Trying to get a jump on getting what i may need. Not sure what the Guard will supply me with, is it a good idea to try to bring a laptop? power invertor? better gloves than the military crap issue? stuff like that. would appreciate comments from those of you who have been there, man or woman...and maybe advice on what to expect...thanx by the way for paving the way...
2006-09-13 15:05:18 · 19 answers · asked by frostwolf1968 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Bring your laptop, shower shoes are a must, protein bars or powder (cause' once you get out of country, the bx only sells garbage), some kind of blanket that rolls up cause' the wool ones you get issued are itchy, multi-vitamins and any other dietary supplement you take regularly, since you have 9 months before you go, you have plenty of time to load up your iTunes with every song known to man... trust me, you'll need it, guessing as you hopefully have an iPod, cause' you'll need one of those too. I don't know if you're a man or woman... but any lotions or soaps that you are fond of... bring lots of them. I am deployed right now and made sure to bring lots of my favorite hair conditioner, and shampoo. Don't forget a laundry bag, and some kind of portable shower caddy to lug all your shower crap around with. But seriously... find a blanket that you can pack and take with... I went all out and brought a down comforter with me... makes me forget where I'm at sometimes and makes for a better night of sleep. Good luck!!
2006-09-13 15:29:19 · answer #1 · answered by westcoastbeauty79 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
my husband is depoying soon too. it will be his second time over there.
i would suggest a laptop, lines there are long for computers they have there, get one with a webcam and mic, makes calling home free and easier with out waiting in long lines for the phones. hard case the laptop with a lock too.
different gloves is a must. you will use then alot so bring a couple extra pairs, people like to steal things like that.
i would get the power inverter there if you need it. you may not need it at all.
take a gameboy with you. for when you can't get internet connection or you are away from your main living area and need something to pass the time (airports, trainning breaks, things like that) just make sure it is either rechargealble or you take plenty of batteries to last til you get there. you will sit at the airports for serveral hours.
ask your gaurd unit what they will supply you with such as a camel back. if they don't supply one make sure to get one, large one with many pockets for clothes, and such things you will need on you at times.
take some dvd's for your laptop. not too many, you will be able to get things like that when you are there or barrow from friends.
i would take a camera either digital or disposable. if digital take an extra set of batteries (unless it takes other than AA then take a few extra sets they may not have them there but can order online) and take an extra memory stick in case you can't download the first one to the computer right away.
but anything else you can pretty much buy there or online.
Good luck and stay safe
God bless
2006-09-14 12:15:40 · answer #2 · answered by Bella's Creations 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all God bless you for being in the military and fighting for our continued freedoms in this country. I have not been there, but I do know several people who have been and are still over there currently. A group of friends and I send care packages over quite frequently, and I have been told that the most appreciated items are anything to do with foot care....the boots are brutal and have a tendency to not fit well. I would take foot powders and creams (I don't know what the rules are know with the changes in the airline regulations with the latest attempts at bomb making) so you may want to check that out. Also take a lot of shoe inserts, the Dr. Scholls type and several of the more expensive molded type of inserts for extra arch support and motion control. One man that returned from his second tour just recently said the guys and gals in his unit would love getting care packages from me because I would always send the shoe inserts and everyone needed them so badly. I am just very foot conscious, I sold sportshoes for over eleven years, Toothbrushes were also a big hit, I guess they don't last long because of all the sand and break down pretty quickly. Q-tips are asked for a lot, the sand problem again. If you have favorite snacks, other than chocolate, which will not stand up to the heat, that is something that everyone misses. A lot of people do bring their laptops, and it makes a big difference to be able to contact friends and family at home. You may want to check with the Guard to see what you will be issued and go from there. I know that the smallest comfort item will be missed. I also heard a lot about Twizzlers....just something that would tie you to home. Lots of chapstick and sunblock. My heartfelt best wishes go with you for your heath and safety so you can return home ASAP.
2006-09-13 22:32:41 · answer #3 · answered by Sue F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you take a laptop, do what I did and get a stainless steel case for it. I'd take some good leather gloves, depending on your job. You really won't need any cold weather gloves. And the one thing that saved my ***, was under armour. Last I checked it's still authorized for wear in country. The shirts help keep you cool in the heat. You won't need half the stuff I did. I'm OIF 1. Anything you forget, you can buy in a PX in Iraq or Kuwait. You can buy power converters there too. You'll need them. Game Boys help pass the time.
