Hi all - I have a nephew whose Army Reserve unit has been activated and will ship out for Iraq at the end of the month. He's a tank mechanic, so he may well be living the (comparatively) plush life on a big base, but I've read of lots of specialists suddenly being told "surprise, you're now patrolling the streets." So, I have no idea of where he may be on the spectrum of lifestyle for soldiers in Iraq.

I've been reading ETS for several years now, so I've got the basics of the Altoids kit, etc...Also, I've been on CPF for a couple years, so I'm sending him a box of flashlights, too. I'm looking more for the specifically military end of stuff, and the Iraq-specific stuff.

I've in the past run across (and didn't save) various soldiers' "packing lists" and "lessons learned" threads at various Web sites that focus on Iraq. I guess I'm specifically looking for the grunt-level suggestions (don't need specific combat info), and suggested gear lists of stuff that's not issue, or that is much better than issue gear (I've never paid attention to stuff like the cooling helmet liners/neck wraps/underarmor vests - that kind of thing). Most specifically I'm looking for the non-issue and comfort, health items.

What I don't need are links to "battalion-level" lessons learned, powerpoint presentations on forces in the theater, urban combat tactics, etc. etc., however fascinating it may be. (I have all the Soldiers for the Truth (sftt.org) links I need.)

I need to get a pool of suggested gear he may not have heard of or thought of, so that he can look at it all and tick off what he wants or might like. Hopefully we can add some innovative or "out of the box" ideas that'll make his life better for the next 18 months. And if anyone here's been there, firsthand knowledge is all the better.

Thanks in advance folks
Dave

The one item we have given to several family members serving overseas is a phone card. But, we keep the code number and check the remaining value frequently. When it get down a bit we "re-charge" it. They have all mentioned that this is the one thing that they really enjoy as it keeps them in contact with us. Get several folks together and share the cost. Phone charges are high, but the value to the soldier and family is well worth it.

Thanks - that's a good one.

Yeah, the phone card's a GREAT idea, Here's one that may or may not be, depending on his circumstances, but if I were headed over, I KNOW I'd have mine with me, kind of expensive if he never uses it, but I'm sure he could barter it to someone who would. Check out hennessyhammocks.com and don't miss the picture sections; soldiers and Sgt Rock. If there's any possibility that he might find himself bivvying up away from his bunk, a Hennessy will be worth it's weight in gold.

Troy

I think you'll find a ton of information on this site:

Down Range Info

and this post in particular

A good knife is a plus to have but that is probably a given.
Camelback is awesome for over there but he probably will have one issued to him.
If he doesn't have a poncho liner (and some national guard guys I know didn't) I would suggest he get one. I would also suggest having a zipper sewn into it to make it into a sleeping bag. This was a major comfort/utlity item for me when I was there. It seemed like no matter how bad things got as long as I had my woobie (poncho liner) it was going to be ok.
A ditch medicine type book might be of intrest to him.
Its been awhile since I was there so I am having to think about it.
An Assault pack. Blackhawk, Eagle, Tactical tailor, Camelback brand. Get one he can strap stuff to the top, sides, and bottom of. When I was there I lived out of my assault pack. My ruck only served as a resupply point for clothes.
Good socks. No make that awesome socks.
A platypus bladder might come in useful to him to carry additional water. If he doesn't like two quarts.
I am going to have to think about this some more and if I have more ideas I will post them. Oh, if he is getting the MOLLE system the woobie will pack into the butt pack from the molle just right (this item is a don't leave home without it item).
Wish him luck for me.

What constitutes "awesome socks"?

Hi Dave

Some obvious points to bore you :-) Not in order:

1. Safe drinking water & food . . . Local/street food may not be 100% OK . . . .
2. Extreme comfort/luxury items, from vest/underwear/gloves to socks and everything else . . . The best you can afford.
3. Perhaps salt tablets as supplement or increase the salt intake when it gets warmer.
4. Spring/Summer . . . Heat exhaustion . . . It doesn't even have to be HOT to affect us (from loss of appetite and reduced energy to dizziness etc).
5. Vitamin C (500-1000 mgrams to fight cold germs when affected) - also B complex as normal diet supplement.
6. Eye/ear drops also shaded/clear sunglasses.
7. Any water disinfectant which can also be used to wash veg & fruit - Potasium Permangenate or similar (plus safe instructions for use).
8. Shoe insert for extra comfort.
9. A souvenir from back home.
10. The complete poems from someone like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - easily found on internet.
11. Mark Twain’s 'Roughing It' - easily found on internet.
12. Books/articles/info about the ancient civilisations of Iraq! – easily found on internet.

