I need some Deployment gear ....reccomendations?

[USMarine3521]

Im deploying to Iraq in a couple months and looking to get some gear early. I'd like to hear what kind of things I will definately will need and some things I may need but not so important etc...because I know this stuff isn't cheap.

thanks.

I'm a motor T guy but will be doing patrols, security, 240g duty etc.

[ramy]

got a good pair of goggles ?

www.ess.com

Are you going to be using the M240G exclusively ? If you are going to be using an M16 you might like the Eotech 552 for fast target acquisition..

Are you pulling convoy security ?


A buddy of mine based out of Camp Pendleton is pulling Convoy Security for 1FFSG ?
First Service Battalion..

[USMarine3521]

got a good pair of goggles ?

www.ess.com

Are you going to be using the M240G exclusively ? If you are going to be using an M16 you might like the Eotech 552 for fast target acquisition..

Are you pulling convoy security ?


A buddy of mine based out of Camp Pendleton is pulling Convoy Security for 1FFSG ?
First Service Battalion..

No, I'll be using the 240g mounted on the humvee so I will be using both and about the eotech....I'm pretty sure I'll be taking the m16a2 and yeah I'll will be doing convoy security.

are you talking about the 1 FSSG? (force service support group) i know a buddy in their too but he's already in iraq.

http://www.essgoggles.com/Profile-Series_1_detail.html

these look pretty good to me :D

[ramy]

got a good pair of goggles ?

www.ess.com

Are you going to be using the M240G exclusively ? If you are going to be using an M16 you might like the Eotech 552 for fast target acquisition..

Are you pulling convoy security ?


A buddy of mine based out of Camp Pendleton is pulling Convoy Security for 1FFSG ?
First Service Battalion..

No, I'll be using the 240g mounted on the humvee so I will be using both and about the eotech....I'm pretty sure I'll be taking the m16a2 and yeah I'll will be doing convoy security.

are you talking about the 1 FSSG? (force service support group) i know a buddy in their too but he's already in iraq.

http://www.essgoggles.com/Profile-Series_1_detail.html

these look pretty good to me :D

Yup
1 FSSG

I stand corrected. Yes, He is also in Iraq. Its his second tour there.. I will post anything else I can think of.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

I'm not military, but heres my two cents for what they are worth.

-Electrical tape (lots). Can be used for many things.
-Knee/elbow pads. If you dont have a set already, it would probably be a good idea to get a spare set also.
- Vest, your going to be in a vehicle alot. You might want to consider a chest rig/plate carrier so everythings accessible while sitting down.
-A good meduim sized ruck to be used as a "go" bag in case things get bad.
-Batteries...batteries...batteries and more batteries. Your fancy gadgets like gps and radios and your eotech 552 are useless without them. And they could be a hard come by, or you could need them and not have any availible at the time.
-Hydration Unit. I assume you have an issued one, but you can always buy a couple spare bladders and cleaning kits for them.
-GPS system. You can buy sets with built in radios depending on how much you want to spend.
-Dump pouch. It can come in handy for other uses as well. Maxpedition pouches are great, and cheap.


Thats all I can think of, hope it helps.

[molsen]

Talk to your NCOs and fellow Marines who have already deployed and ask them what you should and should not bring. Nowadays you can get just about any of the small, little things you need over there. Do NOT rely on what the people on this board have to say or recommend who have never deployed in their lives. Ask Marines who have already been there (or even better if you can, are CURRENTLY over there) and you should be set.

[FallenAngel]

don't forget the porno mags and video games :D

[FiveOneFive]

I know my post somewhat digresses from what's being asked but.. Are you not even issued with a pair of protective goggles?

[Beppo]

There are enough PXs (and a few MCXs) and local vendors/bazaars already over there for you to get almost everything you'll need -- heck, the big PX in Baghdad sells large-screen TVs and lawn furniture for chrissakes. And when that doesn't work there's online shopping; if the seller claims they won't ship to APO/FPO addresses just put "NY" as the state and it'll arrive. About the only thing you won't *openly* be able to purchase in the Middle East is porn and alcohol, but that's what personal baggage and care packages are for.

PS: If you're a DEP, as your name suggests, why even worry about it at this point? Or is that just a really old user name?

[SuperShot5000]

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/index.tam
http://www.optactical.com/
http://www.bdstacticalgear.com/
http://www.uscav.com/main.aspx?tabID=1
http://www.blackhawk.com/index.asp?
http://www.eagleindustries.com/mainprod.asp?scv=0
http://www.davesarmysurplus.com/
http://www.botac.com/

Bless you, soldier. Keep safe, and Godspeed.

[Deuterium]

Maintaining sanity

1. Laptop
2. gaming console with a few games. You'll be able to get cheap bootleg stuff in country.
3. MP3 player. You'll be able to get cheap music in country as well.
4. WorldSpace sat radio. Hard to find in the states but at least you'll get western radio staions. Besides AFN, I think only Baghdad has a western radio station.
5. civilian clothes. Don't listen to supervisors. Bring some, even a bathing suit. You'll be surprised at the number of swimming pools in Iraq.
6. Happy sock and condoms, Marine/Army chicks are easy.
7. DSN to the states. Find out the nearest base to your love ones. Most of the time you can get hook-flashed from the local operator to their phones and get the call for free.

