68K Deploying with a CSH

2014-06-08T18:48:14-04:00

I will be deploying with a CSH unit sometime in the near future in a PROFIS slot (as of right now I literally have no specifics on where, when, how long... everything I have received so far has been completely vague) I am just wondering what to expect, what to bring, basically any type of information. I understand that the location of the deployment will determine a lot of the packing decisions, just any information in general would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Jun 8 at 2014 8:45 PM

2014-06-08T20:45:26-04:00

What is a CSH?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 10:34 PM

2014-06-08T22:34:52-04:00

SPC Matai, I have been deployed numerous times and the top three things I can suggest are:

1) Attain "Promoteable" status before departing your current unit. Nothing sucks worse than having to prove yourself to your new NCOs before they recommend you for a board.
2) Get you financial / personal affairs in order (wills, POA, SGLI, etc.). Most of this will be done when you SRP but in the mass paperwork shuffle with 300 other deploying Soldiers someone's stuff WILL get lost.
3) Lastly, and most importantly. Take a look at your pay. A good look. Take every cent you make "extra" because of your deployment and invest it. You didn't have the money before, so you will never miss not having it now. Don't be one of those guys who buys a brand new car upon returning and then wonders where all their money went. I have seen this happen far too many times to count. You work too hard for your money.

Good luck.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 9 at 2014 1:30 PM

2014-06-09T13:30:42-04:00

SPC Matai, if you are going to Afghanistan, the CSH is currently operating on a split operations model: smaller slices parceled out to the outlying FOBs. As a 68K, you will more than likely be with one of the main elements on one of the bigger FOBS (smaller FOBs are supported with what amounts to an ad hoc FST and there is no 68K in that model). That being said, you should not need to pack a whole lot of extra snivel gear, as you can still get most of your "comfort needs" on the FOB PX. BUT remember you are going in as essentially the last rotation, so the ability to purchase "comfort" items is going to decrease as well. I'd recommend only bringng what you absolutely NEED for personal use (computer or tablet, maybe a folding camp chair, a favorite woobie, etc). You can get stuff sent to you later if you find that you can't acquire it downrange.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 5:10 AM

2014-06-10T05:10:54-04:00

All depends on where you're going. Role 2 vs Role 3 is a major difference. If you're at a Role 3 in Bagram, Bastion, or Kandahar, you'll have pretty much everything you need via the PX or amazon. I way over-packed for KAF because I wasn't sure how good the shipping was going to be. Ended up sending stuff back almost immediately.