I stop right here before Dave says enough!
:-)

Regards

One version of "Awesome socks" are the Thorlo over the calf militiary boot socks sold by Brigade, QM and CAV store; also don't forget to change watch battery before deployment--no spares available there. Also second idea of poncho liner--a thinsulate version which is jungle camo one side desert camo the other is available. I can agree that it is twice as warm as regular poncho liner and can compress smaller--the zipper kit is really useful; add it if possible. If he wears glasses include eyeglass cleaning cloths (plural; they get lost) like those available from optometrist. Space pen writes in all conditions and lasts a long time. These are things that have meant a lot to me in the field over the years. Good luck; lots of other good ideas on here.

Please go to the Forum at www.lightfighter.com There are many military people there that have been , are or are going back to Iraq/Afghanastan. They are very willing to help with what to bring and what not to bring. Set up a CARE package system before he deploys with a list of what to send every 6 weeks or so. Things like laundry soap, socks, underwear, chap stick, eye wash, batteries, razors, foot powder,etc. Reading material is also important. On the LF Forum he should be able to find out what really to expect.
Dave

From what I gather, everyone, regardless of MOS (military occupational specialty) is a grunt overthere. It does get cold during the winter there, too. Don't be fooled by high summer temps. If it me or my son, I'd find out about body armour before hand. Googles and a Shemagh (head scarf) are a must.
Dave

Dave T, sent you a PM.

X-ray Dave

Awesome socks would be thorlos, fox river, smart wool.
Anti-diarrea pills would be good.
Look at wal-mart for one of those spice shakers that have like 6 types of spices in it. I loved mine.
Canned meats to give him a change from the normal food.
I don't know if I would go with salt to compensate for the salt loss. I have heard both good and bad things about using it. I never used it when i was there and there was some times where I only had 1.5 liters of water for a day (and there was times I went 2 days with 1.5 liters of water). Check into stuff called gluconade I think thats the way it is spelled. REI carries it and maybe someone here has used it.
Some bungee cords would be good and tell him to keep his poncho somewhere close to rig up a field expident hooch. Helps to get out of the sun some.
Water purification tablets as a means of backup.

Things are getting better over there as far as living conditions. If you weren't getting shot at life would be livable (hate to be there but livable). My experiences over in Iraq are not the same as my buddy who just got back and his will not be the same as the next group to go over.

This article from MarineLink has some good pointers.

This thread from the awesome Lightfighter has some excellent tips. (You'll need to register to read it.)

THAT'S the one from LF I was looking for ! Thanks for finding and posting.
Dave

Coming from someone who will soon be making the same journey, I would suggest you wait until you see what he is issued. I was very surpised to see waht the Marines going over there are issued. I am not sure how it works in the Army.


I would agree on/suggest a few things:
Phone card
Reading material
MP3 player
Pancho liner
awesome socks
extra razors, and other hygene gear. If he is on a base, it will be easier to get these things, but if he goes out, he will need extra.
Pictures from home
A good knife
A good multi-tool.

I wouldnt even consider body armor from a private vendor. He will be issued that by his command. Everyone is getting it now. Plus the stuff you buy may or may not fit with his gear.

Winter is still cold over there, especially at night, so a good pair of gloves will make him money over there, as military gloves are still pretty bad.

All the other suggestions are right on the money! Let him know that I said good luck and my prayers go with him.

garrett

Don't know how i forgot the tunes! Next to my woobie they were a god send. Also a neck gaitor would be good. I was issued a cotton neck gaiter (I used it to clean my weapon) but a polypro or nice soft fleece one would be nice.
I agree to wait and see what he has when he crosses the pond. Some stuff he will be issued i know some units are getting WilleyX's, Oakleys, Fleece Watch caps (which if he is not issued one send him one worth my weight in gold). Being in the MOS he is he may not get optics for his weapon, or night vision to carry all the time. But when he will need it he should have it (ie. guard duty, patrol, convoy escort). A pair of $20 bino's or a monocular comes in handy when on guard or just looking around. I would not buy body armorer. For several reasons cost, likely to get "lost" in transit, and he should get it. I know when I left over there and my guys left we also left behind 135 sets of interceptor body armor. Send him a disposable camera when you send him a package so he can get some pics.

Re: care pkgs. I guy who was in Desert Storm said everyone sent them candy, but what they would have killed for was beef jerky.

Sue

Gookinaid Hydralyte (formerly E.R.G.)

1 quart packets or 5 gallon cans - four flavors - good stuff.

www.gookinaid.com

www.rei.com

I think Lightfighter is THE place to look.

Add:

a Magellan GPS

GOOD gloves

Zip (wire) ties

Socks - Smartwool - I've personally found these to way outperform Thorlo's

Foam ear plugs to make sleeping easier...

Goldbond or baby powder

GOOD boots - Danner, Wellco, etc TRY THEM ON. I've had the same model and size fit slightly differently.

Sewing kit - make a good one yourself - an altoids size filled with "Craft and Button thread" and nylon upholstery thread can really help.

There's of course the army First Aid manual that everyone should/must read as top priority, again available on the internet for all folks.

Best regards.