Deployment to the middle east: Any advice?

2015-06-02T14:07:05-04:00

Going on my first deployment, just wanted some general information. What type of things should I have with me when I get there? What are some good things to live by while over seas? I'm kinda nervous. Never been out of the USA before.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-06-02T14:11:56-04:00

It truly depends on where your headed! Please connect with me and send a message and I will do my best to help you!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 2 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-06-02T14:22:51-04:00

It is all location dependent. If you are going to some place like The Deid, a camelbak is about the only "extra" gear you will need vs somewhere in Afghanistan with the Army, that is a whole other packing list.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 2:47 PM

2015-06-02T14:47:25-04:00

First and foremost, always remember OPSEC. Don't post anything specific on anything (social media, phone calls, texts, regular mail, etc.) about where you are going or when you are going. This is includes when you are coming back. Otherwise, get with your more experienced NCO's about what to bring outside of the given pack list and what to do/not do while you are there.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 3:13 PM

2015-06-02T15:13:52-04:00

Depends where you are going.
I'd bring a portable electronic device, tablet, laptop, if you can Skype or use apps like Magic Jack, then you can use it to contact home from MWR locations, or any places with Wi-Fi.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-06-02T15:21:57-04:00

Take a deep breath and relax brother. Pack light other then gear that is on packing list. Take some snacks for the flight and once you get there call home and start requesting what you need. Don't spend your money!!! My wife would send me socks and personal hygiene items along with a snack or two. Electronics are good to bring but one of your buddies will buy a to and Xbox and you can just ride off their stupidity. Save your money!! Have a safe trip bud!

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Jun 2 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-06-02T15:39:20-04:00

On thing you can do is use an app like line to connect with family. You can chat, video chat, and free call anyone who also has line app. You can also set up group chats
Works on all smart phones.
Looks like this

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 2 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-06-02T15:52:38-04:00

Don't trust your life to any locals.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 2 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-06-02T16:35:18-04:00

Stay Hydrated Well, Getting Stripped Naked with Smoke Removal Fans Aimed at you while getting a Cold Water Enema sucks! (At least that is what the Corpsman told us upon arrival).

Response by PO2 Matthew White made Jun 2 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-06-02T16:48:03-04:00

A small portable electronic device always helps. LINE and SKYPE are excellent I would recommend having both. Also I would highly recommend telling your loved ones not to send you chocolate or any kind of carbinated beverage instead I would ask for boxers, socks, socks, undershirts meeting branches regs, favorite brand of smokes if you are a smoker, and once again more socks. Please remember your loved ones will not be the only ones listening to your voice or
reading your messages/letters so please remember your OPSEC. If you enjoy reading I recommend a kindle with no internet or photo options due to restriction at your duty station you might not be able to use it. DO NOT bring any prohibited items there are many reasons you may not understand for any of them to be prohibited. Just remember you are going to a different country with different laws and customs not all wrong just different. Treat your deployment like visiting someone else's house and be respectful of there people and culture and you will not only have a more enjoyable deployment but you will also leave a good impression on your host nation for the future.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 2:26 AM

2016-09-19T02:26:23-04:00

Good prep stuff for OCONUS deployments are things like:
Get your finances in order before you go; set anything you can to auto-pay and ensure that everything that matters is tracking you have an APO address before it becomes an issue.
Get an external hard drive, fill it with movies, pictures from home, video games, et cetera.
Find out what voltage they use and make sure you buy power cords for your laptop/TV/game system that will accept that voltage before you go.
Pack some comfort items and food from home in your deployment bag to be available when you crack open the conex, having the right spices or your favorite shirt can be a huge emotional life-saver.
Prep your important relationships for some distance and time apart. If you've got a relationship on not-so-firm grounds, it's not going to improve with time and distance. If you need to cut sling-load, do so and accept that it's going to hurt like a bitch.
Bring Copenhagen Long Cut in the cardboard tin. Whether or not you dip, it becomes an immediate "I'm a bro" kind of exchange and will find you some friends who will give you the skittles from their MRE's.
Don't bang people in your unit once you're there. I don't know how many times and how many people I've told this to, but everyone who doesn't listen has had it end in disaster.
Be careful of local food. You might not be adjusted to the regional bugs and you'll suffer a few times from food poisoning until you build up a tolerance. Gastroenteritis will happen, but you should still avoid sketchy places.
All of the pirated DVD's that are out for the first 3-4 months after something comes out in theaters will be out of focus, have shit sound, or shake around all the time. it's the price you pay for watching Twilight as soon as it comes out.
Bring something to study. It's a good opportunity to learn a language if you're adept at it, and that can help you in the long run.