Go-Gear.

1. GOOD Goggles.
2. GOOD gloves. Hot weather, Cold weather, and monkey handling.
3. Balaclava. I can't stress this enough if you are going to be a gunner. It gets frickin COLD in Iraq. It rains and snows as well. You will dread winter patrols being the gunner, it's also the rainy season. Neck gaitor or Haji scarf as well.
4. If your 1114 has a VIC-III intercom system get a tanker helmet, the newer kind with the noise cancelling Bose headsets, and ballistic cover.
5. Redi-Mag or C-Mag for your M-16. You will be using your M-16 a lot in the turret. Most of the time it is quicker to transition to the Rifle than to turn the turret in heavy traffic.
6. Get a good holster for your pistol, insist on being issued a pistol.
7. Get some smoke, Navy Crashes (FlashBangs), 6 or 9 Bangers, or even the regular DOD metal FlashBangs, and a shotgun with birdshot, for the turret. All of these provide you with non-lethal means to get the convoy moving. The Crashes work REALLY well.
8. Assault pack.
9. Insist on good optics for all your weapons. User's preference. Thermals and PEQ-2 for night. ELCAN/ACOG/Aimpoint for Day.
10. Dismount radio with quick connect from vehicle intercom to dismount radio. Have your ELM guys fab up quick disconnects that allow you to plug your comms headsets into the dismount radio instead of carrying around two different headsets.
11. Memorize Sheriff net and CASEVAC freqs.
12. Learn FBCB2.
13. Carry a small GPS with local FOBs already plotted.
14. Modify your turret with better handles for turning, bustle rack for extra ammo, rockets, holster for your 16/shotgun, and frags/smoke/crashes.
15. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Roll-over drills, down gunner, down driver drills. EVERY guy in the vehicle MUST be proficient with the crew served, radio, FBCB2, and navigation. SOPs will get old after the first month. Practice one event each patrol before departure EVERY TIME! Get with the local CASEVAC company and set up a real rehearsal from radio call to extraction. Live fire your SOPs even if it means driving into the middle of nowhere if the command says no. Test fire your weapons every patrol if possible.
16. Set up mandatory PM days. We did them once a week just like garrison. Three tours in Iraq and I only had a flat tire. Know your gear intimately. Kiss your mechanic's asses frequently. If it sounds funny replace the stuff immediately! Carry a small tool kit, spare tire, **** runflats, and small repair parts(fan belt, oil)
17. LEARN ARABIC!!! Do it now! YOU will be the one talking to the locals as the gunner. Learn Arabic hand gestures. The dirty bird doesn't fly in Iraq.


I'm tired I'll stop now. Lastly you are not going to a wasteland. Internet access is common. If you get there and find out you need something you get online and buy it! Packages take about two weeks from the states, sometime quicker.


Have fun.

[Herrmannek]

Fire reterdant underware :)

And I'm serious, i was thinking about something like that...but never wore this things so don't ask me if that good idea. http://www.gforce.com/products/underwear/frunderwear.html

[Frens]

Fire reterdant underware :)

And I'm serious, i was thinking about something like that...but never wore this things so don't ask me if that good idea. http://www.gforce.com/products/underwear/frunderwear.html

that would be interesting...this could happen again :(



stay safe!

[Herrmannek]

I was thinking more about blast or burning inside the car, but yes...

[Catch22]

If he's to be a turret man, molotovs (if any will fly, hopefully not) will be first to meet him - so Herrmannek point is valid. Get a brethable, flame-retardant ones.

[Sabre]

^yeah, I've been thinking about getting some silk stuff.



15. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Roll-over drills, down gunner, down driver drills. EVERY guy in the vehicle MUST be proficient with the crew served, radio, FBCB2, and navigation. SOPs will get old after the first month. Practice one event each patrol before departure EVERY TIME! Get with the local CASEVAC company and set up a real rehearsal from radio call to extraction. Live fire your SOPs even if it means driving into the middle of nowhere if the command says no. Test fire your weapons every patrol if possible.

This is key. It doesn't matter what kit you've got if you aren't practiced in your drills. Be proactive in organising this, the big green machine is prone to letting things slide. Only you can ensure you are confident with your drills.

[scrybe]

Check out this thread and stay safe: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=132&t=310984

[James]

Listen to Molsen and Deuterium; they had some good things to say.

About holsters - consider a Safriland if you are authorized a drop leg holster. If you get a belt holster, I'd suggest buying quality leather "Galco or something). Kydex can break, and I'm not particularily fond of nylon.

As popular as they are, I would suggest NOT getting a bunch of underarmor shirts; I understand that they can melt.

As for a go bag, i have one of these:

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/BattleLab-Escape-Evasion-Bag--P277C128.aspx

It's handy - Maps, GPS, compass, extra ammo, chemlights, frag/smoke, pop ups, chemlights, pop ups, air panel, etc. all in one convenient package.

