What are your favorite "Field Hacks"?

CPL Rob N. — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 09:56:24 -0400

We have all done them! Little things done with limited items you have on hand in the field to make life a little easier.

Do you have a favorite field hack that you do in the field to make your situation feel a little more like home or make your job a little easier to accomplish that isn't in any field manual?

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 25 at 2015 9:58 AM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 09:58:18 -0400

I always carried a small propane torch for heating water.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 10:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:01:03 -0400

Heating the MRE meal on heaters in the back of the ambulance instead of using the water heater.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 25 at 2015 10:01 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:01:07 -0400

Punching holes in a B can to use C-4 to heat up your A can.
Probably doesn't work anymore....

Response by SGT S Sharpless made Apr 25 at 2015 10:46 AM

SGT S Sharpless — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:46:00 -0400

Simply....Ziploc bags

Response by CPL Rob N. made Apr 25 at 2015 10:48 AM

CPL Rob N. — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:48:28 -0400

I would carry a white cotton sock with me in Iraq. Soak the sock in water and put your water bottle in the sock. As the water evaporates from the sock it cools your water bottle (much like the burlap desert water bags). When the temp is 100+ outside, it's nice to have!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 25 at 2015 10:57 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:57:08 -0400

I used the coffee pot for hot water to shave with, vehicle mirror to shave in. Canteen cup to do it in.

Vehicle won't stArt? Take rag and put a little jp8 on it. Remove dust bowl cover from air intake. Wipe inside with fuel rag. Replace lid and start vehicle. Ether is like crack, once you vehicle gets it, it won't operate without.

.50 caliber links placed small diameter down (single link on antenna, dbl free), over an antenna make a great chemlight holder for marking platoon/company positions.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Apr 25 at 2015 11:28 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 11:28:18 -0400

Using the "woobie" instead of any kind of sleep system item. Packs VERY easily and is very versatile.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 2:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 14:12:39 -0400

I was a 63T in the early '90's stationed at Ferris Barracks in Erlangen, Germany. Twice a year for about 6 weeks at a time, we'd go on maneuvers at Hohenfels. We could only take so much with us as far as spare parts. The Bradleys and Hummers would take a pounding and one of the weak points in both systems was the cooling systems.

That's why God invented the MRE and the Oatmeal Cookie Bar. Got a coolant leak due to a hole in the radiator or a hose? Crumble that bad boy up, put it in the radiator and you're good to go for about 48 hours before you need to do it again. I once kept a Bradley alive in the field for 3 weeks using this method before I could get the radiator replaced.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 2:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 14:49:41 -0400

Jet boil. Awesome field stove. Hot water in under 2 minutes. Small and compact so doesn't take up much room.

Old man gotta have his coffee in the morning. Not the cheap ass motor oil the Army calls coffee.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 3:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:34:08 -0400

This, if it's muddy or if you just don't want to sit cross legged eating chow. can strap it to the side of an assault pack, light weight.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 4:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 16:37:45 -0400

Here is one of the best field craft tricks I have learned. I did it last week and blown the mind of one of my soldiers. It really comes in handy. You basically use 550 to cut itself.

Cutting Paracord Without A Knife [SURVIVAL HACK] by TheUrbanPrepper

This video is inspired by DaveHax's video "How to Cut Rope in an Emergency", which demonstrates how to cut through string or rope without the use of a cuttin...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 25 at 2015 6:41 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 18:41:33 -0400

When doing range cards, over lay it with one inch by one inch squares and plot the fighting positions grid coord. The SL and PL can the Immediately lay all the copies together and create sector sketches quicker. It also gives soldiers a slice of the map to call SALT-A reports with grids with out hundreds of copies of the actual map. I did this as a BN SOP and our fires were straight and it did not take days to get this done. Once complete, you can do an over lay using the grid boxes to control fires. Green is PID only, Amber is permission must be requested (like if there is an adjacent unit). Red is by order only (like for where your LP-OPs are). You don't have to produce the overlay for every one, just give a list of 4 digit grids by color. You can use dry erase markers on the acetate. As things change you can shift without too much trouble. Old school, analog, manual baby!

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 25 at 2015 7:59 PM

SGT John Wesley — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 19:59:51 -0400

I used my E-tool as a stool. I'd place it in an inverted "L" position and place the shovel part against the tree and the handle in the ground.

Not to mention the Steel Pot we wore, great for bathing, shaving etc!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 26 at 2015 10:47 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 10:47:45 -0400

I have seen an NCO with a toilet seat. I like bungee cords.

Response by Cpl Karl Gleason made Apr 26 at 2015 11:43 AM

Cpl Karl Gleason — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 11:43:29 -0400

Morter round increments to heat up coffee in your canteen cup.

