Packing

[WIBecky74]

I live on a tight budget and would like to start purchasing items a few at a time for deployment to Iraq. I have a laptop I plan on bringing, I know it may be junk by the time I get back. Other then that, does anyone have any hints of things they brought with them, or didnt and wish they had? I have great parents that know how to pack awesome care packages but I also know it could take awhile before I get my address and it can take a few weeks to get something from here to there. Hopefully i'll be somewhere that has a good PX (not sure what its called when there) but ya never know and I want to be prepared. I'm sure we get a packing list, but i'd like to start now and have heard that list isnt always the most helpful either. Or any high speed items that arent normally issued but would be useful to have along.

[SteveLord]

I would take note of websites that ship to APO addresses for when you do need something. As you'll be limited with choice and supply of items there.

[shutterm4]

We were told by our cadre at AIT that a good gerber or leatherman is a great idea, you never know when you are going to need one. The other thing they said you don't really think about is like wet wipes.

i know that doesn't really help a whole lot, but they were both recomended by people who have been there.

[WIBecky74]

Good ideas and thank you very much!

[Teuvil]

Eh... I would hold off on buying a gerber or leatherman. You should get issued that.
It really depends on where you will be...

[SteveLord]

Eh... I would hold off on buying a gerber or leatherman. You should get issued that.
It really depends on where you will be...

My last tour, only the squad leaders got them. That was a few years ago though.

[WIBecky74]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Teuvil]

SteveLord, thats why Im glad I wasnt in Iraq during that time. Haha.
The new Otis Cleaning Kits have the Army Gerber in them. If you dont end up getting them, you can always just go to the PX at the MOB station or Kuwait...they'll definately have them.

[CPLHess]

My last tour, only the squad leaders got them. That was a few years ago though.

When I was mobbing at Camp Shelby MS back in 05 everyone got issued one at CIF.

[AZRGR]

For any deployment I would always recommend a large amount of 550 cord and 100 mph tape, some extra waxed dental floss (for sewing) and a couple of heavy duty carpet needles for emergency TA-50 repairs, a tomahawk and of course a good zippo lighter.

[Teuvil]

Woah, what is this? Vietnam? =P

[AZRGR]

I guess my suggestions (like myself) are a bit dated.

I would be interested in some of the more modern stand-by items that folks use for deployments. So I will keep spying on this thread to get myself back in the right century before I return to duty.

[SSG Andrews]

With the exception of the laptop, I would hold off buying any gear until you are sure you will not be issued it.

My life was made easier by some very simple things: A fullsize pillow, a set of sheets (I used my poncho liner as a comforter), a folding chair, a sleeping pad (an inflatable camping mattress that is compact yet makes cots or cheap mattresses much more comfortable).

Many things I bought overseas or from Soldiers that were leaving: TV, mini-fridge, water heating pot (the kind you plug into the wall), hotplate for cooking.

A digital camera is also a good thing to bring. It might behoove you to purchase the extended care plan for the computer and camera if you are going to have them outside in the dust much. A good laptop sleeve or hard case is necessary for transport, too.

[WIBecky74]

Thank you!

[soon2be1]

Just pack light. Its not a picnic over there. There will be time to get some rest and relaxation though. Like everyone else was saying, if taking electronics, get an extended warranty. I was there in 2003 for initial assualt and my digi camera was dead by the time i got home... Pack some civi's so that way its a little bit of a change from the norm while your there.

[SSG Andrews]

Pack some civi's so that way its a little bit of a change from the norm while your there.

Civilian clothes are not authorized in country.

[CPT Burritt]

Availability all depends on where you end up. Some places in both theaters have fully stocked PXs, some have bare minimums.

For example, 1st tour I had access to one of the largest PXs on the largest Logisitcs Support Areas in Iraq. In Afghanistan on my last tour we had a home run PX and sent an AF guy down to Bagram to pick up supplies every month or so.

My recommendation? Next time I will bring as little as possible, and only the stuff I need to get by, or I know I won't be able to get in theater. Think long and hard about the stuff you bring, as you will have limited space to store stuff.

Civilian clothes are not authorized in country.

Can you cite where you read this? General Order 1A does not specify no civilian clothes. Local policy may dictate that they cannot be worn, but it is not a theater policy that I have seen. It would be up to the Soldier's chain of command to decide.

[louis.quinones]

I live on a tight budget and would like to start purchasing items a few at a time for deployment to Iraq. I have a laptop I plan on bringing, I know it may be junk by the time I get back. Other then that, does anyone have any hints of things they brought with them, or didnt and wish they had? I have great parents that know how to pack awesome care packages but I also know it could take awhile before I get my address and it can take a few weeks to get something from here to there. Hopefully i'll be somewhere that has a good PX (not sure what its called when there) but ya never know and I want to be prepared. I'm sure we get a packing list, but i'd like to start now and have heard that list isnt always the most helpful either. Or any high speed items that arent normally issued but would be useful to have along.
Well remember you going to war and not camp and I have noticed that even newbies that havent started the military life are here making suggestions and comments about deployments and that is peachy. Remember to follow the packing list first because in your A and B bags, the packing list will basically have all your bags filled to a tee. Also, trust and use your leadership and consult with them (meaning I know SGTs that tossed stuff in the GI Can when they conducted PCCs and PCIs prior to deployment and getting on that civilian bird; and nice stuff too). That is what they are there for (NCOS). And know your mission. If you not going to be doing Combat OPS or FOB Security, then dont try to pack like you are Rambo. Funny that I saw the FOBBITS with all the high speed gear used for no other purpose than show. You will get your high speed Wiley x and Nomex gloves. I dont know if the guard issues MOLLE (more compartments to pack gear) or you still use the same old ALICE pack but remember that your plane and bus rides will be tight and cramped. Remember you carrying your weapons with you and you will have lots of added weight. Some of your stuff is shipped in a milvan or conex. I didnt even have a gorilla locker until I got one in theatre. Next post will be of pics of traveling and gear layouts so you have an ideal. also the ACUs have nice back and fanny packs, so get those if needed and not issued. I didnt even worry about a laptop since the MWR tents have lot of computers. I lived in GP mediums (that got hit by rockets) and CHUs downrange so depending on your living conditions you might have your own frig/tv (what was stated was true about soldiers re-deploying always selling stuff and trying to make a buck). Many Officers and Senior NCOs on battle staff enjoyed the hard-sites (meaning some decent latrines and showers). I didnt have that luxury (Iraqis deficating in their showers). I wonder how my future warrant deployment tour will be like now.