Are you able to get a single point sling mount for your rifle? It fits between the upper receiver and the buttstock. I use one over here in A'Stan, and I prefer it to a regular tactical/3 point sling.

Get a scarf/shemagh if you are allowed to wear such a thing. They're handy when it's dusty and windy out. Even an OD sling will work.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=12836345&parent_category_rn=4501449&vcat=REI_SEARCH
SOmething like this (in a better color) - I've got a green one I wear over here, and it's great when it's toasty out.

If i can think of more that would be reasonable, I will post.

[USMarine3521]

PS: If you're a DEP, as your name suggests, why even worry about it at this point? Or is that just a really old user name?


I used to post here when I was in the DEP a long time ago but im an E3 now.



Are you able to get a single point sling mount for your rifle? It fits between the upper receiver and the buttstock. I use one over here in A'Stan, and I prefer it to a regular tactical/3 point sling.

are you talking about something like this? http://www.spectergear.com/mout_sling.htm

Only thing I'm worried about with that sling is can you still go in sling arms?


thanks a lot to everyone for the input

[USMarine3521]

oh and another thing, they have tobacco products you can buy at the PX?

[Deuterium]

I don't use any but many guys smoked bootleg Marlboro from Haji. Guys that dipped had stuff sent to them from the states. The stuff in the PX wasn't the right can or something to that effect. No one that I knew had any problems. In fact it was quitting that most guys had a problem with. I think almost all the guys in the company tried to quit at one time or another. I think out of the entire company maybe one guy was succesful. They used the patch from the medics. Combat ain't a time to quit.

[ibstolidude]

7. Get some smoke, Navy Crashes (FlashBangs), 6 or 9 Bangers, or even the regular DOD metal FlashBangs, and a shotgun with birdshot, for the turret. All of these provide you with non-lethal means to get the convoy moving. The Crashes work REALLY well.

Use bandoleers ato hold smokes and bangs - even water bottles 1/4 full of sand. As bad as that is - sometimes people need to be reminded of the seriousness - a good hood THUNK beats shooting Haji Abdul Smith for simply tailing too close too long.

oh and if you throw smoke/bangs - keep the **** at arms length when in the turret - don't let that **** fall inside.


12. Learn FBCB2. You spoiled my day. Not that it you didn't/don't give great advice or it isn't valid and important; but just for mentioning something so cav-tarded.

Th simple things cause the most problems - death is in details - simple stuff like burying med **** in vehicles - practice tire changes - tow bar and stap hook ups -etc - know everything you can about anything your unit carries and/or employs..

not specifc to any theater but always I suggest commercial packs of alligator clips and wire - learn to hook up EVERYTHING to car batteries - from MBITR charges (or what ever the USMC uses) to PRC-150 to PSC-5 to commercial aircompressors
- Tire plugs and patch kits, there is no such things as too many tires.

or don't worry about it - you'll fall in on it down-range -bwahhha hahaaaa.

also see here
http://www.socnetcentral.com/vb/showthread.php?t=47945

[davis411]

http://www.skdtac.com/ ;)

[Beppo]

As popular as they are, I would suggest NOT getting a bunch of underarmor shirts; I understand that they can melt.Really? Geez, once I tried one (took me a few months to believe that a single t-shirt was worth $20) I ended up not wearing anything BUT Underamour "Heatgear". In fact during sweltering summer days back here in the States I still wore them (it's fall now though so I'm back to regular poly/cotton). But that's just me.

PS: Here's a quote from the AR-15 message board that was linked earlier:

Do NOT buy any camelbaks, LBVs/tactical vests, pistol belt, goggles, Wiley Xs, Nomex gloves, winter gloves, a case of AA batteries, balaclava, buttpack, bellville boots, fancy BDU belt, face paint, solar battery charger, solar shower, transformer, power strip, 220v plug adapter, DVD movies, fleece jacket, wool cap, polypros, canteens, night vision, weight set, boom box, 100 mph tape, ghillie suit, water filter, machete/kukri.

You don't need half this crap, and if so, you will be issued everything at CIF and RFI. 100 mph tape and batteries you can buy at a PX in Iraq. Electrical stuff and movies you can buy from Haji at your FOB. Try not to carry too much stuff. I showed up at Fort Jackson and then to Fort Benning with almost a full duffle bag and a laptop. I left Benning with three tightly packed duffle bags and a laptop, and a fourth duffle in a conex. Alot of the issued web gear, gloves and winter clothing/boots still sits in one duffle bag collecting dust. We got issued two camelbaks, and everyone wore them at Benning. Out here no one wears them; we just load coolers in our humvees with frozen water bottles while on patrol.
I agree with this guy 100%. I overpacked plus spent like $200 on crap I ended up never using, or was already available over there. If/when I have to do it again I'm packing light but bringing an extra duffel bag/flyer's bag to bring back the extra gear/souvenirs/war treasures I end up "acquiring".