packing for the Sand Box

[TowGunner]

I leave in a couple days for BW and was just wondering what extra to pack. I have they list they sent but they never tell you the good stuff or what you really need.

Part two.... since I leave straight from BW to the sand box.... what would you reccomend packing to bring over. I was told to get an ipod and an xbox.... can you get a good tv over there? What else....

[SOTB]

Part two.... since I leave straight from BW to the sand box.... what would you reccomend packing to bring over. I was told to get an ipod and an xbox.... can you get a good tv over there? What else....I would DEFINATELY recommed an iPod. Hell, I would tell you to take your own laptop as well, but I don't know if YOUR situation will allow you to hook up to the internet with your machine. I was fortunate that in MY instance, that was possible, although I did not have my own computer with me.

As to an XBox, just consider that you'll be lugging a ton of heavy crap with you and you are SUPPOSED to be deployed to a warzone. Lots of stuff to have to pick up and move if your job calls for a change of living arrangements. I would agree with taking your own XBOX (or PS2) controller (wireless or wired). You might be able to jump in on a game that you otherwise could not. If you take a laptop, you'll have access to plenty of games you can play in your downtime.

As to the stuff you can purchase, don't worry for personal effects types of stuff (ie, shaving cream, soap, etc.). That can be had at the PXs. And yes, TVs can be purchased at the PXs.

Whatever your end desires as far as what you will take, keep it to no more than two bags for checking in and one carry-on. Seriously. Magician (from this board) told me the same thing and I ignored his suggestion -- at the cost of not only almost losing a bag between Jordan and Baghdad but also having to foot out personal dinero to pay for excess baggage weight (the international baggage weight you enjoy from the states to Jordan/Kuwait isn't applied between those two countries and Iraq -- if you fly into Iraq).

If you can possibly pull it off, I would tell you to go with one very large bag checked in and one carryon (with maybe your laptop as another carryon).

Mis dos centavos....

[ktek01]

X-box, PS2, TVs and even laptops can be purchased at the IZ PX. There wont be much you cant get over there as far as basic needs go.

[mara]

Baby wipes. Lots of baby wipes.

[B 2/75]

If you can possibly pull it off, I would tell you to go with one very large bag checked in and one carryon (with maybe your laptop as another carryon).


If time isn't too short, I'd recommend a tuff box... Wall Mart, made by CONTICO, costs about 35 bucks. Hmmm. thinking about it, the name tuff box is armyspeak. The thing is about 3 feet long, two feed wide, two feet high. The top is such that you could park a car on the lid when closed. Made of some sort of super tough, rigid black plastic. The whole thing weighs in at about 18 pounds, so it does add to your overall weight, but you'll be happy to have it when you're on the ground.

Bring a big thumb drive. 512 mg minimum. Seagate has a nice USB-powered portable hard drive, essentially a thumbdrive with a disk, which is available in 2.5 gig (130 bucks at best buy) or 5 gig, for about $155.

Bring also a quality digital camera. I liked the Cannon Sureshot 400. Its one of the Elf series... stainless body so it won't explode should you drop it, and it's only the size of a pack of smokes. Takes a rechargable battery, and the charger will plug into a 110 or 220 outlet. Takes great video, too, clips up to about 4 minutes. 4 megapixel, and now goes for about $325. Just be sure you have a big flash card to go with it. You can get a 512 Mg for about $50 now.

Bring at a couple of twin size fitted and flat sheets, and a pillow case or two.

A little fluffy bath mat is nice next to yer cot.

Arrange for constant supply of Crystal Light , Gatoraide, or some type of drink powders to be shipped over. As soon as you know your address, have it sent. You'll need it, believe me. The heat tab is getting mighty bright these days, and will get only worse.

At least one spare cap.

Go to Wall Mart and get four or five pairs of sunglasses in the fishing department. They're cheap, and those 80 buck Vuarnet shades you've got won't last, so having a ready supply is good. Hadji shades suck. PX shades aren't too much better, and can be overpriced.

12' Extension cord and a power strip. Hadji electrical components really suck.

A great pair of work gloves. They'll have holes in them before it's over.

That should keep ya busy :)

[Forestboy]

Power inverter to run your 110 stuff off a vehicle cigarette lighter would be handy.
If your on or near a base you could befriend a servie memeber and he can hook you up with the baby wipes. When I left we had a HMMWV's worth or more of care package stuff we gave to the guys replacing us. There were only ten of us in my det and we had more babywipes and shaving cream, etc than we could use in 4 deployments.

[Doogie320]

Eye drops and saline spray for your nose.

If you have a chance, download "simple" things like codecs for videos, Quicktime for playing .mov files, A copy of the Winamp installer, etc. and put those on your memory stick (unless you are taking a laptop, then install that stuff on your laptop).

Take any cold medicine or Immodium or special toothpaste or what-have-you. PXs have basic needs.

[desertdoc]

I have found coming here to bring as little as you possibly need.

This place has more PX and haji and the ability to use internet to order just about any thing you want. Crazy.

dont check a thing that you would not want to lose, BIAP has developed a nasty thievery problem with the "skycaps".

If you are stepping into a fully operational setting that is up and running, most of teammates will show you where and how to get stuff.

GIANT PLASMA TVs in the PX. insane. Even out of Baghdad, shit is available everywhere. It is a consumers market here now.

Set up with Amazon.com and you get have just about everything shipped APO in less than 2 wks

[The Lone Gunman]

Also to ad onto what the rest of this page has added already, Bug juice,Bug Juice and more Bug Juice. There are things that fly around here that you do not see in other places. Sun screen, chapstick, shower shoes, good set of tweezers, a couple of good lock blade knifes with sharpening kit, and finally a GOOD weapons cleaning kit.

[Trojancd]

Under Armor t-shirts (loose gear) and under armor underwear. You are coming out when the temperature is spiking, just standing outside will have your soaked, and cotton won't dry. But you take your vest off, with an Under Armor t-shirt on, and about a minute later you are dry. A small sleeping bag is useful too, you never know where you are going to end up sleeping, you may have your own place the entire time, but then again you might not. MP3 player is nice on the trip over from CONUS, and you will get your mileage out of it when you are here too.

Most everything else can be bought online or in the PX, so I wouldn't stress too much about packing everything.

Good Luck Bro

[Echo Five Bravo]

Pretty much echoing others sentiments.

A laptop is invaluable. It's an entertainment center and workstation all in one. IPOD definitely. XBOX-- like South of the Border said. Keep it home. If you want, once you get settled in you can have somebody send it over, or pick one up over here.

The sleeping bag comment is pretty good. I recommend a fleece liner. I picked one up at Cabela's for $15 before I came over. Less expensive, and less bulky than a regular sleeping bag. Well worth the money. A thumb drive is definitely a needed and used item. Alot of the other stuff, you can have sent over once you are over here and settled in. Or just pick up here.

Definitely keep the important items in your carryon. We had a guy that packed his laptop into his checked baggage (dumbass just for doing that, the way luggage gets tossed around), and guess what? His checked luggage got "lost". If you fly into Amman, that is one shady-ass airport. Keep all your belongings in eyesight.

Other than some of the essential "comfort items" (laptop, IPOD, camera), I would just recommend to keep the rest at home boxed up and ready for shipping. Than have friends or family mail it over once you get settled in. Travel light if you can.

