What are some items that you think every soldier should own?

2018-04-14T06:10:59-04:00

As my time in AIT is coming to an end, I’ve started thinking about what items will need to come with me to Airborne school and beyond. There seemed to be fairly few must-keeps, which made me wonder: what items do you think every soldier should own and keep with them wherever they go?

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 8:06 AM

2018-04-14T08:06:13-04:00

Main essentials in my opinion personal hygiene items and your phone and a phone charger

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 8:21 AM

2018-04-14T08:21:02-04:00

A Gerber as well as a pocket knife. As an engineer for me they are almost indispensable, but I believe everyone should carry one. You never know when it may come in handy.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 14 at 2018 10:30 AM

2018-04-14T10:30:59-04:00

A good adjustable compass, a good dual time chronograph that is waterproof and rugged, A Ranger handbook with heavy duty zip lock bag, erasable map markers, army map protractor. Waterproof notebook (small) and good pen to use on it.

Response by SGT Scott Swinford made Apr 14 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-04-14T12:18:53-04:00

A watch and a knife

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Apr 14 at 2018 3:18 PM

2018-04-14T15:18:05-04:00

A pen; notebook, good & rugged wristwatch; multi-tool and/or pocket knife; and small flashlight. Those are my basics that I used (and still do) almost every day, and you can build from there based on your particular circumstances.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 14 at 2018 3:44 PM

2018-04-14T15:44:12-04:00

A sewing kit. This is most important while deployed, but definitely something rather inexpensive that will come in handy. Every soldier should have a basic idea of how to sew in order to repair little things; a button falls off your trousers or there is a tear on your blouse, sewing them up will keep them good enough for the field and deployment which will save you money. I sewed up tears in my uniforms and kept all of my ADO uniforms in the plastic for when I returned home.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-04-14T17:08:18-04:00

Water proof watch, knife, multi-tool, water resistant smart phone in water resistant shock case, pens, and water resistant notepad, a seal-able durable plastic bag for the phone and notepad just in case, mini LED flashlight that can use white light and red light.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-04-14T17:59:45-04:00

Gerber, Knife, Pen & CAC reader

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 16 at 2018 10:02 AM

2018-04-16T10:02:17-04:00

A set of brass balls and a sense of humor.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Apr 16 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-04-16T10:06:23-04:00

Watch and a stout pocket knife, as for the "Swiss Army Knives" many look nice but are somewhat weak and impractical for hard work. A Leatherman Or SOG tool also makes a strong addition to the personal Items. And as also mentioned a sewing kit.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Apr 18 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-04-18T13:42:19-04:00

My TL-29 knife, P-38 open upper and my D-ring that holds both on my belt

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 12 at 2019 1:06 PM

2019-01-12T13:06:22-05:00

A reliable watch and a small knife.