How should I get ready for my first deployment?

2022-01-15T15:27:56-05:00

It took me full contract to get to my first deployment. Now, with less than half a year left, I'm trying to figure out how to get ready for it... What should I bring, what are small things that will make my life better there, what to do with my truck and so on... Advice from single female soldiers who deployed recently would be the value of gold.
Just to clarify I'm not asking for the official to-do list. I'm looking for personal experiences and opinions, on what would make things easier there.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 15 at 2022 3:33 PM

2022-01-15T15:33:30-05:00

Try to find out what kind of site you are going to. Then start from there, like does it have internet? Is the electricity 220 or 110? Take some crocs. I took cheap flip flops and the gravel really hurt my feet. This is what I took on my last deployment:

- Laptop.
- Cravats for the sand storms.
- Definitely baby wipes. They will save you a lot of aggravation.
- Flashlight.
- 550 cord and 100 MPH tape.
- Alarm clock.
- Goggles.
- Extension cord.
- Small pillow.

Good luck.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 15 at 2022 5:19 PM

2022-01-15T17:19:59-05:00

What is your MOS?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2022 5:40 PM

2022-01-15T17:40:05-05:00

Good Luck! SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 7:46 AM

2022-01-16T07:46:08-05:00

If you’re going to Kuwait id just bring your laptop and bedspread. They have everything you could want there.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Jan 16 at 2022 12:27 PM

2022-01-16T12:27:33-05:00

I understand they are long out of print but I had a series of small books called "Ranger Rick's Tips & Tricks" he was a retired Ranger who got in trouble with some alphabet agency over "Ranger Rick" so he quit selling the books. They had lots of ideas for things to make life easier. This was all long before the internet was widespread and Cell phones still took a car battery to power so after 30 years they probably haven't aged well. Our fellow veterans here have already given you a lot of good advice. Take a power strip & if you can find it a power block with multiple USB ports. I take both on trips with me, all the small electronics get the USB block and all the other comfort items get the other plugs. As for your POV there was a time units allowed deployed soldiers to park their POV in the motor pool while deployed. I remember passing a motor pool full of POVs, most with weighted down car covers on them. If not then you might be looking at a trusted friend/family member or a local self-storage place that allows things like campers and boats; or get a rate on a unit for personal items and put the POV inside. Depending on how austere your environment might be a few months supply of your favored feminine hygiene products might be something to consider, a friend who deployed to Saudi in 1990 said that was a real issue. Things were available but not comfortable things.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 1:31 PM

2022-01-16T13:31:00-05:00

A flag from home can always add value along with a 24 hour time zone matrix of Local/Zulu/Home. GP medium in Korea was designated the California Republic embassy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 2:23 PM

2022-01-16T14:23:35-05:00

For starters...find out where you are going and then find out what unit you are RIPing. Then, get in touch with someone from that unit and ask them exactly what will be needed at that location. Since they are the ones that are BOG, they'll know best. Find out from them what is available for purchase on site and what needs to be brought by you. These steps right here will help save you time, energy, money and weight from the bags.

As for single female perspective, you can go with that, sure. But, coming from the perspective of a married man that had single females in his unit....be mindful of where you go and when you go. For example, at night in low vis areas, I'd recommend a battle buddy. Carry a knife at all times. I would like to say that you won't have to worry about horndogs hitting on you....but if I did, I would be lying. It will happen, I just don't know how often/severe it will happen. When I was at PSAB in Saudi....married and single folk were hornier than Hell with each other, but luckily very few sexual assaults (at least, I only heard of one attempt but that was a Saudi trying to assault a US SM).

Honestly, though...It's hard to give specific personal experience advice without knowing where you will end up. That is why I suggest you contact the unit you will be replacing.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jan 16 at 2022 5:57 PM

2022-01-16T17:57:37-05:00

It basically depends where you are going. As for your vehicle ... if you can't ship it there, make sure you inform your insurance company that it will be "mothballed." That way, you'll save a lot of money. When my sons both deployed, they only had to pay for very limited coverage that would protect their value in the case of storm, fire or theft. No collision, liability, etc.
Beyond that, it again depends where you're going, but wherever, take a camera and a laptop or tablet PC.
With whatever else your advised about, take a positive, "can do" attitude. When a female soldier I know went to Germany, she actually lived off base and used a bicycle for local comutes, etc. If you're going to Germany, be wary of Internet contracts - they're often not in a service member's best interests so talk to your peers before entering into those; perhaps even SJA.
If you're going to Korea or the Middle East, I can't give you advice. I hope you get some good feedback, especially from your female peers.