"Field-strip" everything for economy of space. I.E. if you bring DVD's, just bring the disc, not the case. Same with CD's. Also, nobody has mentioned books yet. Like somebody has said though, set up an Amazon account. Bring a couple of books to keep you occupied in the meantime. There are little book library's all over the place, but they may not have books to suit your taste.

To communicate with friends and family, you can set up a website. Before I came over here, I had a friend help me set one up. So I just update that like a journal every once in a while, that way I can communicate with all my friends and family all at once. Instead of writing countless e-mails that say the same thing. I can post any pics on there I want, mailing address, items needed, etc. It was cheap and easy.

Just my two cents, for what it's worth.
--Ted

[magician]

the more shit that you pack, the more shit that you have to lug around.

I pack lighter than ever, now. As these guys say, you can get anything via Amazon, or elsewhere on the internet, and have it shipped to your APO address.

Definitely get a good camera before you go, and take it. I took like two personal photographs the entire time that I was in Iraq, and I really regret it now. It just seemed...like there would be time for that bullshit later. Then later came, and it was too late. I am partial to SONY Cyber-shots. Pay more for the good stuff. Hell, I would even consider getting a little SONY movie camera. Not so much because I would want to make "home movies," than because they can be a very fast and useful way of documenting items for inventory, and a movie can be a devastating attachment to a killer Memorandum for the Record. You never think that shit can go bad, or that you might need to document something for whatever reason....but you might, and you should be ready, regardless. Buy multiple 1GB Memory Stick Pros. Better to have them, if you need them, than to have to dump stuff out of memory in extremis.

An iPod is crucial, IMO. Learn how to use it as a storage device. You can transfer files to them. Take a spare set of ear buds. It sucks to be stuck somewhere, and find out that your ear buds got crushed. The small digital storage devices, as my brother Czar points out, are vital. You can carry all your personal documents encrypted in digital form on them. And you should. You never know when you may need them. I myself use a little hard drive, a flash drive memory stick, and an iPod. Definitely carry a power strip with adapters and an extension cord. You will need it.

I would also get a handheld phone/PDA, something like a Siemans SX66 or HP iPAQ 6315, that supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GSM/GPRS and SMS, so you could just buy a SIM card and hook up to a local cellular network wherever you end up. Get a Bluetooth headset, so you can talk hands-free. If you are savvy, you could also use the device as a GPS. Take spare batteries, a remote charger, and a spare power adapter.

I just bought a little 40GB USB hard drive....it is really, really small...not much thicker than a credit card, and about the same form factor....and I have a bunch of Seinfeld episodes on there, a bunch of eBooks, some movies, that sort of thing. I bought one laptop in Baghdad, and probably would do so, again. The next laptop that I buy will be a SONY VAIO T270P/L, just for the form factor. You can probably get it in Baghdad. If not, I know a place in Baghdad that can order one for you from Dubai. No idea if they deliver. I used to just go there, before the place went down the tubes. Knowing them.....they are very entrepreneurial....they would probably bring it to you, or deliver to a mail drop in the Red Zone.

That said, having a handheld PDA on your belt while you travel gives you the ability to watch movies or tv shows, handle your email in hotels, internet cafes, or airports, and read an eBook while you are on the shitter. And you could have an entire library of eBooks. I am partial to actual paperback books, but there is no denying that it is nice to carry an entire library in the form of .lit or .pdf files. You can find thousands of titles on the internet using your preferred P2P filesharing application. I have to use a laptop to do my real work. But a PDA is a hell of a lot easier to carry. I use Apple's .mac service, as it backs up my email, bookmarks, contacts, and calendars, and I can access them from any device on the internet from anywhere in the world. In my business, my network is my raison d'etre.

Carry the iPod, the PDA, and the camera, hell, carry the movie camera, too. All these devices are so small now that you almost do not notice them. Buy the laptop in Baghdad.

Take a shitload of underwear. I hate it when I run out of clean underwear. And sock liners (I wear these instead of socks, because they work better, and are several orders of magnitude lighter and smaller in volume than socks). And I do not fuck around when dip and asswipes are concerned. I carry a lot, and backups, because you just do not know for sure when you will be in a place where you can resupply. It is also nice to have enough dip so that you can share with your stupid brothers who run out.

I would take my own slings and gunleather, or ship them ahead of time, so that they are waiting for you when you land.

I would strive to reduce and distill everything that you are taking to ONE medium-sized bag, plus one easily managed carry on, like a small underpacked ruck. Pack enough to get you through a week. Like three pairs of pants, three shirts, five underarmor t-shirts....ten pairs of underwear and sock liners....and two pairs of boots. I might skip a hat, when you consider that you will probably be wearing a khaffiya. Buy that in Amman, and get both a red checked and a white and black checked version. Have spare sunglasses, and a spare watch, in your carry on. Carry one change of clothes in your carry on. That way, when your checked bag gets lost, you can survive. It is also....nice to be able to take a shower and change into fresh clothes when you hit an airport transit hotel. I like to take a nap when I transit through Tokyo/Narita. They have a transit hotel there that costs FIVE BUCKS. It is the shit.

Make sure that you carry enough meds, if you take any, to last you for a long while. As a contractor, it can be a pain in the ass to get your prescriptions filled. I used to wheel and deal at the CSH, but it was not as easy as it should have been.

Either buy everything else that you need, or stage it in boxes, already packed, ready to ship when you call for it. Take an inventory with you, so that you can tell someone back in The World, "send box seven, only," and you know exactly what is coming.

Finally, make everything look innocuous, and inoffensive. Remember that you are transiting through Muslim countries, and you would prefer to slide through customs quickly and easily. Unless you like cavity checks.

;)

[Chili]

Awsome advice!!! I'm in the same boat as TowGunner, but different company. Sounds like I'm on the right track as far as what I've bought. So, if I'm understanding correctly, you can use Wi-Fi over there. I bought a laptop, but I didn't get the internal Wi-Fi card because I didn't think it would be useable over there. Anyone have suggestions on USB Wi-Fi adapters or internals?
Chili

[Silverbullet]

Good gouge.

Make sure you have copies of your passport. I would have hard copies and a copy on one of your memory cards. You can also take pic's of your receipts and store them on a dedicated card vice saving 100's of pieces of paper.

I like to use Visa or Mastercard credit cards. You'll be traveling through Europe and AE can be problomatic there.

I wiill echo what the magicman said about traveling light. I consider it SOP. Put your smaller carry on items in large ziplock sandwich bags. If your stuff gets dumped it is easier for the inspector to just look at vice handling each item. Also, pack your checked baggage so there is some room left. Your bag always packs easier in your home than at cusotms in Jordan. You don't want to be standing in front of everyone trying to fit your stuff back in your bag.

Not only is it compromising, but all the other guys heading to the box will remember you as the guy who couldn't get his bag repacked... ;)

[TowGunner]

Holy crap you guys are great. I have a lot of this stuff already and after going to FLETC my wife is pretty good about sending the stuff I need and the pre packed box thing.

As for good knives.... what is the deal. You can't get these over there... I have a few but I can't fly with them like I used to. What do you reccomend.... can you pack them in your checked luggage? I didn't think you could.

BW guys how soon in work up do we get the APO address ?

As for Customs in other countries.... they don't check files or anything like that .... do they. I have never been to the Middle East so this is a new experience for me.... all my travels have been south of he border, Euorpe and Asia.

