Looking for Iraq gear/lessons learned threads

Hi all - I have a nephew whose Army Reserve unit has been activated and will ship out for Iraq at the end of the month.
I'm specifically looking for the grunt-level lessons learned mentioning gear (don't need specific combat info), and suggested gear lists, most specifically the non-issue and comfort, health items. What I don't need are links to "battalion-level" lessons learned, powerpoint presentations on forces in the theater, urban combat tactics, etc. etc., however fascinating it may be.
I need to get a pool of suggested gear he may not have heard of or thought of, so that he can tick off what he wants or might like, hopefully with some innovative or "out of the box" ideas that'll make his life better for the next 18 months.
I currently have all the Soldiers for the Truth (sftt.org) links I need.
As an example, I remember a similar thread here on CPF that I can't find in search - had "snivel gear" recommendations. Also, a link I may have found from here or ETS to an outside Web site that had a guy recommending such mundane things as a slingshot (to fight boredom) and good toenail clippers and a list of toiletries to fight diseases.
Thanks in advance guys
Dave

Wet Wipes and Dental Floss

Dave,
Check your PM box, huge list there.
Hope it helps.

Jack,
I told Dave to contact you - glad you chimed in. BTW Dave and I work for the same company - only about 3/4 block apart

KC2IXE,
I reposted an article that was on a gun rights board via the pm system. Got a reply.

Reading that again brought back some memmories of why I was so interested in the contracts end. Lately Ive been thinking of going back. Then again perhaps not.
TIme will tell
Jack Crow

I also got your PM and I have no problem posting here. See if he knows where he will be, and if he's had any contact with the unit already there about living conditions. He might need some specific items, but could easily get others. For example, we have no problems getting toiletries, TP, shaving cream toothpaste, etc. But most of us are still getting tons of it from friends/family, and churches that are basing it on a generic packing list.
If he doesn't have good access to showers, baby wipes are a very good item. Hand sanitizer, sunscreen, the basic toiletries if needed, books and magazines, instead of the two Infinities, look at the Gerber LED single AA that has four color lenses. It's not as bright as the Ultra, but it is very handy, and replaces two lights. A MiniMag with a LED conversion is very nice. If he's going to be doing lots of vehicle searches, a bright light is invaluable, if he has access to AC power, then a rechargeable is the way to go. The FBOP Tigerlight is a perfect light for that. Cold weather gear, if he's not issued the new silk weight underwear, the new heavy fleece, and some polypropylene. If he's not issued a Gore-Tex parka, that would be very handy if/when it starts raining again. The rainy seasons can be bad, but have been strange lately. When it does reain, it's freaking heavy. A good MP3, or maybe a minidisk player. Good gloves. Actually a lot of people are having good luck with mechanics gloves. The flight gloves are pretty popular but aren't really durable enough. Hatch Operator gloves are also pretty good. If he doesn't get the MOLLE gear with the new larger assault pack, and he is doing patrols, Tactical Tailor, CamelBack, and Eagle (as well as others) make good 3-day sized assault packs. The CamelBack, and Tactical Tailor have the advantage of having the MOLLE compatible webbing too. if he's issued, or might be issued a 9mm a good holster is a must. Skip Blackhawk at all costs. We've had lots of problems with weapon rentention and general quality with ours. A thigh holster is not a bad idea, because it puts the weapon below his armor, and FLC/LBV. A good pocket knife is a must. I love my Benchmade 710. Hopefully his unit will issue a Gerber multitool, but if not, get him one. Moisture wicking T-shirts are a lifesaver when wearing armor in the heat. He'll probably be issued some, but it's not the best out there. Underarmor makes a good product, and if you get the Loose Gear, instead of the skin tight HeatGear, it's very hard to tell the difference from an issue t-shirt. They are pricey, but very nice. I also found some better ones for sale in the clothing sales store, but that was before I left, and they didn't have any when I was home on leave. Good socks are a must. they just don't give out enough of the new good ones, only 4 pairs. SmartWool is a good brand, as are the Thorlo over the calf uniform support socks, the Combat Boot ones are too thick for me. Good boot inserts, like the Pelco hiker or cross trainer have saved me lots of foot pains, or at least reduced them. If he doesn't have too much access to AC power, but is using a vehicle a lot, a 400watt or higher power inverter is nice. It goes along well with his rechargeable batteries (for MP3 player, backup razor, flashlight), Game Boy, laptop, etc. Make sure that he does remember to bring a complete toiletries kit and to pack an extra (things like finger and toenail clippers, extra razors, foot powder, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, etc). I'd love to have had a slingshot here. There are hundreds of pigeons in the mothballed buildings that make up our exclusion (like a buffer) zone around post. Find out if his unit is going to go through the RFI. If not, add good sunglasses (something like Wiley X that are ballistic protective), goggles (we are issued the ESS profile for those without glasses, the Land Warrior to those that are since they will fit over most prescription glasses). If he wears glasses, and is buying his own, get the Profile and get the inserts made. The Profile have thicker lenses for a bit more protection, and are slightly smaller so they fit under the helmet better.
I'll look around at what a lot of us have found usefull and what we'd like to have had. Remember though, I'm at one of most cushiest places in the theater. Quatar is nicer, as is Dubai, and I think that is all. And we are doing pretty easy things, just guard towers, searching people and vehicles, and patrols just inside the wire. We never get to go outside the walls/wire. We are strictly security for the base, nothing more.