Response by PFC Michael Ma made Apr 26 at 2015 2:13 PM

PFC Michael Ma — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 14:13:04 -0400

propane camp stove, and a container of spices. We would skip T-rats for what we could make by combining MREs. This was back in the 80s when there was only like 9 MRE meals, and heaters and breakfast MREs hadnt been invented yet

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 8:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 20:42:56 -0400

Baby wipes, good for field cleaning, cleaning weapons and in case supply runs out of TP. I also pack about 50ft of 550 cord to turn into a cloths line so socks and shirts can dry and air out (It's also got a hundred other uses).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 9:24 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:24:01 -0400

The MRE beverage bag is a good and inexpensive way to keep your wallet dry in the field.

If you turn the wet weather bag inside out in your ruck it will keep it from moving around so much while still keeping your stuff dry.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 26 at 2015 9:40 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:40:48 -0400

CPL Rob Nichols, Field hacks? In the Brown Shoe Army they were field expedients. Eg: WD1/TT commo wire contained 3ea or was it, 4ea copper strands? One copper strand would hold a fatigue button on until laundry day.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 27 at 2015 12:07 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 12:07:22 -0400

1. Apply foot powder
2. Put on snug, high quality dress socks
3. Apply foot powder again
4. Put on thick, comfortable boot socks (personal preference: covert threads "sand")
5. ROLL them top0down off your foot and place them in a ziploc bag with more foot powder, repeat 2-3x. Place in top pouch of pack.
6. On hike, sit next to pack remove one boot, remove sweaty sock, open bag. Roll powdered, layered sock onto foot, from toe up, lace boot, hang sweaty sock inside iso mat roll or elsewhere out of sight but airing out (if instructors around, if not, let the flag fly, drying is key)
7. Only after first foot is completely re-shod repeat for second foot.
8. When making camp for the night check for dry socks, re-powder and roll socks for the next day.
9. This field hack allows you to rapidly change socks with full comfort, foot powder, layered lining and only be unable to move or fight for a split second when working on one of the socks.
10. The infantry lives on their feet, take care of them when you can, but always be ready to move or fight.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 27 at 2015 12:16 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 12:16:04 -0400

Toilet paper -- Usually kept a couple rolls tucked inside my poncho. For immediate access, I would crush one roll into a gallon-sized Ziploc baggie and stuff it into a cargo pocket. Always had enough to either 1.) use or, 2.) trade for something else. It was like having a roll of $20's in my pocket! When I was deployed, I'd have my wife send a case of Charmin --It was like being the Pied Piper at mail call.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Apr 28 at 2015 11:56 AM

LTC Chad Storlie — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 11:56:44 -0400

Two ideas - always carry an extra poncho and six bungee cords - the field expedient shelters and ability to make do are fantastic. Second, thin poly pro socks underneath Thor Lo padded socks. The thin poly pro wicks moisture away from your foot and the padded Thor Lo socks protect your feet - a great way to avoid blisters.

Response by SPC Damon Boyles made Apr 28 at 2015 1:51 PM

SPC Damon Boyles — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:51:08 -0400

I carried around little shakers of garlic powder, and seasoning salt. MREs tasted s bit better.

Response by SFC Mark Lathan made Apr 28 at 2015 2:27 PM

SFC Mark Lathan — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:27:01 -0400

550 cord! You can win the entire war with this stuff!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 28 at 2015 2:37 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:37:32 -0400

A hack now relegated to military history had to do with C-Rats. For the youngsters, that was WW-2 through 'Nam boxes that had canned food. The condiment bag also included a 4-Pack of Lucky Strike Green Label cigarettes and Chiclets gum.

Down in Antarctica we'd build a small wire cage in front of the floor heater blowers in our tracked vehicles.. Around 1400, we'd select the cans we wanted to heat and toss them in. Setting camp up later just involved popping up the Scott Tent and firing off the Preway heater. Dinner was already hot. You just had to use the John Wayne carefully to poke a small hole in the can to vent.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 28 at 2015 3:03 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:03:21 -0400

I don't know how far back this trick goes, but I am surprised that I haven't seen it in any response yet. Before going to the field buy a box of condoms, when rolling down the tank trails or other dirty surfaces cover the flash suppressor with condom and secure with rubber band. This eliminates dirt in the barrel of the weapon and does not hinder the rounds when going down range. It is a good idea to remember that said condom needs to be or should be removed before firing the weapon. If you are single and stationed in Korea, the condoms have a more traditional use as well.

Response by GySgt Brian Robinson made Apr 28 at 2015 3:37 PM

GySgt Brian Robinson — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:37:06 -0400

Drinking Straws!

Awesome Uses For Drinking Straws - "Tip Of The Week" E35

The common household drinking straw as an awesome and highly versatile piece of equipment for the outdoors?? Indeed it is! This video demonstrates just a few...