As for the power adapters..... are they the same ones used in England (three pronged two flat one vertical).... or are they the ones from germany (round two prong)

What is the deal for cash..... ATM's in the box or do we use local cash.... how does that work?

Again you guys have great info.... this is the best thread ever.

[Guy]

TowGunner,

Carry in plenty of cash! I had $3K in various denominations, in various pockets. :D

You never know who, you may have to pay off. :eek:

Take care.

[10thvet]

Foster grant has a series called "IRONMAN" they are for the Triathlon but work well for guys in uniform. They run about $20, shatter proof and come in LOTS of differnt types and styles.. You can find them at most Walamrts and some Publix supermarkets. Its what I wear when I go to Puerto Rico and have to be in uniform. They fit well under the helmet. Check them out I bet you wont be disappointed.

I have a problem with some Oakleys because they stick out to far. :)

[ktek01]

Power adaptors, bring the UK and the two round, you may run into both depending on your location. I had to use the two round at the hotel in Amman, and used the UK at my location. As Guy pointed out, bring lots of cash. You wont find an ATM in Iraq, hard to get cash in country. I used my Visa for all PX purchases and saved the cash for emergency use, or when I had to buy something from a local, or pay someone off. Carry at least a few hundred in smalll denominations too, it can be a PITA to get change. They will usually hit you up for "excess" baggage on the BIAP flights, and they want cash. Customs in Amman may have you turn your laptop on, dont have any racy images on your desktop. They dont always do it, but you never know. The plastic bags work great for repacking at customs as others have pointed out, and it is much easier if you travel light as possible. I try to keep it to one large wheeled bag,one carry on and my laptop.

[Hacker]

Towgunner--
We didn't get our APO address until we got to the site. If you know what site you're going to, you might get lucky and find a guy who's been there, but I wouldn't worry about (or go trying to find that guy...) until you get there. Yeah- pack some boxes and just leave the "To:" label blank until you know.

I agree with you-- this has been the best thread ever. :) I wish I had found this forum before I went the first time. I ended up paying an extra baggage charge for my third bag, too, like someone else said.

Knives-- We were okay bringing our knives in but by the time I left (January) we weren't allowed to bring them out and had to ship them home. That might have been a BW thing since we flew BW Air from Bdad to Amman, and Jordan wouldn't allow knives coming in that way. Apparently it was because all your luggage is essentially carry-on and you had access to your knives in flight and could have them on the "wrong side" of the security area once you arrive in Amman... Jeez. That may have been worked out by now.

I bought my laptop at the Golden Connex (B'dad) last summer. At the time it was the only one they offered but since then they have really added to the selection of electronics available. Some sites have pretty decent hadji marts so don't worry if you forget something.

DVD's-- Bring some if you want, but everywhere I went there were LOADS of movies floating around. Guys brought whole collections, etc. You can get plenty at the PX but the prices aren't great: about like here. I brought a handful of paperback books and then donated them to the site library when I was done.

Hadji electrical components do suck. They use wire that's way too small for what the thing looks like it'll handle. We had an extension cord with multiple outlets and when it burnt out I tried to fix it. When I got it apart I saw the wires were just lame as shit.

Good luck, have fun, STAY SAFE!

[SWATsomething]

Twogunner I have a quick question. Are you deploying to Iraq with Blackwater or are you going to the Blackwater train-up. Let me know becuase there are alot of rules right now about certain items that you can fly in and out of Iraq with. Ex. You might not want to bring a good knife here - as they way things stand right now, that knife will stay here.... Let me know if your going to the train up or Iraq. I will give you a complete run down of all the locations and gear, electronics, etc for each one.

[Forestboy]

If you need to send your knife home the post office on the camps will allow you to mail it as long as it isn't an automatic or double edged knife. At least they let me mail mine home 2 months ago.

[Hacker]

Forestboy beat me to it: We had to mail our knives home and, yeah, it was no problem as long as they weren't automatic, etc. The good ol' US Post Office sent a team around a couple of times each month and set up shop at our site. Or you can get to a site that has a permanent PO setup.

SWATsomething-- I think he said he's going to spin-up and then deploying directly from there to the Box.

Tow-- Sometime during spin-up see if you can find time for a shopping trip to Extreme Outfitters up in Va Beach. All the gear they don't issue you can be found there. Plenty of toys. And they (used to) give us about 15% discount. :)

Stay safe,

[Chili]

Tow,
Hey man, if you need any gear (tactical). I gotta good friend thats running his own tactical gear business and he's local here. Just let me know and I'll hook you up. He can get just about anything you could think of from uppers to clothing to ranger pull mags. He's pretty quick about it too, hell, he'd probably even deliver it right to you if your on a tight schedule. Just so you know, I don't make anything off of it. Just tryin to help a brother out, we're all on the same team.
Chili

[TowGunner]

going to the train up.... then out in the normal time after. if there is anything you think I need to know.... there are a few guys reading this that are in my class or a few behind me.... this is good scoop.

[SWATsomething]

Twogunner Im about to head out on a movement as soon as I get back Ill PM you and give you and your classmates some packing must and other info.

[desertdoc]

Cash, cash cash.

If not a lot, take the extra 20 or so every time you hit a PX. it will add up, cloest thing to a ATM.

Put as much as you can in electronic media, saves time and gives you something to do. WIFI is a up and coming thing here.

copies of everything, both paper and digital. you never have a printer when you need one.

and lastly, there is always someone flying in one direction or another to bring shit or take it back.

[WS-G]

Baby wipes. Lots of baby wipes.
Haven't found those to be necessary over here at all, personally. Just snag some bottled water (ubiquitous here and in copious supply), a bar of soap and have a wash. Good to go.

On a more serious note, those of us who've been sensitized to glycols (PG/PPG) can't use those things — or most "hand sanitizers" for that matter — without an instant and serious case of contact dermatitis. Just another item to take up limited space in your kit bag in that case.

[jewmilkbone]

Nice thread here, I hope I'm not too late to get replies. I too will be in the sandbox by the end of this month but with another company. Anywho, here are my ???
Under Armor t-shirts (loose gear) and under armor underwear.

Can I get these at the PX over there? Do they stay instock?

I would also get a handheld phone/PDA, something like a Siemans SX66 or HP iPAQ 6315, that supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GSM/GPRS and SMS, so you could just buy a SIM card and hook up to a local cellular network wherever
;)
Will I be able to get access to the net via W-iFi if I'm at one of the military camps?
Put your smaller carry on items in large ziplock sandwich bags. If your stuff gets dumped it is easier for the inspector to just look at vice handling each item.
Good advice. I'm planning on taking sports suppliments with me that I want to field strip. For example pour my glutamine powder from present container into a baggie as well as my whey protein. Now after envisioning myself going through customs with bags of powdery substances I started to think this my not be such a good idea. It would save a hell lot of space though. Any opinions, suggestions.
TowGunner,

Carry in plenty of cash! I had $3K in various denominations, in various pockets. :D

You never know who, you may have to pay off. :eek:

Take care.
Hell, I wish I had $300 for the trip over. Can I get by with say $50

Knives-- We were okay bringing our knives in but by the time I left (January) we weren't allowed to bring them out and had to ship them home.
I plan on mailing over my M9 bayonet with my day/night flare attached. Did any of you recon guys or other BTDT guys that had day/night flares as SOP in your former units do this. Any problems mailing the d/n flare? Is it even needed?
If you need to send your knife home the post office on the camps will allow you to mail it as long as it isn't an automatic or double edged knife. At least they let me mail mine home 2 months ago.
Do ya think the M9 bayonet would be considered double edge? I don't think so but someone might.
Also to ad onto what the rest of this page has added already, Bug juice,Bug Juice and more Bug Juice.
Will any dug juice do or is there a favorite? I have both some old military cream and juice from my MC days.

