Monday, December 27, 2004
Equipment for OIF3
Perhaps you or someone you know is coming over here for OIF3. When we were mobilized, a popular question was, “What do we need to take with us?” For ideas on what to bring, we looked at websites and talked to people who had been here. Since we were going into the unknown, there was mentality of - maybe a fear of - not wanting to go without. A December issue of Newsweek magazine reported that the average deployed Soldier spends $2000 of his own money on equipment. I think that’s way high, but that was for OIF1, when the Army’s logistical system was just getting started.
Some Soldiers may think, “If I really needed this, the Army would issue me one.” And if you are in a highly deployable unit like the 82nd Airborne, you’d be right. But if you are in a guard unit, especially a guard unit that does not deploy as a round out unit for a regular Army unit, you may want to pick up a few things. Of course you don’t want to buy what you will get issued. But how do you know what you will get issued? You don’t. Whenever we asked leadership about something we thought we might need and, we’d be told, “You’ll get that at the MOB site.” Our MOB (mobilization) site was Ft. Dix, but that response to our inquiry became a sarcastic cliché which continued to be used well past our time in New Jersey.
This briefing on the Army’s Rapid Fielding Initiative should give you an idea of what you might be issued. Note that page 10 lists what items are issued to all Soldiers in FY 2004. We did not receive the Advanced Combat Helmet, so we still wear the Kevlar version of the old Wermacht issue. Jeff commented, “Well, they met us half way: they [measured our heads].” Page 11 lists additional items issued to BCT (brigade combat team) Soldiers and page 17 lists additional items to be issued in FY 2005. Note that the items marked with an asterisk are only issued to BCT Soldiers.
Here’s what I bought before we left Ft. Dix in March:
3 point sling
Combat Eye glasses
Drop Holster & Lanyard
Elbow Pads
Goggles
Gloves
GPS
Knee Pads
Moisture Wicking T-Shirts
Mosquito Netting
Multi Tool
Riggers Belt
“SurFire” type flashlight
Here’s a list of what was issued to us through RFI:
Cold Weather Cap
COTS Socks
Elbow pads
Fleece Bibs
Goggles
Glove System
Hydration System
Infantry Combat Boot Type II (AF Desert)
Improved Hot Weather Desert Boot
Knee pads
Moisture Wicking T-Shirts
Rigger’s Belt
Silk Weight Underwear
So, I ended up with two sets of: goggles, knee and elbow pads, moisture wicking t-shirts, rigger’s belts. The issued boots are very high quality, so if you sponsor a Soldier and he asks you for a pair, ask him what’s wrong with the ones he got at the RFI. Now, it’s possible that they didn’t have your Soldier’s size. This was the case for Kip who wears a 7.5 wide. They didn’t have his size at Dix or the RFI, so he bought his own. He finally was issued two pairs in July.
Here are my recommendations on equipment. I’ll mention brands when applicable.
3 point sling – M-4’s are so light that it’s not needed, but it is useful for the M-16.
Braided Blousing Bands – not the wide ones – the ones that are made up of three braided pieces of cloth covered elastic. Very comfortable!
Butt stock magazine pouch – if you have to carry a “long gun” around the FOB, you’ll need to take ammo with you.
Drop holster and lanyard - if you are going to be issued an M9 pistol, this is handy and comfortable. I got two holster clips: one stays on my DCU riggers belt, the other on my pistol belt which I wear when I’m in PT’s. Spend the extra for a lanyard with swivels.
Eyewear – If you don’t wear glasses, you can get by with close fitting Wiley X’s which may be issued to you. The lenses are made of poly carbonate material which is strong enough to stop small fragments from getting in your eyes. If you are a turret gunner, you are still going to need goggles because dust and small rocks are going to get into your eyes when you orient your turret off to the side.
If you do wear glasses, you aren’t interested in making a fashion statement, and don’t mind being asked if you are wearing optical inserts for your gas mask, go with combat eyeglasses. A lot of guys back in my light infantry unit wore them. They are my full prescription, which I usually don’t wear, since I’m one of those sophomores who believe that “corrective” lenses only cause a cycle of weaker eyes and stronger lenses. My usual prescription allows me see about 20/40 - good enough to pass the driver’s license test. I got the transitional lenses, which are great. You can get corrective lenses for Wiley X glasses, but I don’t know about transition lenses.
Also, anti fog / anti dust compound for you goggles and glasses is a good idea.
