What you should know

Before you deploy to the Middle East, the unit you are deploying with should ideally provide you with a list of items you will need to pack. However, some units went into this being told to "pack like they did for the last deployment", or are given very little information.

Generally, you want to go into the deployment with the mindset that what you're carrying on your back and what you can stuff into your duffle bag is all that you will have for the length of deployment - not counting any items you might be able to buy while you are over there.

But this means that you need to plan ahead and think about packing not only in terms on military equipment, but in terms of the different weather you may encounter, as well as in terms of useful things that will make life easier and keep you from getting bored during your down time.

You may also want to check the family section of our website for a list of recommended items for families to send in care packages, since those generally are items that soldiers request more often. That should give you an additional idea as to what to bring, and what to leave behind.
 

Clothing Items

As far as clothing articles are concerned, you want to keep in mind these very important factors - it not only gets hot in the desert, but it also can get very cold and it does rain in Iraq, even snow in some regions!

So, whatever you do, don't leave home without at least one set of PolyPro's, a good set of gloves, and your Gortex or poncho. If you have any of the new SPEAR system items, such as the black SPEAR jacket and silk underlayers, pack them instead of the PolyPros and Gortex. You will need those items, and you will not be a happy camper if you don't think about packing them.
 

Personal Hygiene Items

Other than that, a lot of soldiers are reporting that, even though there are PXs for them to buy items at, they have a hard time getting a hold of some very common items, such as deodorant, baby wipes, foot powder, tooth paste, and the like.

The reason that there's so much difficulty purchasing them at the PX is that the PX is always out of them - after all, the other personnel in the same camp are after the same items.

You want to make sure when you leave that you have these things and hopefully, that you will be able to purchase replacements before you run out - or you want to make sure to let your friends and family know that you need these things when they are ready to send their next care package.
 

Comfort Items

You also want to be sure to have comfort items, and things to keep you busy as you deploy. Take envelopes and stationery so you can write once you arrive - remember, you won't need any stamps to send mail.

Bring along some paperback books you've been wanting to read for a while. You may find yourself unable to really "get into" a book because you'll be busy and sometimes have a hard time concentrating, but you can at least pick up a book and read a few pages when you have downtime.

If you purchase just one item before leaving, make it a hand-held DVD player - watching a movie is a great way to cut down on some of the downtime boredom, and your family will be able to send you more DVDs easily and relatively cheap.