Advice and Packing List for New Deployees

One of the most frustrating and overwhelming things about my first deployment was packing. What do I take, what do I leave, what will I need immediately in country and what can I have sent over in a footlocker later? It would have been a lot easier and a lot less stressful if I could have had someone give me a detailed list prior to shipping out.

One of my former coworkers has a really good list on his blog Lone Wolf Pals Packing List that will help you a lot. I have made a few modifications/additions/qualifications to it.

Now remember, this is based off my experiences in Kuwait and Iraq, so it may be different for your situations, but it shouldn't be that different. My basic advice is buy good gear. That may mean more expensive in the sort term, but long term it will pay off. Spend the money and get good stuff so you don't have to replace it every year.

1. Michael Says: 4 pair work pants- no blue/black- dust shows really well, zip off bottoms not necessary
I add: 5.11 Tac-Lites work awesome, especially in hot weather evironments like Iraq and Kuwait. Also, khaki matches more colors of shirts, but in Iraq (at least for my company) you can wear olive drab as well.

2. Michael Says: 6 work shirts- at least one long sleeve because of flying in helo regs
I add: Again, I recommend 5.11 shirts. I know that Michael wears the long sleeve 5.11s that are able to be rolled up into short-sleeves. They are made in Tac-Lite and nonTac-Lite material. I am going to Afghanistan (lower avgerage temperature), so I bought the long sleeve, nonTac-Lite shirts. If I was going to Iraq or Kuwait, I would have bought the SS Tac-Lite version.

3. Michael Says: 1 gator or scarf for dust storms
I add: You can get this on base. Don't worry about finding something at home.

4. Michael Says: 2 towels- quick dry ones are great
I add: I bought 2 at the base PX that are microfiber. Very similar to chamios that you use to dry cars off. They are a lot smaller and more compact than a traditional towel and easier to pack with you mobile. Probably not a big deal if you are going to Kuwait, but maybe in Iraq.

5. Michael Says: 1 pair boots- not military issue- tan because of dust- get some comfortable ones that are durable, such as vasque light hiking boots.
I add: Lot of speculation on this one. I would find something that makes you comfortable. Most people aren't going to need combat boots, so buy tan hiking boots that are lighter and more comfortable. Remember, the less you have on your feet, the farther you can walk and more you can pack on your back. BUY GOOD SHOES whatever type you decide on. Your feet and feet condition directly affect the mission. Take care of them.

6. Michael Says: Badge holder, Toiletries, Bedding, Pillow, Sunglasses, Goggles
I add: Buy all this stuff at the PX. Save your space in the luggage.

7. Michael Says: -Reading material- a couple of books and some puzzle books, but don’t bring a lot of medical books. We are supposed to be getting some at each site. Books weigh a ton; have them sent over if you want them.
I add: If you read, take enough books to last a week or two. Have everything else you want to send over sent in a foot locker when you leave. I bought a Kindle because it cost me $100 round trip to send books last time.

8. Michael Says: Leatherman and/or a pocket knife- they have no tools over here it seems.
I add: Get a Leatherman. Get a Leatherman. Get a Leatherman.

9. Michael Says: Thumb drive and external hard drive
I add: The price point for 8gb thumb drives has come down so much in the last year, there is no reason not to buy at least a 4 gb. I have two 8gb thumb drives (one for medical references and one for personal documents) and 6 hard drives. If you get hard drives, I highly recommend getting 2.5" drives that you don't have to plug in to external power.

10. Michael Says: Adaptors or convertors
I add: Buy this stuff when you get here. Don't worry about getting them at WalMart.

11. Michael Says: 2 collared shirts and 1 pair blue jeans good for casual wear
I add: Yep. Good to have casual wear even in the desert.

Additional**:  If you are going to Kuwait and living off base-- you can buy anything you need while in Kuwait.  Yeah, I know, who would have thought that you could actually buy blue jeans and, *gasp*, towels and sheets in a foreign country. 

ADVICE:

The biggest piece of advice that I can give to new deployees is to be flexible.  Plans will change, flights will be canceled at the last minute, your assignments can be moved in minutes.  If you worry about little stuff, you will have an ulcer by the time you go home.  View each day as an adventure.  As long as your paychecks keep cashing, have a good time and don't worry about what tomorrow is going to bring.  Thinking too far ahead and planning more than a few hours in advance is a sure fire way to upset yourself. 

When you get to your site, get out and meet people.  We provide medical care, so find out if you have a TMC or a CSH and where it is.  Meet the nurses and docs if you can.  Get out and meet the other contractors at your site.  It is a very lonely existence if you stay by yourself for the next year.


Hopefully this has helped you a little bit.  Good luck on your next deployment.  If you have any questions comment on this post and I will try to answer them.