Flashlight – a “SurFire” type light is very handy to direct traffic and illuminate an area in general. Don’t get the $90 Z2 like I did; the $35 G2 is all you need. You also want a “MagLite” type light for routine use because the batteries and bulbs for the “SurFire” don’t last very long.
Gloves – the issued Nomex, CVC (combat vehicle crewman) gloves are great.
GPS – I used to use mine pretty often in Falluja, but it’s certainly a nice to have.
Helmet Liner - If you don’t get issued the advanced combat helmet, a helmet suspension system is worth the money. I bought an Aero. Two pieces have broken on it since it has gotten cold here, but the company is sending me replacements. There are two draw backs to getting one: if your helmet is a little small or fits just right, you are probably going to need a bigger one to accommodate the system. Don’t worry, there are plenty of supply sergeants selling brand new ones on eBay; I got mine for $50. Second, the gel filled pads in the system get hard when it’s cold. Bring your helmet in from the truck every night (like you should anyway) and this shouldn’t be a problem.
Insect Repellent – the Army issue cream works well for everything but flies. For flies, Natropel seem to work well, also Skin So Soft – if you put it on thick – is OK too.
Knee pads & Elbow pads – I used them until I got used to riding in the turret.
Knife – get one with a serrated edge so you can cut seat belts.
Mini Flashlight – this is an LED light that can be attached to you ID tag chain or your DCU collar.
Multi tool – Leatherman, Gerber, whatever.
Riggers Belt – you can’t hang your pistol on the thin BDU belt.
Rubber mat – this helps to cushion the hard and sometimes slick steel floor of the “gunner’s station”. Mine is the old fashioned type made of used tires.
Soft Ammo Pouch for SAW – To fire the SAW in the standing or kneeling position is difficult with the 200 round plastic drums; you are trained to hold the bipod in your non firing hand in order to steady the weapon. This looks cool, but it’s hard to control. The soft ammo pouch allows you to hold the hand guard assembly with your non firing hand and gain better control.
Tactical Vest – this is handy to wear over your IBA to carry your magazines and other mission accoutrements, and if you are a gunner, you can attach your deltoid and side shields to it. This way, when you aren’t on mission, but you have to wear your body armor, you can leave the tactical vest and 15 lbs of extra weight behind.
Umbrella – I got some good use out of this. Some other Soldiers got some use too, but that’s on the down low.
“Under Armor” type moisture wicking shirts – the issued ones are very itchy, but I have a thing for 100% cotton.
Walk About Radios – these are handy and some GPS models have them built in.
Watch – an accurate watch is helpful for setting radio time.
Whistle or Air horn – to direct traffic, mostly to direct them to stop or get the heck away from you.
You don’t need: a Ranger Pace Counter, Ranger Handbook, Anything made to go specifically on an LBE (load bearing equipment) because you won’t be wearing an LBE. It sounds counterintuitive, but you also don’t need a “Camelbak” type hydration system - almost none of us have used them since Kuwait. We drink bottled water. We are doing MP type work, and most of the time we stay within 20 meters of our vehicles.
Comforts: Laptop, DVD Player, and video games. Get some canned air to keep the dust out of them. You’ll also need a converter since electricity here runs at 220 volts. Because of this, don’t buy appliances like, TVs, Microwaves, AC units, heaters, or lamps until you get here; converters can only handle so much juice. Also, remember, when you are moving in, someone’s going to be moving out, so there will be bargains.
You may not want to keep track of all this extra stuff at your state side training site, so it might be better to give a loved one a list of web links where the items can be purchased online and sent as you need them. Keep in mind that, it took us three weeks, once we were theatre, to get a mailing address. Be sure to write down the sizes of all of your issued clothing and equipment, keeping one list with you, one list at home, and one list with you supervisor.
All equipment should be desert cammo, tan, or - least desirable – green in color. Do not buy black! One, it will get hot, especially gloves. Two: if it’s tan or green, you can write your name on it. Imagine that almost every piece of equipment we have is like a black suitcase on the luggage carousel. And though we haven’t had a problem with theft, there is no lost and found here. People are more likely to turn something if there’s a name on it.
I’ll come back and update this when I think of something to add.
Update
Email from OIC of National Guard RFI:
The brief you saw on line is what will be issued. All soldiers get some items. Soldiers in BCTs get additional equipment. All items are issued pending priority of the unit's mission and availability of the items at time of issue. PEO Soldier and NGB are working hard to ensure that every soldier deploying gets the RFI suite of equipment prior to deploying or during RSOI in Kuwait. Use the brief as a reference for what will be issued to future deploying soldiers. It may vary some but it should be mostly accurate.
