I wasn`t very clear in my first post. My friend is an officer in the reserves. While the army has given him a list of suggested items it seems to presume he will always have a backpack or easy access to the rest of his gear. I was thinking along the lines of EDC such as a red photon as well as comfort items not readily available over there. He has not been told how long he may be gone but the paperwork he showed me gives his family power of attorney for up to 18 months. He is allowed 3 duffel bags and 1 footlocker so it looks like this will be a lengthy deployment. Any suggestions will be appreciated especially from some that have first hand experience.