Response by CPO Sam Gilliland made Apr 28 at 2015 3:50 PM

CPO Sam Gilliland — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:50:52 -0400

1. Pee on your feet when you get a shower. Will keep the athletes foot at bay.
2. Hot sauce. Makes anything taste good!
3. Skin so soft. Plain lotion...works better than DEET (and smells better as well)
4. I have never tried this but I heard wearing panty hose will keep the ticks and chiggers off.

Response by SSG John Dombrowski made Apr 28 at 2015 4:14 PM

SSG John Dombrowski — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:14:49 -0400

Something we did in my 1st deployment to Iraq was make our own toilette chair. We took your standard metal folding chair and cut out the middle of the seat in a circle, we then wrapped the remaining edge of the seat with duct tape. We carried this chair with us all the way to Mosul and finally trashed it when we made some burn basin outhouses. Our im-bed actually did a story on it but it was never published.
As most of you know during the initial push, ( no pun intended) we were either using straddle trenches or c-truck would dig a hole, you'd go, and then throw some dirt over it until it got well used. The chair was awesome.

Response by SFC Randall Phillips made Apr 28 at 2015 9:08 PM

SFC Randall Phillips — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:08:24 -0400

My therapy down range was making things with wood, woodworking. I made storage benches, a deck for our truck, a desk, hutch for a field table, wall lockers. What ever I wanted or any of my troops.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Apr 28 at 2015 9:33 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:33:28 -0400

Made pseudo brownies from MRE kits with cocoa, sugar & creamer.

Response by SSG Stephen Saunders made Apr 28 at 2015 10:03 PM

SSG Stephen Saunders — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:03:19 -0400

MRE heater in BFV for coffee. Driver bought a coffe press and jacked coffee from chow hall. Oh and keeping those Otis spunkmeyer muffins near engine to keep warm. Made Iraq almost bearable.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 28 at 2015 10:04 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:04:31 -0400

Seems dumb and simple but effective. Improves your quality of life by 1%. Take the MRE meal pouches, turn the pouch 90 degrees so the tear tab line is perpendicular to the ground (long way). Knead the food down and slide your thumb and fore finger along the top edge to squeeze the food down. Take your field knife and slice the top edge off. Now you can eat it without mashing your grubby paw in and rooting around the bottom for the last third of the meal. Also allows modification and condiments...and subsequent mixing.

Response by SPC Larry Boutwell made Apr 28 at 2015 10:57 PM

SPC Larry Boutwell — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:57:40 -0400

Best ever ive seen is turning a broken cot into a hammock with some 550 cord.......best thing ever invented 550 cord......

Response by SPC Kevin Christian made Apr 28 at 2015 11:31 PM

SPC Kevin Christian — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:31:46 -0400

Used aluminum foil from a gum wrapper to fix a diesel heater on an M60A3 tank to get some heat during a winter exercise. Those things were like a freezer without heat in a German winter!

Response by SPC Alvin Wells made Apr 29 at 2015 10:57 AM

SPC Alvin Wells — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 10:57:35 -0400

We used to take our mre pouches and tape (100mph tape) them to the engine/transfer case in the 113 when in Yakima firing center during winter. Drive around do what needs to be done..lunch was always warm.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 3:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:20:35 -0400

Well i have many but my favorite is the pancho, silver bullet coffee pot, eye wash station, 5 gallon water jug, air house to hemtt glad hand = tada hot water, pressurized shower in any field environment

Response by SrA Randy Brown made Apr 30 at 2015 1:00 AM

SrA Randy Brown — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 01:00:38 -0400

Working at night off the main base at DaNang to have a hot meal we would use an empty can with vent holes in it, put a dime size ball of semi dry napalm under it from where there had been a leaker. Light it and place C-ration etc. on top and heat. Worked great and we did not have to make the drive 2 more times in the dark.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 1:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 01:35:29 -0400

I've used generators to sit my food on just to get it semi hot for dinner while in Africa. Baby wipes for pretty much anything from hygiene to cleaning weapons. QTips for the same reason. Moleskin is a must! Never know when someone will need it!

Response by PO2 Tony Greer made Apr 30 at 2015 11:07 PM

PO2 Tony Greer — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 23:07:16 -0400

Coffee pot to make Ramen Noodles... Little taste of home

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 8:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:57:15 -0400

What's the difference between a hack and a cheat? When I was a junior enlisted I used to carry an ace bandage in my cargo pocket. If I got called for KP I would wrap my left hand and tell the mess sergeant I just got stich. I would be on head count every time while the other guys had to wash dishes!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 4:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:47:53 -0500

used to do it in my steel pot

Response by SFC Frank Hoskins made Feb 25 at 2016 2:21 PM

SFC Frank Hoskins — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:21:31 -0500

I carried a propane stove and coffee everywhere I went. I was treated like a king!!!

Response by SFC Frank Hoskins made Feb 25 at 2016 2:23 PM

SFC Frank Hoskins — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:23:59 -0500

summer sausage an crackers in the ruck was always a treat after a long day!