This may be totally off the wall, but my landlord's son (who did MP duty in Bosnia) is shipping out sometime this month and they were telling me that dog collars are highly desirable. The kind with flea, tick and whatever else repellent.

All STOP!
You won't want humans with dog colars on. We saw what happened when troopers pull that stunt. The wounds are nasty.

KBR (our life support contractor) had an extermintor on the base to spray for all kinds of bugs.

Later dude

I am in an aviation unit operating from a large logistical base in north central Iraq. Here are some of my recommendations regarding gear and a bit of commentary on each as to why:

Top Items that the soldier will not be issued:
1. Premium Flashlight. I was a connoisseur of flashlights long before I deployed – sometimes I have been teased about it, but just as frequently other soldiers have been impressed with my lights and wanted to borrow one. My two top qualities in a light are Bright, and Rechargeable. During the summer with longer days I didn't use a light quite so much, but when its dark out here, its really dark. I use a light at least 15 minutes a day now, and thus I highly recommend rechargeable. We now have trailers with power, but before that I could always charge for a few hours in a working area (be sure 110V and 220 compatible). I came over with an L4 and Pilas for it but have now upgraded to a U2 (which I think is overpriced and not a good value. For value, I might try a Streamlight Strion). I do not walk around at night without a light. In the dark I once tripped on a tent support wire I didn't see and fell flat on my face – I know another soldier who stepped into a ditch and severely sprained his ankle. We are on an established base – not a patrol – light discipline is not a factor. Having a bright light that will reach out 10 seconds ahead of you at walking speed is great. Also, we use generator power and frequent power outages are common, so its handy indoors too while the lights are out.

One more example of the value of a bright light: We are not conducting searches, but in training, I completed a vehicle search in bright daylight. All the vehicle doors were open and the interior was not dark. I used a flashlight to look under the seats, but otherwise did not use a flashlight in my interior inspection. The instructor then pulled a sidearm out from under the dash where I had just looked. I was amazed I had missed it. He put it back under the dash, I looked again, could not see it with the naked eye, but stick a light up in there, and the sidearm was obvious.

2. Leatherman. I used to carry an original leatherman and a separate knife. I recently upgraded to a Leatherman Charge. The knife on the Charge is good enough that I no longer carry a separate knife. The blade on the Charge can be deployed with one hand without opening the tool and locks in place. The leatherman often comes in handy, I always carry it. The latest version of the Leatherman Wave has the same features without the gimmick and cost of titanium handles on the Charge and would be my better value recommendation.

3. Underarmor T-shirts. When it is 130 deg F out, you are going to sweat a lot. These t-shirts are expensive at about $25 each, but I think they are worth it. Some guys prefer the 'heat gear' line of tight fitting ones. I prefer 'loose gear' which look like a normal t-shirt but are performance fabric.

4. Tactical Gear: Holster / Mag pouches. I carry a 9mm. For some reason the Army does not have a decent holster system. Lots of guys do use a shoulder holster, but it seems inconvenient to me if you are going to be putting on and taking off body armor. I use a thigh holster from Blackhawk and recommend it. I never see 9mm guys who use a government holster, everyone has bought a personal holster.

On the M16 side of the house, perhaps infantry and SF guys get the proper gear, but the rest of the Army is short on decent magazine pouches. Some guys wear the issue tactical vest over their body armor, but it is an inefficient vest in my opinion. Some guys clip the old Alice system mag pouches onto their Interceptor Body Armor. But I recommend getting some Molle system mag pouches. These cleanly and securely attach to the Interceptor body armor, which is what everyone has now.

5. Snacks. Missed meals are inevitable, at least occasionally. Some have access to microwaves and the like but you can never count on that. A supply of beef jerky and granola bars will always have takers.

6. USB Memory Stick. Internet connectivity is surprisingly easy to find at times. Most places have an MWR (morale, welfare, recreation) where you can use internet for a while. But, you need some way to save your emails, or electronic pay statements, etc. I always carry a USB memory stick.