CPT Clay Williamson
Perhaps you or someone you know is coming over here for OIF3. When we were mobilized, a popular question was, “What do we need to take with us?” For ideas on what to bring, we looked at websites and talked to people who had been here. Since we were going into the unknown, there was mentality of - maybe a fear of - not wanting to go without. A December issue of Newsweek magazine reported that the average deployed Soldier spends $2000 of his own money on equipment. I think that’s way high, but that was for OIF1, when the Army’s logistical system was just getting started.
Some Soldiers may think, “If I really needed this, the Army would issue me one.” And if you are in a highly deployable unit like the 82nd Airborne, you’d be right. But if you are in a guard unit, especially a guard unit that does not deploy as a round out unit for a regular Army unit, you may want to pick up a few things. Of course you don’t want to buy what you will get issued. But how do you know what you will get issued? You don’t. Whenever we asked leadership about something we thought we might need and, we’d be told, “You’ll get that at the MOB site.” Our MOB (mobilization) site was Ft. Dix, but that response to our inquiry became a sarcastic cliché which continued to be used well past our time in New Jersey.
This briefing on the Army’s Rapid Fielding Initiative should give you an idea of what you might be issued. Note that page 10 lists what items are issued to all Soldiers in FY 2004. We did not receive the Advanced Combat Helmet, so we still wear the Kevlar version of the old Wermacht issue. Jeff commented, “Well, they met us half way: they [measured our heads].” Page 11 lists additional items issued to BCT (brigade combat team) Soldiers and page 17 lists additional items to be issued in FY 2005. Note that the items marked with an asterisk are only issued to BCT Soldiers.
Here’s what I bought before we left Ft. Dix in March:
3 point sling
Combat Eye glasses
Drop Holster & Lanyard
Elbow Pads
Goggles
Gloves
GPS
Knee Pads
Moisture Wicking T-Shirts
Mosquito Netting
Multi Tool
Riggers Belt
“SurFire” type flashlight
Here’s a list of what was issued to us through RFI:
Cold Weather Cap
COTS Socks
Elbow pads
Fleece Bibs
Goggles
Glove System
Hydration System
Infantry Combat Boot Type II (AF Desert)
Improved Hot Weather Desert Boot
Knee pads
Moisture Wicking T-Shirts
Rigger’s Belt
Silk Weight Underwear
So, I ended up with two sets of: goggles, knee and elbow pads, moisture wicking t-shirts, rigger’s belts. The issued boots are very high quality, so if you sponsor a Soldier and he asks you for a pair, ask him what’s wrong with the ones he got at the RFI. Now, it’s possible that they didn’t have your Soldier’s size. This was the case for Kip who wears a 7.5 wide. They didn’t have his size at Dix or the RFI, so he bought his own. He finally was issued two pairs in July.
Here are my recommendations on equipment. I’ll mention brands when applicable.
3 point sling – M-4’s are so light that it’s not needed, but it is useful for the M-16.
Braided Blousing Bands – not the wide ones – the ones that are made up of three braided pieces of cloth covered elastic. Very comfortable!
Butt stock magazine pouch – if you have to carry a “long gun” around the FOB, you’ll need to take ammo with you.
Drop holster and lanyard - if you are going to be issued an M9 pistol, this is handy and comfortable. I got two holster clips: one stays on my DCU riggers belt, the other on my pistol belt which I wear when I’m in PT’s. Spend the extra for a lanyard with swivels.
Eyewear – If you don’t wear glasses, you can get by with close fitting Wiley X’s which may be issued to you. The lenses are made of poly carbonate material which is strong enough to stop small fragments from getting in your eyes. If you are a turret gunner, you are still going to need goggles because dust and small rocks are going to get into your eyes when you orient your turret off to the side.
If you do wear glasses, you aren’t interested in making a fashion statement, and don’t mind being asked if you are wearing optical inserts for your gas mask, go with combat eyeglasses. A lot of guys back in my light infantry unit wore them. They are my full prescription, which I usually don’t wear, since I’m one of those sophomores who believe that “corrective” lenses only cause a cycle of weaker eyes and stronger lenses. My usual prescription allows me see about 20/40 - good enough to pass the driver’s license test. I got the transitional lenses, which are great. You can get corrective lenses for Wiley X glasses, but I don’t know about transition lenses.
Also, anti fog / anti dust compound for you goggles and glasses is a good idea.
Flashlight – a “SurFire” type light is very handy to direct traffic and illuminate an area in general. Don’t get the $90 Z2 like I did; the $35 G2 is all you need. You also want a “MagLite” type light for routine use because the batteries and bulbs for the “SurFire” don’t last very long.
