Going downrange in 90 days

[99sparks]

Dude! This is a joke right? Really? If it won't fit in your duffle bag you don't need it. However, if you really take all that stuff you may want to ship a pick up truck ahead to haul it around. Better make it a 4X4. Take extra fuel, tires and parts. Probably will want a few dangles for the computer and a few farkles for the truck.

[echo6cavedog]

You're gonna hump all of that in? Not to beat a dead horse. The answer is NO!

[Agmundr]

Seriously, bring what you -need- to begin with, then have family ship the rest if it turns out that you have the time/space to take advantage of it all. That's a whole list of crap you don't need.

[chozenfew805]

Seriously, bring what you -need- to begin with, then have family ship the rest if it turns out that you have the time/space to take advantage of it all. That's a whole list of crap you don't need.

Definitely the best piece of advice right here!

Ensure you have enough room for all your "Battle Gear", cold weather gear(thermals, fleece, gloves, baclava/facemask etc..), Personal Comfort(laptop, Ipod, Chargers (that can handle the 220-240V grid they have overseas) and a UK/European plug adapter so you don't have to buy one in Kuwait if they even have them in stock and enough hygiene items for at least a month.

Anything else can be mailed/sent to you. Location and length of time your at a perspective site are NEVER CERTAIN! Neither is your optempo and having to lug a lot of that stuff around will suck! What good is all that comfort stuff if you get stuck out in a "COP" doing 24/7 Ops support anyway?

Keep your head down and chin up and you'll be fine!

[Nite_Train]

Thats one of the craziest pack out lists Ive ever seen. No sure where your headed but I think you may be in for a rude awaken. Keep your head on a swivel and cover your arse.

[Stanksbeamen]

WOW! You know you have to lug your own stuff around until you get to your destination. It would be best to get the address of where you are going and mail neccesities as you see fit so by time you get there they should be there too. I usually only bring my laptop/phone and hard drive. Small camera to take pics and record the good times, make the best of what you've got. Good luck and stay safe...

[TonyKat]

Just to put things in perspective. Everything together weights 25 lbs and can be put in a backpack...

[Agmundr]

Just to put things in perspective. Everything together weights 25 lbs and can be put in a backpack...

A different angle of perspective for you:

That's a 25 pound backpack on top of your packing list. I don't know what kind of unit you're in, but every time I've deployed we've brought 3 duffels, a rucksack, and an assault pack. All of it filled to the brim except for one duffel which is about halfway full.

It's bad enough when your chain of command loads you down with a bunch of crap you don't need, don't do it to yourself. Bring your packing list, a computer and the cable for it, and an external with movies and such. An iPod or whatever variant you have. That's about all you should have to start with, after that start mailing crap.

[TonyKat]

Once I get everything gathered together I'll post pics. Nobody has discounted even one thing as far as it's benefit while I'm over there. It's a deployment in crappy conditions. Mail takes forever and is unreliable. So why not take the things which will make my downtime enjoyable? I think everyone is getting a skewed idea of the size and weight of everything because it is a long list of tiny things. The largest thing is the pair of civilian shoes i'll need for our two weeks leave, we're suppose to receive, which i'll spend in germany. Like i said when i gather everything together it'll be more apparent for those of you who can't think outside the (sand) box.

Please do feel free to discount the usefulness of any individual items if you can.

[TonyKat]

2 dress shirts
Slacks
Jeans
Doc Martins
Hoodie
Blazer


Makes it look like your not going to too bad of a spot and not bare bones. One thing I don't see on your list is a plug adapter.

You can prob ditch the projector and screen and just watch TV/movies on your laptop and save some room. Most places I have been have TV's for people to watch with AFN.

That list just looks long as $%^& every time I scroll up to read it lol.

The civilian clothes are needed for leave. The plug adapter is included in the world kit. The projector is no larger than my iPhone. It is a long list but a long list of tiny things.

[TonyKat]

I don't know where to begin..

regardless of branch and unit type, I would be shocked to see your load out manager let you bring a fourth of that.. unless you're the CO and that is still probably a stretch..

everyone will get a designated amount of bags and space, it will then be weighed and sealed.. you'll have to carry the rest, of which you will be also limited to weight and volume..

and remember, once you get 'there', you have to store all this crap.. space is always a premium.. now you see why they make your fold your skivies up so damn tight in bootcamp..

I have done this a few times and I was also deployed with a combat cargo det back in the 90's.. quite familiar with the routine..

if you are a dept head or a senior NCO, you may be afforded a stash.. don't be offended but the geeks are usually not the ones with the hook-ups in these areas..

your unit should have a power point for this.. one of hundreds you'll see before you go.. if you're not already familiar with the term - death by power point..

your kitchen items will not likely be sustainable.. running water is usually a hike if available at all [potable].. you'll soon tire of that routine.. better off maximizing the use of the DFAC and supplementing with dry stored goods you can buy locally in the px or sent from home..

packing, handling, shipping, and the environmental extremes will ruin most of your electronic gear.. keep it to a minimum of what you can keep sealed up and protected..

you may not [probably won't] always be in direct control of your bags.. count on them being handled like 'gear' not luggage.. and I certainly wouldn't bring anything you wouldn't be upset to just through straight in the ocean.. has happened among many other forms of destruction.. similar to loaning money, don't loan more than you can afford to lose..

most of that snivel gear is available in Arifjan, Udari, or wherever you assemble before you proceed to scenic points beyond..

do yourself a favor and lighten that up a bit.. if you can actually use half of that, you can have it shipped over reasonbly cheap and sent home for free[weight limits based on rank]

you're going ot have a better trip if you keep it light.. enjoy the duty and time spent with your comrades.. take lots of pictures everywhere you can and you'll have some great memories to look back on..

don't play with clumpy sand..

thank you for your service and best of luck!

It will all fit in a small backpack or briefcase. It all doesn't take up a lot of room. Yes I remember death by powerpoint in basic, air, and both mosq trainings i've done. My "kitchen" items, of which there's only one. Just need a small amount of water from my camel bak and power. I don't plan to use mail unless necessary. Water tightness is easily accomplished by zip lock bags. clumpy sand sounds nasty.

[TonyKat]

Don't be one of those guys who get fat on their deployment.

I work out constantly and will continue to do so.

[TonyKat]

dude you are taking way too much stuff. go through it several times to see if you really need it and can take it. also if you can't carry it with you. have someone here send it to you when you get there.

How so? I have done that. I don't plan to use mail.

[TonyKat]

FleshLight.

Must have piece of kit.

I will bring my hand, porn, and condoms

[TonyKat]

Keep your head on a swivel. Whats your MOS

Reclassed from CBRN to satellite communications