Response by SFC Rich Bright made Jan 16 at 2022 6:12 PM

2022-01-16T18:12:08-05:00

You can drop your cell phone contract Your service provider can't get you service there and they have cell phones in many countries very cheep contracts. Your unit for active duty can set-up a locked parking lot to secure your vehicle and sometimes banks will allow you to drop insurance to very little- If you own it and not the bank- drop your insurance.
Depends where your going??? What services are available? PX? or Not? Pre-prep a box of goodies, things you love to snack on, feminine items that you use, your unit before deployment will have an APO address available, have it sent to you before you go- By the time you get there, so will box- Then when you've been there a month- send a list to Mom to send the items ya miss for care package two- Home made items are like GOLD- home baked bread and cookies, chocolate melts take out of wrapper zip lock before sending.... add nuts and M&Ms makes ready trail mix. Beef Jerkie travels well. But a PX sells stuff like that. Ship a cheap BBQ Kit. If PX sells meat, some do. If PX does not have the bra- you like in Conus, they won't have it in a deployed county either. Pre-load movies on Tablet of phone, for the long waits and flights. Load an IPOD for music and movies- Head phones too. PC's batteries give out too fast. Power storage chargers, Travel pillow....
Hope that helps
MRE Boxes are Rigid and double layered, will protect you stuff and they are everywhere.

- Cravats
- Definitely baby wipes.
- Pen Flashlight. fits in top pocket, or a mini one with Lanyard for dart Porta Potties.
- 550 cord
- Alarm clock
- Units supplied Goggles.
- Extension cord and power strips- 220 Pwr converter, very expensive in PX if they have any in-stock..
- Small pillow.
- Is your counter-part your replacing in contact with you- ask them to list things they;d wished they had?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2022 1:21 AM

2022-01-17T01:21:13-05:00

If the order is Spartan Shield, you'll likely stay in Kuwait but could have the opportunity to go forward, COVID pending of course. If you are on Inherent Resolve that could be Iraq or Kuwait.

Laptop and an HD with movies, games, and shows. Share and acquire as you go, plenty of people will copy files just make sure you share them with the new guys replacing you.

Utilize your ADO, especially being NG, it's the most free gear you'll get at any time. APFU's, boots, FRACU's, etc, etc. If you acquire too much, grab a box and mail it home.

Remember it does get cold there, if you can fit it bring a warm blanket with you. If not, you can get one at a PX for a fair enough price. Also be aware that it does rain, and the barracks will flood so plan accordingly. No electronics on the floor, prep sandbags, etc.

Check out the redeployment sales, Soldiers who are leaving who are selling their stuff. Chairs, desks, privacy tents, portable fans, etc. You can save some money that way, but fair warning there are plenty of scammers, especially as it relates to wifi pucks.

Whether you have an open bay, tents, or a room (depends on where you are and your luck) you will want privacy as you'll be housed with at least 3 others. 550 cord and some wall hooks will help you setup partitions to separate your open area. For example when we were in tents or bays we used 550 and spare sheets to block off our area and create some semblance of personal space. If you get a bunk you can double down are create your own shack. If it's a single rack or on the top bunk (which was discontinued because of COVID when I went through) a privacy tent will help. Some of the setups were pretty elaborate considering the materials involved.

Laundry, this is dependent on where you are but there are certain items you don't want the locals doing for you. The APFU is usually one of them, they tend to melt the letters on the shirt and shorts. Something about the high heat they use when drying causes it to melt and stick and ruins them. Other clothes with similar material as well. That said, they do a good job on your OCP's and everything else.

I highly recommend an electric kettle, you should be able to find one easily enough at the PX or a redeployment sale. Make your tea with it, ramen, whatever, it's nice to have around.

Make sure all of your electronics are good before you plug them in, seen a few things blow up or start smoking. Extension cords, portable fans, heating pads, and the like. The heating pad was almost the worst one because it didn't short out, smoke, or melt immediately. SM using it realized it was hotter than usual, pulled it out of the cloth cover and the coils were beginning to glow. It was rated for 110 not 240.

There is free stuff, to include outlet adapters, books, snacks, hygiene products, and a bunch of random things as well as cleaning supplies and basic living gear like trash cans, brooms, etc. Don't pay for it and don't let your Soldiers pay for it until you locate where they can do it. A bunch of our guys bought batteries only to find out they could get batteries for free. Same with air freshener and floor mats. Check with your Chaplain and MWR, they should be able to point you to where to get these items and other free or morale based programs to reduce spending.

Cell service, most plans do not work there so you will likely need to switch service or get a wifi puck to communicate. Whatever application you plan on using know that some require a text confirmation which if you don't have cell service you won't be able to do so make sure you get that squared away before you leave CONUS.

Lastly, if you have one. Green Beans is better than Starbucks, screw Starbucks.

Response by SFC Michael Bush made Jan 17 at 2022 2:11 AM

2022-01-17T02:11:35-05:00

First and foremost, spend as much time as you can with the one's you love. Ask them to write you on a schedule because you can't depend upon technology and that really matters. This a wonderful opportunity for you to teach those in your life about sacrifice. The greatest fault our youth have is a lack of appreciation for the liberty they enjoy. Use this opportunity to teach them. Never nothing negative, you are a warrior and that comes with the territory, rather focus on all of those that paid the ultimate price for freedom especially since you are not doing the same.