[desertdoc]

You can get by with no money if you have a CAC and access to it.

if you are living out side the wire on the local economy then cash is king.

Baby wipes are good for the nice clean post dump feeling, and they are everywhere here along with water.

Pack less

[Theangrysmurf]

Excellent thread! Thanks to all who posted the tips.

[Massgrunt]

Nice thread here, I hope I'm not too late to get replies. I too will be in the sandbox by the end of this month but with another company. Anywho, here are my ???

Can I get these at the PX over there? Do they stay instock?

Will I be able to get access to the net via W-iFi if I'm at one of the military camps?

Good advice. I'm planning on taking sports suppliments with me that I want to field strip. For example pour my glutamine powder from present container into a baggie as well as my whey protein. Now after envisioning myself going through customs with bags of powdery substances I started to think this my not be such a good idea. It would save a hell lot of space though. Any opinions, suggestions.

Hell, I wish I had $300 for the trip over. Can I get by with say $50

I plan on mailing over my M9 bayonet with my day/night flare attached. Did any of you recon guys or other BTDT guys that had day/night flares as SOP in your former units do this. Any problems mailing the d/n flare? Is it even needed?

Do ya think the M9 bayonet would be considered double edge? I don't think so but someone might.

Will any dug juice do or is there a favorite? I have both some old military cream and juice from my MC days.
Underarmor shirts are on sale in the PX, and cheaper than anywhere else. But I always like to have what I need before I get there, you never know.

Beg or borrow more money if you have to. You will be making a lot and can quickly pay it back. Best not to be borrowing money from guys you just met, it doesn't look good.

I wouldn't bother with a bayonet. You'll be mocked with no pity.

Bring your driver's license if you want to use a credit card in some PXs. Yup, a driver's license.

[Silverbullet]

Nice thread here, I hope I'm not too late to get replies. I too will be in the sandbox by the end of this month but with another company. Anywho, here are my ???

Can I get these at the PX over there? Do they stay instock?

Will I be able to get access to the net via W-iFi if I'm at one of the military camps?

Good advice. I'm planning on taking sports suppliments with me that I want to field strip. For example pour my glutamine powder from present container into a baggie as well as my whey protein. Now after envisioning myself going through customs with bags of powdery substances I started to think this my not be such a good idea. It would save a hell lot of space though. Any opinions, suggestions.

Hell, I wish I had $300 for the trip over. Can I get by with say $50

I plan on mailing over my M9 bayonet with my day/night flare attached. Did any of you recon guys or other BTDT guys that had day/night flares as SOP in your former units do this. Any problems mailing the d/n flare? Is it even needed?

Do ya think the M9 bayonet would be considered double edge? I don't think so but someone might.

Will any dug juice do or is there a favorite? I have both some old military cream and juice from my MC days.

I did not say to take supplements from the original container. Leave them in the new unopened container. Why try and go through security and customs with a bag of white powder or any type of powder in a bag?

Get rid of the mil bug juice. That's the same crap that ate holes in cami's... ;)

The bayonet and flare rig needs to stay in your "good old days room" vice going with you.

[WS-G]

...if you are living out side the wire on the local economy then cash is king.
I wish I had the option of living outside the wire at the moment! Just got notified "Hell no, you can't take leave in Baghdad!". Not even in the Green Zone.

I might add that if you have occasion to visit any PX's on the smaller FOB's, expect to pay cash. Some have hand-operated imprinters for your plastic, some do not. Those sprawling fobbit-holes Anaconda, Cooke and Victory (ugh) have nice scanners at the registers for debit cards and will even let you get $20 cash back per purchase. (edit: just remembered — so does Cuervo. WMS)

Buying on the local economy with US dollars is generally not a problem if you don't have dinars handy, but know the current exchange rate, lest you get grossly overcharged. Money exchanges abound, even with all the banks closed. Even with a load of dinars in my pocket, I've only had to use them for small purchases in town (e.g.: the occasional shawarma, a silk rose for my future other half, some excellent Iranian cola, etc.). A lot of merchants actually prefer US currency.

Speaking of local merchants, once you're in the rural areas, don't be surprised if they won't sell to you at all. Can't speak as a civilian contractor (yet), however many are extremely reluctant to be seen doing business with Coalition troops.

[FURocious]

I've never had a PDA, but after reading this thread I thought it would be a good idea. I spent damn near two days researching PDAs, swimming through the sea of PDA offerings, reading reviews and ratings from multiple independent sources and found two PDAs that were always rated on top. These are non-phone models, basically mini-laptops. This comes from someone not over there yet, so take it for what it is worth. The BTDT bubbas can probably shed more light on these gadgets

The Dell Axim x50V:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_Axim_X50v/4505-3127_7-31138229.html

Ebay price from tusted source:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38331&item=5765949472&rd=1

and HP IPAQs HX4700. The computer geeks have a Ford vs. Chevy war on the net between the Dell X50V and HP Ipaq 4700. They have their own forum sites where they take shots at each other. So really, both might be a good option. Though the HP models are more expensive.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4511-5_7-4.html?qt=hphandheldseditorsratingtab&do=1&ds=1

Not sure what the going ebay price is, but these typically run a couple hundred more.

(The H4350 was rated very high, but is a little larger due to its keyboard feature)

Then, you can get a Rhinoskin aluminum case, or the combat tested PDA case, the Otterbox 1900. Though the Otterbox looks pretty damn bulky.

[Xdeth]

As an aside, I went through three countries with an open half full can of Creatine the size of a large juice bottle, in my hands. Not a single person asked to look inside it except some curious Germans in line with me at which point I told them is was Viagra. I could have cared less if anyone said no and made me throw it out, but I figured wtf. I'm having some of it right now :)

[BadMuther]

Noticed that there was scant mention of tactical gear. Any "must haves" that aren't provided in that department?

[SOTB]

I'm having some of it right now....That explains your hyped-up "man-of-anger" thing....:D

[Xdeth]

Noticed that there was scant mention of tactical gear. Any "must haves" that aren't provided in that department?


I have all my own gear, two rigs or tactical setups, three body armor types/configurations, sling, pouches the works. Depending on mission of course, everyting I bought myslef is a must have for me, but you can do more then fine with std issue from the big three, Dyn, BW, 3C.

[Hacker]

Re: BW-issued gear: I'm SO glad I took a buddy's advice on buying my own plate hanger before going over. The rhodesian they issue is really uncomfortable. I grabbed a STRIKE Gen-4 Molle System Plate Carrier Harness from Extreme Outfitters, plus all the Glock and M4 mag pouches and a radio/GPS pouch, and had it all set up before I hit the Box and was I glad. I used the issued soft body armor under my hanger and just transfered the plates into my own rig. I also bought a drop-leg holster instead of the issued kydex. The kydex was okay if we were going to the IZ and staying a while. I'd throw it in my go bag to put on once we got there. (And to look less like a cowboy strutting around the palace...:) Otherwise I liked my own holster on mission.