[WIBecky74]

Well remember you going to war and not camp and I have noticed that even newbies that havent started the military life are here making suggestions and comments about deployments and that is peachy. Remember to follow the packing list first because in your A and B bags, the packing list will basically have all your bags filled to a tee. Also, trust and use your leadership and consult with them (meaning I know SGTs that tossed stuff in the GI Can when they conducted PCCs and PCIs prior to deployment and getting on that civilian bird; and nice stuff too). That is what they are there for (NCOS). And know your mission. If you not going to be doing Combat OPS or FOB Security, then dont try to pack like you are Rambo. Funny that I saw the FOBBITS with all the high speed gear used for no other purpose than show. You will get your high speed Wiley x and Nomex gloves. I dont know if the guard issues MOLLE (more compartments to pack gear) or you still use the same old ALICE pack but remember that your plane and bus rides will be tight and cramped. Remember you carrying your weapons with you and you will have lots of added weight. Some of your stuff is shipped in a milvan or conex. I didnt even have a gorilla locker until I got one in theatre. Next post will be of pics of traveling and gear layouts so you have an ideal. also the ACUs have nice back and fanny packs, so get those if needed and not issued. I didnt even worry about a laptop since the MWR tents have lot of computers. I lived in GP mediums (that got hit by rockets) and CHUs downrange so depending on your living conditions you might have your own frig/tv (what was stated was true about soldiers re-deploying always selling stuff and trying to make a buck). Many Officers and Senior NCOs on battle staff enjoyed the hard-sites (meaning some decent latrines and showers). I didnt have that luxury (Iraqis deficating in their showers). I wonder how my future warrant deployment tour will be like now.

Thanks. I've seen ALOT of pictures from packing to go there, to packing to come back home. Their last deployment they had an AWESOME website that they posted pictures quite often and then family/friends back home could post comments on them. It was really cool. They did have alot of pictures while there with civilian clothes on. I can see how there are many variables as to if you can or cannot. There last one was about 2.5 years ago. I know alot of things can change in that amount of time.
http://1158tc.com/

[FormerUSMC/Armyvet]

When I was deployed to Afghanistan/ Iraq, there weren't any PX's or anything set up yet (went when it first started). We were told to bring what we thought we would need for at least 6 months as far as hygeine stuff went. Now it's alot better I hear because of the PX's they have over there so you probably won't need to bring as much. Make sure you put anything that leaks like shampoo and stuff in bags so it doesn't get all over your gears. One thing that would have been great is an Ipod (they weren't invented yet at the time) carrying a discman and an album of cd's was a pain the butt and they got all scrached up easily. Digital camera is a great thing to have (mine was all bulky and stuff, slim one's weren't around yet). Laptop was nice to have, especially to watch movies...and like other's said, get the extended warranty on those and good carry case for it. We weren't issued gerbers, I just bought a good one and brought it with me, they are really handy to have, also a gerber type folding knife, the serrated edge type. Hot commodity items that we got from home in care packages were toilet paper, kool-aid, ramean noodles, mac and cheese in a cup, beef jerky. Bring plenty of socks, shirts, underwear (more than what your packing list says). Maybe a bottle of medicated foot powder also like goldbond, good for your feet and other places. If you have room, maybe a good book or two to read. Bring a couple of pics with you of your loved ones back home (I had a small sandwich bag inside of my Kevlar with a few pics of my family). Oh yea, my unit did make us pack one set of civilian clothes with us, did't wear them in theather but was in case we needed to come home on an emergency or something, also came in handy for going to R&R in Qatar, you can always buy some at the PX. I'm sure there are other's things I forgot, been a few years since I was over there.

[WO1 Quinones]

Pack light, you will have an AAFES out there to buy stuff. I dont know if you can send stuff in a gorilla foot locker but that comes in handy.

[planedr]

If you're taking your laptop get one of those rubber keyboard protectors http://www.buypcsupplies.com/keyboardskins.html?source=yahoo92308&OVRAW=keyboard%20protector&OVKEY=keyboard%20protector&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=4537600521&OVKWID=38696591521
and you can get clear screen protectors also.http://www.ergoindemand.com/laptop-protection-computer-filters.htm
the sand sucks.

[SPC Ski]

If you're taking your laptop get one of those rubber keyboard protectors http://www.buypcsupplies.com/keyboardskins.html?source=yahoo92308&OVRAW=keyboard%20protector&OVKEY=keyboard%20protector&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=4537600521&OVKWID=38696591521
and you can get clear screen protectors also.http://www.ergoindemand.com/laptop-protection-computer-filters.htm
the sand sucks.


A LAPTOP RUBBER LOL