What would you recommend or suggest a Soldier bring on a deployment that you wish someone told you to bring?

2023-04-21T13:08:30-04:00

Think back to your first deployment. What would have made your deployment a bit smoother to get through if someone had told you to bring X to make life easier?

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Apr 21 at 2023 1:12 PM

2023-04-21T13:12:31-04:00

Deployments vary depending on locations and duration. In 2020s, I recommend a tablet (Apple iPad, Microsoft Surface, etc.) based on compact size and ability to preload digital materials (books, documents, photos, etc.).

Response by CDR Andrew McMenamin, PhD made Apr 21 at 2023 1:14 PM

2023-04-21T13:14:02-04:00

Extra socks.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2023 1:50 PM

2023-04-21T13:50:37-04:00

I would agree with LTC Chu. The need for entertainment was definitely an issue during the Covid crisis for our deployment. Everything that was not essential was closed.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Apr 21 at 2023 2:16 PM

2023-04-21T14:16:38-04:00

A pocket gadget or toy that doesn't need electricity. Pull a yo-yo out of your pocket & watch faces light up.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Apr 21 at 2023 4:45 PM

2023-04-21T16:45:06-04:00

I wish they had told me not to bring some many civilian outfits.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 21 at 2023 7:05 PM

2023-04-21T19:05:17-04:00

spices for the MRE's

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2023 11:14 PM

2023-04-21T23:14:22-04:00

A 4TB SSD loaded with games, movies, and TV shows as well as a tablet or kindle like device stored with ebooks and audio books. You don't think about having no internet until there is no or super crappy internet. So many people were like no it's ok I have [insert streaming service], yeah there's no cell service guy.

Then while you're there let people copy your SSD and you copy theirs, share the wealth of entertainment with as many people as you can.

I did and we had regular movie nights or binged certain shows, there's going to be down time and yeah you can fill it with PT, or the smoke pit, and near beer, but simple things like chilling with the squad and watching a movie with snacks from the Chaplain are good times too. Anything that gets your head off the BS for a couple hours is gold.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 22 at 2023 10:53 AM

2023-04-22T10:53:50-04:00

Depending how austere it is, some sort of mat in the tent you can stand on barefoot or in socks. And something dry to sit on

Response by SPC James Neidig made Apr 22 at 2023 11:49 AM

2023-04-22T11:49:48-04:00

Baby wipes! They can be used for so many things, getting sand out of your eyes, cleaning minor scraps and cooling your forehead on hot days

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2023 6:45 PM

2023-05-24T18:45:27-04:00

Bring a diary and document your days while deployed, identify those days that went well and those that didn’t.

Response by SFC Gene Garcia made May 29 at 2023 9:33 AM

2023-05-29T09:33:55-04:00

A rubiks cube always helps

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Jun 27 at 2023 5:36 AM

2023-06-27T05:36:12-04:00

Alot of patience, a since of humor and tons of letters from home

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2023 4:35 PM

2023-07-02T16:35:20-04:00

A better sleeping pad

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Jul 12 at 2023 3:19 AM

2023-07-12T03:19:26-04:00

A solar panel/charger and small usb battery charger. Add spare rechargable batteries for all your devices.

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Aug 13 at 2023 4:06 PM

2023-08-13T16:06:33-04:00

Plenty of socks, skivvies and games.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Aug 19 at 2023 5:45 AM

2023-08-19T05:45:26-04:00

Great question. Perhaps some snacks.