For other tactical gear, don't sweat it if you forget something.. The PXs have gear if you need it. Some of the smaller PXs might not have everything, but the Golden Connex (Victory) has a huge selection of everything.

Just my two-cent's-worth.

[Gwedo]

My suggestion is come to BW light on the gear and heavy on personal wants. You can figure out what gear you want during and after the course and your brothers down range can advise you where to get extra things you want or need when you get there. Heavy load outs will cost you money up front getting everything on the plane and may come up wandering when in transit in and out a number of countries you may go to.

Just my suggestion,

Gwedo Out.

[Hacker]

Good point, Gwedo. I forgot he's rolling out direct from spin-up. My class got broken up and some went over right away. I went home for a month before leaving...

[jewmilkbone]

Thanks for the advice bros.

[Grand58742]

Just some other things I found valuable when I was over there:

The keychain style LED light, the Nova works the best for times you don't want to bring out a the mini sun Surefire light in a dark tent and wake up everyone else. The things last forever and are quite bright for the size.

A Surefire light, nuff said about that.

One of the Coleman D battery operated lanterns come in handy in tent city. The one that has two coils with the option of having one or two on, and two light settings. Batteries are fairly easy to come by from supply.

Most of the PXs over there sell plastic foot lockers. They are fairly cheap, have a locking ability and are easy to transport around. The Pacificware types won't stand up to a lot of abuse, but as long as you don't jump up and down on it, it will work for your tour. The Gorilla footlockers are the best you can get, but tend to go really fast out of the PX.

A 110-220 volt power converter in the 1000 watt range. It's heavy, but the prices over there for them aren't that great, as well as availability. Shop around here in the States for a decent one.

Samsonite makes a good travel kit for plug adapters. It's only about $25 with all the different overseas plug adapters.

I second the Toughbox idea. If you want to go cheaper, the 38 quart storage containers from Walmart work well and fit very nicely into a B-4 bag.

Best advice I can give you is have a few boxes of stuff you can't pack ready to mail and have your wife mail them when you get settled in. Mail typically takes 2-3 weeks to get there, so make sure it isn't anything critical.

Be safe over there.

[BadMuther]

Thanks for the gear advice boys.

[Forestboy]

On the power converter from 220-110. Get one that has a fuse and buy a shitload of fuses for it, you will not find any in Iraq and you will go through them. The Iraqi power system isn't as well regulated as the US, most US converters can handle up to about 230 Volts but the Iraqi power spikes to 245-250 volts at times, when it's working. Just make sure if you buy one of those heavy bastards and bring it in it will handle the spikes and you have plenty of fuses for when all the guys that didn't bring a converter plug their shit into yours and blow your fuse. Or just bring one that will connect to a 12 or 24 volt car system, they are lighter if excess baggage is a consideration.

[TowGunner]

Hack.... where are you now, still enjoying the view from your log cabin on your compound. Should we tell these people how you were my Sgt.... at our old PD. Its funny... I left LPD to go to be federal.... bumped in to Mike Sheegan who was there to be the same thing. Now .... Hack, man this is a small little rock we live in.

[Echo Five Bravo]

Power converters-- I picked up one rated to 500 at the IZ PX a couple of months ago for around $30. Screw carrying that thing halfway around the world . Just bought it here. No issues, works great, and didn't have to lug that anchor through the airports.

Like everybody said, pack light, bring your essentials. Bring things that will serve dual roles, to cut down on duplication of resources. BRING CASH. A good camera. It was said before, you can pick up toiletries in country. Just bring a couple of thoe sample shampoos, toothpaste, etc they sell at pharmacy's for 99 cents. And use them until you get to the PX.

[WS-G]

Power converters....
Bought a 1000-watter over here myself, and the truth is, I don't even need it; I've farmed mine out for the benefit of a couple of new room-mates who insisted on bringing all their US electrical stuff over instead of just using local appliances.

[HoosGhost]

This thread should be stickied. Thank you to all who contributed.

Hajimart was selling a pretty universal converter/power strip combo last time I was there. Cost me 10 bucks but all of my appliances going into it are protected. YMMV. Once you go to Underarmor here, you'll never go back to cotton. That shit's amazing. Victory PX sells black, OD, Army brown and occaisonally blue in t-shirt form, tight fitting. If you want another color/style, get it stateside. REI.com is selling nice pants (North Face or REI brand) for ~$50 and the money exOfficio synthetic underwear for ~$25 each. Both are worth the money. I went with expensive boots: Vasque Sundowners ~$220 and they are excellent.

Bring American dollars, know the exchange rate. Especially outside the wire. $2000 isn't an unreasonable number.

Buy the laptop here, it's cheap.

Purchase sheets when you get here.

Buy two of MSR's packtowels at mountainsafetyresearch.com. They are awesome and take up no space.

Wiley's are cheap at Victory PX. Oakleys are reasonable, but I see no reason to wear something else that says "shoot me first".

Keep hard copies of all your documents on you. Someone will ask for your orders and amendments.

Bring cards and chips. Or have them sent.

Oh yea, CRC sucks. A lot. Enjoyed being marooned on Harmony Church.

[Massgrunt]

And UnderArmor loose gear fits like a regular T-shirt, so you don't look like an overstuffed sausage.

Thorlo socks are the best I've come across, but pretty expensive. Though, really, who gives a fuck? Comfort is comfort.

[HoosGhost]

Thorlo socks are the best I've come across, but pretty expensive. Though, really, who gives a fuck? Comfort is comfort.
Buy those here too. $9.99/pair at Victory (black only)

[WS-G]

Thorlo socks are the best I've come across, but pretty expensive. Though, really, who gives a fuck? Comfort is comfort.

The UnderArmour T-shirts are absolutely superb; the cotton ones I brought over have long since been used up from my parcelling them out for much better use: cleaning weapons.

I've tried Thorlos myself — some guys like them, but I personally find them a trifle heavy for comforatable wear. I'm not keen on acrylic either.

[Silverbullet]

The UnderArmour T-shirts are absolutely superb; the cotton ones I brought over have long since been used up from my parcelling them out for much better use: cleaning weapons.

I've tried Thorlos myself — some guys like them, but I personally find them a trifle heavy for comforatable wear. I'm not keen on acrylic either.

I like smartwool socks.

[Polypro]

The InGenius ones worked for me.

P

[seminolefan]

Just to let you know, BW had a weekly limit of $750 that they could cash when I was there last time, and you can always find a finance wherever you are generally. You just need to be put on a check cashing list that you can get from your C1 or ops guy. As for using your credit card in the smaller type PX's, I really would not recommend it if possible since I had a couple of buddies get some "extra" shopping trips charged to them. Those hajis are crafty little ones. Hacker, if you remember the PX in Babylon, that's where it happened the most. I don't know how Diwaniyah is now. And yes, I agree with the guys who say pack light. Don't try to bring every possible thing with you. Definitely get yourself a good kit such as the Paraclete or comparable, a drop leg holster ( I like the Fobus )....the Safari Land is nice also, and bring a couple good pairs of Merrells with gel insoles in them. You'll be glad you did when you're standing on your feet for hours waiting for your guy to finish chewing the fat with the locals. Hope that helps. Good luck and travel safe.

[TowGunner]

Well I am here.... popped the red zone cherry a couple of days ago. So far not to bad. Got on a good team and all great guys.

Anybody at Templar?

Anyway.... here is what I have seen on this list and need and brought and bought at the PX and so on.