Gloves – the issued Nomex, CVC (combat vehicle crewman) gloves are great.
GPS – I used to use mine pretty often in Falluja, but it’s certainly a nice to have.
Helmet Liner - If you don’t get issued the advanced combat helmet, a helmet suspension system is worth the money. I bought an Aero. Two pieces have broken on it since it has gotten cold here, but the company is sending me replacements. There are two draw backs to getting one: if your helmet is a little small or fits just right, you are probably going to need a bigger one to accommodate the system. Don’t worry, there are plenty of supply sergeants selling brand new ones on eBay; I got mine for $50. Second, the gel filled pads in the system get hard when it’s cold. Bring your helmet in from the truck every night (like you should anyway) and this shouldn’t be a problem.
Insect Repellent – the Army issue cream works well for everything but flies. For flies, Natropel seem to work well, also Skin So Soft – if you put it on thick – is OK too.
Knee pads & Elbow pads – I used them until I got used to riding in the turret.
Knife – get one with a serrated edge so you can cut seat belts.
Mini Flashlight – this is an LED light that can be attached to you ID tag chain or your DCU collar.
Multi tool – Leatherman, Gerber, whatever.
Riggers Belt – you can’t hang your pistol on the thin BDU belt.
Rubber mat – this helps to cushion the hard and sometimes slick steel floor of the “gunner’s station”. Mine is the old fashioned type made of used tires.
Soft Ammo Pouch for SAW – To fire the SAW in the standing or kneeling position is difficult with the 200 round plastic drums; you are trained to hold the bipod in your non firing hand in order to steady the weapon. This looks cool, but it’s hard to control. The soft ammo pouch allows you to hold the hand guard assembly with your non firing hand and gain better control.
Tactical Vest – this is handy to wear over your IBA to carry your magazines and other mission accoutrements, and if you are a gunner, you can attach your deltoid and side shields to it. This way, when you aren’t on mission, but you have to wear your body armor, you can leave the tactical vest and 15 lbs of extra weight behind.
Umbrella – I got some good use out of this. Some other Soldiers got some use too, but that’s on the down low.
“Under Armor” type moisture wicking shirts – the issued ones are very itchy, but I have a thing for 100% cotton.
Walk About Radios – these are handy and some GPS models have them built in.
Watch – an accurate watch is helpful for setting radio time.
Whistle or Air horn – to direct traffic, mostly to direct them to stop or get the heck away from you.
You don’t need: a Ranger Pace Counter, Ranger Handbook, Anything made to go specifically on an LBE (load bearing equipment) because you won’t be wearing an LBE. It sounds counterintuitive, but you also don’t need a “Camelbak” type hydration system - almost none of us have used them since Kuwait. We drink bottled water. We are doing MP type work, and most of the time we stay within 20 meters of our vehicles.
Comforts: Laptop, DVD Player, and video games. Get some canned air to keep the dust out of them. You’ll also need a converter since electricity here runs at 220 volts. Because of this, don’t buy appliances like, TVs, Microwaves, AC units, heaters, or lamps until you get here; converters can only handle so much juice. Also, remember, when you are moving in, someone’s going to be moving out, so there will be bargains.
You may not want to keep track of all this extra stuff at your state side training site, so it might be better to give a loved one a list of web links where the items can be purchased online and sent as you need them. Keep in mind that, it took us three weeks, once we were theatre, to get a mailing address. Be sure to write down the sizes of all of your issued clothing and equipment, keeping one list with you, one list at home, and one list with you supervisor.
All equipment should be desert cammo, tan, or - least desirable – green in color. Do not buy black! One, it will get hot, especially gloves. Two: if it’s tan or green, you can write your name on it. Imagine that almost every piece of equipment we have is like a black suitcase on the luggage carousel. And though we haven’t had a problem with theft, there is no lost and found here. People are more likely to turn something if there’s a name on it.
I’ll come back and update this when I think of something to add.
Update
Email from OIC of National Guard RFI:
The brief you saw on line is what will be issued. All soldiers get some items. Soldiers in BCTs get additional equipment. All items are issued pending priority of the unit's mission and availability of the items at time of issue. PEO Soldier and NGB are working hard to ensure that every soldier deploying gets the RFI suite of equipment prior to deploying or during RSOI in Kuwait. Use the brief as a reference for what will be issued to future deploying soldiers. It may vary some but it should be mostly accurate.
CPT Clay Williamson
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