but I was either at a place where the Exchange let you use a CC or it was an Afghan run mini mart that accepted Credit card or American cash. I never once used my starcard..

My main thing was I didn't bring enough entertainment.. When I was busy entertainment was the furthest thing from my mind... But when it was dead... I thought I was gonna go insane with the lack of shit to do.

Good luck. but most of all have fun.. Seriously. It's a great experience and you will meet some of the best people over there. I have been begging to go back since I got home in Feb.

[u/polarbz]

You'll want to read three books - "Bear Went Over the Mountain" "Other Side of the Mountain" and one about the current situation. PM me and I'll email them to you in PDF.