Because of where I am Victory is out of the question.... so we have a small PX but well stocked.

UA tshirts are here... but I have been wearing cotton till it gets hot (only 90's now)

Converters.... buy here at the PX

Leave the bayonets and crap at home

Pack light .... you gotta lug this crap

Get a plate hanger / tac vest you like.... something that goes over the Moyoc soft armor. I got a rig from a guy here but there is some much better stuff on the net..... black hawk, special ops and so on. I got one that I could put my glock on the vest and free up my belt line. Remember not every burb'n is level 6 there are a few kit cars plenty of space taken up by the armor less space for you.... less gear you have the better

You get some ok stuff from BW but it is a preference thing.... my drop holster is in the tuff gear box I bought from the PX a well as all the leg holster for ammo....I use the gun case for the M4 to stiffen up my sorry ass rack that is sagg'n but hey I have a rack. For BW guys going to bdad... there is Laundry here... but with all the TC guys rolling out half my class went to those sites till they could back fill. Being in Bdad I needed more shorts and tshirts.... we have laundry service (them doing it not you) so I take my stuff in every couple days, done the next day.

You get a leatherman from BW

Most of the supplements you guys are talking about is at the PXI will make a note of whats there... but Iwas told that what ever this PX has most of the others do to.....

Buy sheets here, bring 1 towel just till you can get to the PX they are like 3 bucks each. Bring cd/r disks.... not sold here but are at victory. Bring a battery powered clock.

If you are coming now pack your cold gear in a box at home and have momma send it later.... however I did need a light jacket the other day.... BW guys you get issued a 511 parka with liner... bring the liner.

Bring a good camera.... bring your laptop unless you know you are going to be near the big PX.... I am not and there are guys here SOL.

You have wireless... spotty at times but I am in a war zone and can talk to my wife everynight on yahoo voice and see her on web cam.... which I brought the web cam and mic with me... but you can get at Sams block buster.

Bring you xbox and or PS2..... you will need it to kill the time. there is just so many times you can go to the gym, go to the PX andget sleep. we have no tv other than haji tv. BW guys you get phones.... and radios.... don't bring one you wont need it.

Thats all I can think of now.....

[Navajozorro]

Have a neck pillow for the looonnnnggg trip over. Blow up type.
You can get all kinds of electronics in Baghdad stores.(If you can get out and shop)
Take a good Bible,
Bottle or two of Militec for your weapons, the dust sticks to everything else.
Get the biggest memory card for your digital camera and a USB reader, drivers, someone will have a CD/DVD burner you can use to transfer the data.
A good hat for the sun I used a Tilley Hat and it was perfect for the enviroment.
Good walking shoe, Lands End hiking shoe was great, with arch supports.

Your favorite toothpaste, etc. PX has most everthing you need for personal care but not a great varity so if you have a favorite deoderant or gum bring it with you until you establish a supply chain.
Xerox of all documents.

[ScoutSweet]

1 of my favorites is my best bud snags the little pillow from the plane on the way over (feb. 2003) and uses it in fighting holes, squirmisher trenches (sp) in Ramatha (sp) which we slepted outside for 4 1/2 months then returned it on the plane ride home. I took no more than 10 showers the 1st time over there... and I'm a pretty boy....Jake was a dirty fuck (and proud). our cammies could stand post as decoys.

[VZMWKL]

couple of other "Nice to haves" an Ipod (30 or 60 gig ) the newer ones can double as hard drive storage for pics, videos, data etc. also invest in an otter box ( they make one specifically for the Ipods )or other waterproof/dust proof/ idiot proof case to protect it from all of the dust,banging around it will get. I would also scan all of my important docs including your passport and than e-mail them to yourself... that way you have them stored someplace where you cant lose them and can access them if needed. Also don't forget a good small trauma/first aid/ kit that you can throw in your pant pockets or attach to your vest. A couple of phone cards just in case, a credit card, and a couple hundred $$ in cash in small bills. Also watch the Hajis at the airport in Amman the little pricks are like vultures......

[RB]

Ultra 250g External harddrive...$100.00...at TigerDirect.com..lots of music and "other" dl's available over here. I'ts small and fits in any comp bag...TD also delivers to APO AE so you can wait and have it shipped here..Only takes 6 days...fastest snail mail on the planet for the SB...

[swede]

wow thats alot of packing info...im sitting here in the snow packed ny night reading this and thinking i should write this all down...maybe just hit print. will be heading to soc in april, have a brother there now, up in fallujha. just want to say thanks

[Balls]

This is a lot of excellent info that I'm sure a number of guys on here are looking for. Can we turn this into some type of a sticky? Maybe something like "contractor gear".

Excellent information, tons of help guys. Thanks to all who posted.

[Balls]

I've been looking at several different types of plate hangers. I like the Paraclete SOF HPC:

http://www.greygrouptraining.biz/Paraclete_SOF_Hard_Plate_Carrier_p/sofhpc.htm

and the S.O. Tech Callahan:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://media.militaryphotos.net/photos/albums/1asstorisk/acm.thumb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://media.militaryphotos.net/photos/1asstorisk%3Fpage%3D3&h=120&w=160&sz=8&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=jNoDwnsoEvDnwM:&tbnh=74&tbnw=98&prev=/images%3Fq%3DSO%2Btech%2Bcallahan%26um%3D1%26hl%3D en%26sa%3DN

I'd like to get some input on the two systems.

[hitman13]

holy fuck balls, there is a lot of info in here.

[MrBean]

Yes there is a bunch of info here...Remember you can buy whatever you want over here, the PX resembles a Wal-Mart on the larger bases. I would recommend holding off on buying loads of things. International flight excess baggage can get rather expensive real quick. If you forgot it and the PX doesn't sell it you can most likely get it online. Remember the golden rule, you pack it you carry it.

MB

[hitman13]

how much cash are people taking over with them nowadays? i see that like 2 years ago people were taking over around 3k, just wondering about now since things have changed some since then....

[Outofcontrol]

those are old days bro...you should be good with $500 in your pocket for the unexpected hotel charge or whatever...Internet connection over there nowadays is super easy to get whatever you may need online. Mail still takes a week to 3 to get in, but I doubt that will change anytime soon.

OOC, out

[Sharky]

Bring your checkbook if you dont bring a lot of cash. You can cash checks at finance. A lot of places here are cash only and wont take a card. You can get $20 over at the PX but that's it.


As said many times previous, you can buy damn near anything here now. BUT, clothing can be a bitch to find in common sizes. If you have a 40+ waist and a 26" inseam you can find lots of stuff. For us regular sized folks any clothing goes fast.

[grappler]

BUT, clothing can be a bitch to find in common sizes. If you have a 40+ waist and a 26" inseam you can find lots of stuff. For us regular sized folks any clothing goes fast.

:D:D

Yep. PX's always seem to be overstocked in these sizes... but ask for 32X34 anything and they look at you like you've got a dick growing out of your forehead.:D

[Guy]

:D:D

Yep. PX's always seem to be overstocked in these sizes... but ask for 32X34 anything and they look at you like you've got a dick growing out of your forehead.:DWay too many fat fuckers sitting on their asses NOT working?

LOL...Stay safe.

[bmbsqd]

iPod/Mp3, FM broadcaster for iPod/MP3, Nalgene bottles (x4), snivel gear, extra socks, extra underwear, plate carrier, baby butt wipes, patience.

