Posted on Oct 13, 2018
SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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What are some "must have" items when your going to the field?, aside from what's on the packing list.
Posted in these groups: Train2 Training
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Responses: 5
LTC Jason Mackay
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Edited 6 y ago
If you are humping a rucksack and living out of it (no vehicles etc), a bush stove or a jet boil to heat some shave water or coffee. A small compact type mirror to shave in. A small camp chair so you have someplace dry to sit. Second on MAJ Ken Landgren 550 cord and 100mph tape. I would also not go crazy with knives. A multi tool for emergency use and small folding serrated blade knife for general purpose use. I packaged my clothes in gallon zip locks in day "portions", contractor grade trash bags for the sleeping bag. Trick is squeezing out all the air you can. Bungee cords to help put up a poncho hooch or hold stuff to my ruck without attaching in. Headlamp with redlense filter. A new discovery, Aquaphor healing ointment if you are prone to chaffing. Black mechanix type gloves for handling hot or cold items they're grippy and allow some feel so you don't keep taking them on and off.

If you are operating off vehicles in a base camp (like the Brigade support area) with tents. I would bring a three foot strip of Astro turf to put next to my cot so I had a dry and clean-ish place to get out of my rack and get dressed and put on socks. I'd have a poncho liner to fold on top of the cot to hold the heat under me while in the cot. A couple wire hangers to hang up my gortex or fleece By my cot. Use the 550 cord to tie a line between tent supports with a series of loops tied for the hangers or a small battery lantern on a hook.

Going to the field in NATO, you have to bring your own coffee mug, a spill proof travel mug. They charge you for coffee/tea and don't provide cups.
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SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
SFC (Join to see)
6 y
Awesome reply, thanks
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
6 y
You just reminded me that the load depends on if you are light infantry or you have vehicles.
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
6 y
MAJ Ken Landgren - JB Weld because you never know....
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
6 y
An army portable shower is a nice luxury.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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Duct tape and 550 cord.
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SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
SFC (Join to see)
6 y
Always
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SGT Retired
SGT (Join to see)
6 y
Small sewing/repair kit rarely makes it onto the packing list. It always should, though.
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SSgt Dan Montague
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baby wipes
sunflower seeds
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