7. Digital Camera. Thinking of the things I always carry, a tiny digital camera is another one. I carry a Minolta Dimage X. It is so small, I always have it with me. And I have been able to get some great and amazing pics just from having had it with me. There are plenty of things I would like to forget about this deployment, but lots I want to remember and share also.

Critical Items, but should be issued:
As Unicorn mentioned, there is now RFI issue. It stands for Rapid Fielding Initiative. This was an issue of stuff my unit got in theater. Not sure if units now get it as part of their mobilization or what. But this issue included a Camelback, Wiley-X sun-goggles, better socks, cold weather gear, better boots, etc. If a unit didn't get this stuff issued, there is some of it soldiers definitely need. Most notably a Camelback. Back in that 130 deg heat and sweat, you go through a lot of water and this is the way to carry it around and keep it handy to drink.

Overstocked Items:
Some things are good to have, but everyone has been sending them to us already. At my unit we have boxes of this stuff available for the taking, and I have seen the same situation at other units I have visited. Among these overstock items: chapstick, sunscreen, wet wipes, and baby/foot powder. Another item is books. You definitely need some over here, but units now have big libraries of books they aren't bringing home with them – there are plenty to choose from now – more then we have room for in my units case.

Leisure Time Item suggestions:
1. Magazines. Its great to have something that's current and not from before your deployment. I think it would be a great idea to get a soldier a subscription to a magazine he likes once you have his address. Then he gets a fresh one every month. While most guys would like Playboy, its off limits as its deemed pornographic. But the most popular magazines are the men's magazines like "Maxim", "Stuff", and "FHM". Popular Science and Popular Mechanics are also real popular.

2. Greeting Cards. Its free for soldiers to send letters and cards back to the US. But not much selection of any of greeting cards. So how about sending over some cards that will come in handy, like 'miss you', 'happy birthday' etc cards.


Wow – this post is a lot longer than I set out for it to be. Keep in mind your mileage may vary. Depending on the units location, how good the supply sergeant and system are, and what the individual soldiers priorities and likes are. Good luck.

Gentlemen - thanks all for the suggestions, they're great - they're much appreciated. Please keep them coming.
Dave

Some units are actually issuing Gerber multitools. Maybe my brigade just used some unit funds though.
I have to disagree on the Blackhawk holsters. We are issued those for our gunners, and all of us on the gates. They are crap. The retention is horrible, the stitching is coming loose, and they just aren't holding up. Eagle has the same product for maybe even less money and the quality is better. Stay away from the crap that is sold for like $15 at the cheap gun and surplus stores, and even the low end ones at some clothing sales store, and the PX in Arifjan. They will not last long at all.

I second the greeting cards. I don't know how I forgot those. We have a very limited selection in the PX here. Somebody sent some in a care package, and I know that used them.

The overstock on a lot of the basic toiletries is pretty big with us here too. At first it wasn't bad, because we used up what we'd brought with us, but after a while, it got to be too much. We are collecting items to donate to the TCN's.

Those are the top magazines that people here get. Also Soldier of fortune seems popular, and the computer and gaming mags are popular with computer and game geeks. PC Gamer is a pretty good mag.

Magazines for the 9mm. If he is issued a 9mm, especially if it's his main weapon for whatever stupid reason, get him some decent mags. If he's lucky, he might get a couple of the old Beretta ones, but most likely he'll get the newer, and totally junk Checkmate brand. Those things are rough enough inside to file my nails with. I'm not exaggerating, I tried it! The self retracting pistol leashes are pretty decent if he's afraid of losing his gun. They take up less room and don't snag on things like the coiled ones, or the issued nylon lanyard does.

Home made cookies and brownies. Always popular with everyone.

A decent knife sharpener. The Spyderco 204 is a good bet. It won't sharpen a very dull knife quickly, but will get one back to razor sharpness fairly quickly and easily. the one that stores the rods in the plastic base is also small enough to carry easily.

Hoppes bore snakes for cleaning his weapon(s). It makes the job of getting the bore clean, so much easier.
Along with that, a couple shaving brushes for brushing off the dust that will accumulate daily. Just a cheapie from Kmart or whatever.

Something to avoid at all costs is the powdered graphite that some are recomending. Graphite is a pretty hard material, and weapons were found to be getting damaged by it. The receiver of the M16/M4 and the M9 pistol are aluminum and were being severely abraded by the graphite.

Guys,
You know what was well received? Forks, knives, and spoons. Scania's dining hall only used plastic stuff. Each meal you will hear the classic 'snap' of a fork breaking.

Cheap stainless steel stuff from the Doha PX made a huge hit. I should have brought back a few dozen sets.

Later guys

Hi guys - please keep them coming.
Thanks
Dave