[glassiam]

iPod/Mp3, FM broadcaster for iPod/MP3, Nalgene bottles (x4), snivel gear, extra socks, extra underwear, plate carrier, baby butt wipes, patience.

Snivel gear.....yeah. Not so much. Maybe in about 6 months it will start to cool down again. By that time he can have it mailed over and won't have to worry about hand carrying it. Baby wipes ares sold by the tons in the PX.

[grappler]

Baby wipes ares sold by the tons in the PX.

Or got to any MWR tent and get it all for free...

After the first month, I never again had to buy soap, shampoo, baby wipes, Q-Tips, etc. The little nick-nacks/hygeine items are in abundance from American families sending care packages.

[BigRed]

Or got to any MWR tent and get it all for free...

After the first month, I never again had to buy soap, shampoo, baby wipes, Q-Tips, etc. The little nick-nacks/hygeine items are in abundance from American families sending care packages.

I always considered the freebees in the MWR were for soldiers. I think we make enough money that we can buy our own toiletries.

[B 2/75]

I always considered the freebees in the MWR were for soldiers. I think we make enough money that we can buy our own toiletries.

Thought the same way until I realized just how much donated stuff is actually thrown away by the soldiers, because of the staggering amount of the stuff they get in the "Any Soldier" mailings....

[B 2/75]

LOL... looking at this old thread it strikes me how fast things change. +This time out I'm now packing a 1TB external drive that is about 3/4 full, and it has about 950 movies and about 35,000 songs on it, not much bigger than a fat paperback book.

My laptop has HDMI, and NewEgg sent me a nice 22" HD monitor which is suspended nicely over my bunk with 550 cord.

I really think that clothing that fits and boots are the only things you have a hard time getting in theater anymore. We're an Army of consumers, with a system that is ready and willing to take our money...

[grappler]

I always considered the freebees in the MWR were for soldiers. I think we make enough money that we can buy our own toiletries.

I thought it was primaraly for military only as well, until I found out as B2/75 said, half of the stuff in MWR is from Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airman who didn't need it or already had enough so they brought it to the MWR.

I know that's what I did with my non-needed...

[The91Bravo]

LOL... looking at this old thread it strikes me how fast things change. +This time out I'm now packing a 1TB external drive that is about 3/4 full, and it has about 950 movies and about 35,000 songs on it, not much bigger than a fat paperback book.

My laptop has HDMI, and NewEgg sent me a nice 22" HD monitor which is suspended nicely over my bunk with 550 cord.

I really think that clothing that fits and boots are the only things you have a hard time getting in theater anymore. We're an Army of consumers, with a system that is ready and willing to take our money...


I was thinking the same thing at the beginning of this thread.. a 'big' thumb drive of 512mb....

Some things have evolved big time during this war.. :D

[RAT]

Way too many fat fuckers sitting on their asses NOT working?

LOL...Stay safe.

I resemble that remark. :D

Sitting on my fat ass. :D


RO!!!

[GackMan]

Did anyone mention "Pack Light"?

I thought I was packing light... But my mindset was "pack light for 12 months" it should have been "Pack light for 1 month and then get shit mailed to you from home"

It took me almost a month to get to a permanent place here... from when I left home, hit CRC, hit Kuwait, and then my company's repo-depot. At each step along the way there was plenty of opportunity to get on the internet and do laundry. If I knew then what I know now I would have had a lot less shit to carry with me.

[Massgrunt]

I never travel with more than carry on luggage if I can help it. Never!

As for those freebies, I have the same mindset as Big Red (well... in this area anyway :D ), but soldiers give away tons of shit to us to hand out to our guys. It is awesome that they're still getting that level of support this far in. Of course most of it is from family and local groups, but still, it's cool.

[nofear]

I'm going to put the "pack light" advice into practice. It looks like I may be changing countries / companies with me being home, and my kit still in my room back in the mountains.

Soooo.....laptop, change of clothes, and very little else.

Just hope my "mates" back in the mountains don't steal too much of my shit when I ask them to ship it to me.

[grappler]

Pack Light: Check
$500.00 Cash: Check
Check Book: Check
Nothing not willing to be lost(i.e., stolen) in checked luggage: Check
Mail over essential operating/heavy gear: Check

For anyone who has traveled into BIAP lately, any new advice or anything that needs to be put out on how to make the transition over as smooth as possible?

Thanks

[TowGunner]

wow... I remember when I started this thread.... boy times have changed.

[SOTB]

Check Book: CheckIf I were you, I would be VERY cautious of both checks and credit cards, including at AAFES stores, The company you will be working with will have the ability to get cash to you.For anyone who has traveled into BIAP lately, any new advice or anything that needs to be put out on how to make the transition over as smooth as possible?Have your passport and CAC ready and VERY accessible as you approach the immigration counter. Look to your immediate left at that counter for a Ugandan who will be dressed in a company shirt (yellow was the last color he wore), and make contact with him while you are in line. Once through immigration (remember to have your CAC right there with your passport -- your LOA is handy too, but you probably won't need to show it to the Iraqis), scoop up your baggage and go hang out with the company guy you met earlier. Once everyone is collected, he will escort you to the customs location -- and once past that, you'll link up with your ride.

Patience, humor, and having those docs I mentioned handy will be the name of the game....

[Seanmcd82]

Circumstanced dictated that when I traveled to Kabul for this trip I had to bring all my gear in Checked Luggage, despite SOTB's wise and always correct advice to only travel with carry on.

Let me tell you, what an absolute Pain in The Ass! I had 2 bags, one a roller and the other could attach to the roller. Both were less than 50lbs, 49.5 to be exact. SO I figured I could manage considering the circumstances presented. And frankly if that was all that I had to take it would not have been too bad...

However, the day I left VA to fly from Dulles my company issued me 74 lbs of gear in a huge, black, non rolling duffel bag.. I tried to mail it to myself but had limited time and was told I must have it, as we deploy to the field less than a week after my arrival and the gear was mission essential.:rolleyes:

SO there I was, dragging 3 bags around these friggin Airports, in addition to my carry on backpack and laptop case. The duffel bag was so heavy and unweildly it took two grown men to carry it. OH..the best part was the $364.00 cash I had to cough up in excess baggage fees, just for that one bag! Lets just say my expense account can't be reimbursed soon enough!

So if anyone has any doubt about the carry on issue, head SOTB's advice.

[SOTB]

....So if anyone has any doubt about the carry on issue, head SOTB's advice.As Mass states above in this thread, the trick is to travel with ONLY carry-on. I now no longer travel with more than a carry-on bag -- this for trips of 2-4 weeks. Its all in the packing and prioritization of your personal effects.

For many people traveling to these overseas gigs, there is usually the option of mailing your gear to yourself at your base/villa/compound -- those that can do this, should. Especially for those that are going to have gear issued to them upon arrival at their worksite.

I really enjoy being the first guy to have my luggage in hand and through customs....

[grappler]

Thanks again guys.

[TowGunner]

This thread started back to the days when we were mule'n the gear over there. What PITA.... my second trip back i was nice and easy..... no real gear and an address to ship crap to.

[iraqgunz]

Absofuckinglutely. I mail my shit to and from it's just simpler that way. When I go on R/R I bring a carry on and one small check in with shoes and some clothes.

As Mass states above in this thread, the trick is to travel with ONLY carry-on. I now no longer travel with more than a carry-on bag -- this for trips of 2-4 weeks. Its all in the packing and prioritization of your personal effects.

