Posted on Oct 1, 2015
What is your favorite item/gadget to take into the field?
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I am going to be spending LOTS of time in the field and I am curious what everyone's favorite gear is and why. It can be something as simple as electrical tape (one of my staples as an FDO because it's waterproof and can be peeled and re-stuck on my map board) or some interesting gadget that makes your life easier. I am about to go into the field for about a week and have found myself with a terrible cold- I just splurged and got one of these JetBoil suckers so I can have hot water for tea and for my guys to shave with:
Training
Gear
Gadgets
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 28
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Toilet paper. You never know when that MRE wants out, and you really have no choice but to let it out. Either use leaves or TP. Grabbing poison ivy isn't always a wise choice for field expedient toilet paper. And no MRE paper does not work.
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SSG Warren Swan
SFC Mark Merino - TP can be a valuable tool when you want that extra cheese spread instead of peanut butter.
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Suspended Profile
just cut up boxers in worst case scenario,,, but always pack at least 1 roll in ziploc bag inside your bag... if ya take out the cardboard in the center it packs better too and get the single ply it will last the longest!
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I might be outing myself as a millennial, but having a solar charger along with an external battery pack to keep your phone charged is a must.
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Capt Mark Strobl
What. The. ****?! I have no idea what that is. But, it rates an "up" vote... I think.
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SGT (Join to see)
Capt Mark Strobl - It's a solar-powered USB charger. What's the brand, pros, and cons of that particular model, though?
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.50 cal ammo can is the perfect fit for a coleman propane burner and small bottle of propane. Hot coffee trumps everything in the field. Wet? No sweat. Cold? No probs. No coffee? Uncle Mark just snapped.
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SGM Robin Johnson
Having chewed the instant coffee grounds that came with C-rations (yes, I know I am dating myself) I can relate to this! Normally would have just set the canteen cup with water on top of the generator or engine (like I said, dating myself) but we were low on water and time, and I NEEDED my caffeine. Not as bad as you might imagine. :-)
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1LT (Join to see) Construction grade trash bags and ziplock bags. Use the trash bags as liners to keep things dry and as dust free as possible. Same for ziplock bags.
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CSM (Join to see)
hands down every good troop has this in their kit. I even have one in my truck and bike (just in case)
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Does anyone have one of those cots that has a tent that sets up on top of it? I don't want to seem high maintenance with something like that but we are short on cots anyway. My logic is it would double as a convenient place to change. Being the only female, I hate having to play the "nobody look" game or rig up a stupid poncho contraption...
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LTC John Shaw
1LT (Join to see) I always bring two poncho liners but the cot you pictured looks like a good deal. Do what you need to do to create space and secure your gear, yourself. The bottom line is make sure you, your team can carry it, as FDO you run your shop.
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SGM Robin Johnson
That is awesome - would sure have come in handy back in the day when I was the only (or one of two) females in my units! That will have many added benefits. It will provide some noise and light isolation, which will help with shift work. Additionally if someone becomes sick while in the field you could give it up to give some isolation and minimize the spread of illness to some degree if they aren't moved out (cold/minor illness) and keep the rest of the team healthy as much as possible. Wouldn't be surprised if more of your team wanted them as well.
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There are 2 things I always have on me, my leatherman and my pocket knife. They don't get much use when I am sitting in my office, but are damn near required while in the field.
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If you are a coffee drinker then bring your own mug..............and don't forget your own folding chair. You'd be amazed how scarce and sacred seating can be when in the field
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MSG (Join to see)
SFC Mark Merino - Woe to the person that killed your cup of coffee. My Soldiers have been known to ask me, when in the field, if I had my coffee yet.
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A PT Belt, for safety of course.....
As an FDO, you'll be spending a lot of time in and around the FDC obviously, so you wont have to worry about staying warm most of the time. I always brought food (for the morale of the FDC or anyone coming through whether that be the bunnies or the CoC), extra chem lights, extra batteries, extra markers, gerber, watch, gallon plastic food storage bags (keep everything dry and clean), 550 cord, duck tape, cellphone charger (benefit of being near the FDC), a folding portable tailgate stool or chair (things can be slow at times)...whatever makes the quality of life for your joes and you better or whatever may help make your job easier are the right answers. That in mind, let your Soldiers load up first, your "stuff" shouldn't impact load plans or what they want/need to bring for themselves.
Keep in mind if you need to break down and move, you should/need to be the first one done in your team to set the example, and you'll need that extra time to coordinate your move, plan, etc.
As an FDO, you'll be spending a lot of time in and around the FDC obviously, so you wont have to worry about staying warm most of the time. I always brought food (for the morale of the FDC or anyone coming through whether that be the bunnies or the CoC), extra chem lights, extra batteries, extra markers, gerber, watch, gallon plastic food storage bags (keep everything dry and clean), 550 cord, duck tape, cellphone charger (benefit of being near the FDC), a folding portable tailgate stool or chair (things can be slow at times)...whatever makes the quality of life for your joes and you better or whatever may help make your job easier are the right answers. That in mind, let your Soldiers load up first, your "stuff" shouldn't impact load plans or what they want/need to bring for themselves.
Keep in mind if you need to break down and move, you should/need to be the first one done in your team to set the example, and you'll need that extra time to coordinate your move, plan, etc.
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