2006-09-13 22:14:55 · answer #4 · answered by dirtmerchant_12b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baby wipes! A good pair of goggles. A few decks of cards. A laptop is a good idea, just make sure that it's tough enough to take all the sand, trust me, that damn sand gets everywhere, I swear I'm still shaking it out of my ears. I prefered the CVC gloves. A camelback will come in real handy for patrolling, I don't think I even drank out of a canteen the whole time I was there. You'll be getting Hajji bottled water. If you smoke or dip take about a months supply. TP is also important but once again baby wipes are absolutely essential. A good field knife is handy to have, just don't wear it until you actually get over there, also a gerber is handy to have too. Try to talk to your unit about using motorala walkie talkies, they are so much easier to use than a manpack. Take some baby powder and medicated powder as well, crotch rot is prevalent.
As far as advice, be prepared to be hotter than you've ever been before in your life, it can get chilly in the winter months too so make sure to keep your gortex handy(it also make a good seat cushion for long convoys) Try to get some really comfortable boots too, the desert issue boots will fall apart after about 4-5 months. If you can scrounge any more magazines for your weapon do so, I know the issue is 210 rds, but screw that, it can go quick if you get into a firefight over 2 hrs long. Don't bother with underwear it'll just cause the funk to creep up on you quicker. Also, if you're ever manning the turret machine gun keep some rocks handy because the kids will likely pelt you with rocks, you'll be all nice to them when you first get there, but over time, that'll wear off and you'll see how they really feel about you being there. If you can get a 3 point sling then get it, this is essential, one because it makes the weapon alot more comfprtable to handle, and two, you'll save precious seconds on your draw time if you need to use it in a hurry, and three, it keeps your weapon on you at all times and makes it hard for anyone to try and take it away. The main thing you need to know is to just pay attention to what you're doing. Pay attention to every little detail around your AO, if anything looks out of place then it is, speak up if you see something out of the ordinary, don't worry about ridicule, it's better for you to say something and it be nothing than to say nothing and it be something. Always sand bag the floors of your vehicles. Don't EVER find yourself isolated in any situation, ALWAYS watch the hands of ALL civilians you come across. Finally, don't get sloppy and set into a routine, that's when you get hit. Other than that, good luck and keep your head and a$$ down.
2006-09-14 00:00:28 · answer #5 · answered by Spartan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually don't take playboys, they will get swiped quick! My guy friend was over there and evidently one of the men had a "pocket pussy" and the officer in charge found it and punished everyone because the one who owned it wouldn't step forward. Probably shouldn't take a laptop just because the have computers over there already. Gloves and personal items I think would be a good idea to get. Especially if the military issues crappy versions. Goodluck and Godbless!
2006-09-13 22:15:26 · answer #6 · answered by sc43338 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ONE BIG WORD......IPOD! and or thumb drive. Or course good sun glasses that are tight on you head that won't fall off and that you don't spend mucho $$$ cuz they're gonna get f-ed up w/ the sand. Also it depends what unit, but they sell (at the PX )these soft inserts for the Kevlar which make them much better. And if you end up forgetting something there's gonna be a PX Hell, some bases have a Burger King. I also hope you don't like sleep too much. On a good day it was 14 hrs on 10 hrs off (and one needs to get their PT in ) Have fun and Kill
2006-09-13 23:01:55 · answer #7 · answered by mrk_001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the laptop and inverters are great ideas and of course job related items you may need. Dont forget lots and lots of condoms no matter what you hear there is a lot of women in Iraq looking for action and sometimes the PX doesnt carry them and well the sick call clincs only have the crappy ones
2006-09-16 21:15:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on your job, you may want a few pairs of gloves. Get a pillow and comfortor sent to you. Laptops can get easily damaged over there due to dust, so if you fo bring one, bring plenty of Q-Tips and those dust sprays. Also bring a flash drive or external hard-drive with you so that you can pull movies and music off other computers. Bring plenty of undergarments. Make sure your PT gear is packed in your carry-on.
2006-09-13 22:19:59 · answer #9 · answered by Fitz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your space will be limited and depending on your MOS and location, some things may not be practival or space worthy as you will have little. I would certainly bring some sort of rechargable entertainment system. Game boy works as it is small and the games are durable. It recharges easy and lasts for a while. It is pretty kid safe so it works well in Iraq.
2006-09-13 22:14:31 · answer #10 · answered by billyandgaby 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