For many people traveling to these overseas gigs, there is usually the option of mailing your gear to yourself at your base/villa/compound -- those that can do this, should. Especially for those that are going to have gear issued to them upon arrival at their worksite.

I really enjoy being the first guy to have my luggage in hand and through customs....

[Guy]

Absofuckinglutely. I mail my shit to and from it's just simpler that way. When I go on R/R I bring a carry on and one small check in with shoes and some clothes.I just went from Balad-Baghdad-Kuwait-London-Chicago-San Francisco...

The # of bags (check-in) that came up missing was crazy! Throw in, trying to get through security check points=PITA! I'd still be in London or Chicago right now if I had check-in bags.

Civilians travelling:

Decked out in 5/11s from head-to-toe...why?
Oakley boots with dog tags strung up in laces...why?
Pants bloused military style...why?
Assault packs as carry-on...why?
Dressing like you just came from a "rap" video shoot...WTF?
NOT carrying personal hygeine and engaging in conversations...NASTY!
Engaging in a conversation and you're something SUPER-SECRET:confused: I spent 10 years in 1st Group at Ft. Bragg! (I just got up and exited the AO on that one).:o
Getting upset when asked to remove your shoes...Just take'em off!

And for Gods' sake! Relax & stay safe.

[RAT]

I like Hawaiin shirts and shorts...:biggrin: But I go to work in that as well:biggrin:

RO!!!

[grappler]

Pants bloused military style...why?
In civilian clothes?... HaHaHa No way...

Assault packs as carry-on...why?
Yes, unfortunately that was me so I had to drop a pretty penny yesterday on a good carry on pack since all the rest of my packs are covered in MOLLE and scream look at me.

[Wes]

I agree that you don't need to be 5.11/Oakley head to toe while you travel, but at the same time I picked out every single contractor at the Amman airport before we ever lined up at security before we headed to the gate.
On the flip side I had some random American girl hear me speak english and came over to talk and ask if I was a tourist and getting on the Chicago bound plane too. While she might not have picked me out in jeans and a Nautica long sleeve shirt I'm sure all the other contractors had me pegged at a glance as well. *shrug*
Not exactly hard to figure it out as soon as you line up for the Baghdad flight no matter what you are wearing unless you look like an Iraqi...

[Guy]

I agree that you don't need to be 5.11/Oakley head to toe while you travel, but at the same time I picked out every single contractor at the Amman airport before we ever lined up at security before we headed to the gate.My point exactly...
On the flip side I had some random American girl hear me speak english and came over to talk and ask if I was a tourist and getting on the Chicago bound plane too. While she might not have picked me out in jeans and a Nautica long sleeve shirt I'm sure all the other contractors had me pegged at a glance as well. *shrug*Nothing wrong with chatting up the opposite sex. You'll spend enough time chatting with with the guys. Also, a little networking can work to your benefit in the future.:cool:
Not exactly hard to figure it out as soon as you line up for the Baghdad flight no matter what you are wearing unless you look like an Iraqi...Iraqis come in ALL shape, sizes and colors....I'm Sudanese/Ughandan.:smile:

Stay safe.

[Wes]

I'm Sudanese/Ughandan.:smile:

I heard you through Scotty's phone while we were at the bar outside Bragg. Talking to him, M, and K. You're not passing for a Ughandan if you open your mouth and utter so much as a word. :biggrin:

/end hijack

[RAT]

Or you can fly with coat and tie. Still doing that a lot now too.:mad:

RO!!!

[Guy]

I heard you through Scotty's phone while we were at the bar outside Bragg. Talking to him, M, and K. You're not passing for a Ughandan if you open your mouth and utter so much as a word. :biggrin:

/end hijackKnowing when too STFU and listening to what's going on in your surroundings...

BTW...NEVER listen to Scotty, I did and he blew me up on the range. Thank GOD! It was just a "small" explosion.:biggrin:

Stay safe.

[Guy]

Or you can fly with coat and tie. Still doing that a lot now too.:mad:

RO!!!Hopefully you're not flying coach?:redface:

Stay safe.

[VuDuLou]

I just went from Balad-Baghdad-Kuwait-London-Chicago-San Francisco...

The # of bags (check-in) that came up missing was crazy! Throw in, trying to get through security check points=PITA! I'd still be in London or Chicago right now if I had check-in bags.

Civilians travelling:

Decked out in 5/11s from head-to-toe...why?
Oakley boots with dog tags strung up in laces...why?
Pants bloused military style...why?
Assault packs as carry-on...why?
Dressing like you just came from a "rap" video shoot...WTF?
NOT carrying personal hygeine and engaging in conversations...NASTY!
Engaging in a conversation and you're something SUPER-SECRET:confused: I spent 10 years in 1st Group at Ft. Bragg! (I just got up and exited the AO on that one).:o
Getting upset when asked to remove your shoes...Just take'em off!

And for Gods' sake! Relax & stay safe.


I recently came back off of emergency leave and started seeing this the closer I got to Amman...

[swede]

I think everyone has made that mistake first time...you really just dont know till you have been there... and the second time you remember what its like running to the bird with 150 lbs of $hit in your arms .. lol

[SOTB]

In an SF thread, RB mentioned something (http://www.socnet.com/showpost.php?p=1350728&postcount=19) that might be one of those things that can never be mentioned too many times -- which this alphabet dude I'm quoting also mentions:....I would also scan all of my important docs including your passport and than e-mail them to yourself... that way you have them stored someplace where you cant lose them and can access them if needed....What docs? Your call.

I have my most up-to-date resume, my passport -- color copy/scan, visa -- color copy/scan, and any orders that I am traveling on (if I am). Plus anything else I think might be useful, I still have my DD214 in this fashion, although I doubt if I will need it again (this way) for many years, if ever.

Another thing I do is I have all of the above on my internet-based email (ie, gmail, yahoo, hotmail, etc). Why? Because those fuckers spend a bazillion times more money than my own company spends on the upkeep of our servers. My email servers have went down -- it happens. Theirs does as well, I just think statistically, it is less likely. Plus I have my shit backed up on two different accounts/systems.

Anyway, I thought I'd bring attention to RB's post without trampling the SF thread it came from....

[Miguel]

I have my most up-to-date resume, my passport -- color copy/scan, visa -- color copy/scan, and any orders that I am traveling on (if I am). Plus anything else I think might be useful, I still have my DD214 in this fashion, although I doubt if I will need it again (this way) for many years, if ever.

Another thing I do is I have all of the above on my internet-based email (ie, gmail, yahoo, hotmail, etc). Why? Because those fuckers spend a bazillion times more money than my own company spends on the upkeep of our servers. My email servers have went down -- it happens. Theirs does as well, I just think statistically, it is less likely. Plus I have my shit backed up on two different accounts/systems.

Anyway, I thought I'd bring attention to RB's post without trampling the SF thread it came from....


+1000!

I have had many employees in the field ask why some of the above items of critical information have been lost by those in the States. My response has always been; "Didn't you save it and can resend it?" I can't believe how many times I have heard I can do it when: "I go on leave" or "I'm in the middle of a divorce".....

Granted, it shouldn't be lost at the Stateside level, but damn, nobody cares about your personal administration and your ability to be promoted, more than you. Not making excuses, but what can be controled at one end, is not often controled at the other end.

For anyone entering this line of work, listen to the advice in the quote. You can't go wrong.