Advice For A Troop Deploying To Iraq
In early July I received an email (via Creators Syndicate) from a retired Army Reserve Sergeant First Class. He had volunteered to go back on active duty. He asked me for a list of tips — what you won’t learn at your deployment base. I sent him a quick list.
I received a second email early this week. He reports to Ft. Bliss tomorrow for his two-week spin up session before deploying to Iraq. He thanked me for my short list of tips — seems they checked out with what other vets have said.
Here’s my original reply to him (with an explanation of a couple of items provided at the end, and a few editorial comments):
(1) Buy a very good pair of tactical gloves– I bought a pair at Bull Tactical Supply in Austin. GT Distributors (which handles police gear) should have some as well.
(2) Have a dust mask for convoys. A scarf helps but a “dickey” type mask is better.
(3) Arrive in good shape –make that very good shape.
(4) I took doxycycline. I don’t believe [Logbase] Anaconda is in a malarial zone but you might move around. Talk to your doctor about it. Mine told me to safe-side and take the drug. I don’t regret it. You might also take some extra vitamin B (folic acid). Glucosamine sulfate helps some folks with their joints, and wearing kevlar armor takes a toll on “older” joints. [ED: older joints like my knees, which are in terms of wear 217 years old.]
(5) Have a good pair of goggles [ED: a plus hear for the Army’s Rapid Fielding Initiative– the goggles the Army is now handing out to troops in Iraq are very good. I ended up passing mine on to another colonel. Maybe someday I’ll get them back, but he’s told me they served him well in Baghdad and dangerous places.]
(6) I prefer the UnderArmour t-shirts and shorts. They wick sweat quickly, they can easily washed by hand, and the compression shorts provide support. [ED: Kevlar “over-armor” seems to ride better on UnderArmour-type fabrics. Cotton t-shirts– even when sopping wet with sweat– seem to bunch up. There were a couple of days I wore cotton t-shirts and wished I hadn’t.]
(7) I was not impressed with the KBR laundry operation– Their operation runs on these principles: “if it can shrink it will, if it can fade it will, if it can fray, it will.” For DCUs and sheets, etc., it’s okay. For UnderArmour garments, it isn’t. [ED: This means get some powdered Woolite or its equivalent and wash UnderArmour by hand. And perhaps your socks as well. Several times I washed them out in non-potable water. Believe me, the Iraqi sun dries them out quickly and kills any lingering smells. An ambient temperature 125 degrees serves as a superb bleach.]
(8) Have a camelbak canteen and use it. My water intake went up (as it should have). On summer days I was drinking at least three liters of water a day, if not more. The camelbak allows you to drink with your hands free while working or moving. [ED: Get the basic camelbak, not the fancier models. I got a large version (has a capacity of almost three liters) and had my nametag sewn on its flap. Several junior enlisted troops who bought the camelbak model with the butt pack told me they wished they hadn’t. There seemed to be a common “zipper malfunction.” One PFC told me he felt he’d been ripped off. I told him I’d help him write a letter to the manufacturer and we’d complain to the PX. He didn’t follow up with it. I ran into a week or so after that conversation and he told me the canteen worked okay so he didn’t want to waste time hassling with a letter. But he appreciated my offer.]
Bull Tactical Supply is a superb store –owned by a USAR Special Forces troop. GT Distributors supplies police departments throughout the South and Southwest with gear. GT leant me a flak vest for my recent trip to Iraq. (By the way– if anyone is interested in hitting the PayPal tip jar to donate to support that trip, now’s the time to do it. The bills are still arriving.)
I do hope this list helps any troops and sailors on their way to the war zone.
And a deserved salute to you, SFC Barnette, for volunteering “after retirement.” Drop me a line when you reach Anaconda.
Just a few critiques from my own Iraq experience from Feb 2004 to March 2005-mostly in the Diyala province with a stint in Najaf for a few months. I wouldn’t worry about any drugs for malaria. They’ll give you the weekly pills which work as long as you take them. I don’t know of any reported cases in our area. As for other vitamins and painkillers, LSA Anaconda has a PX that rivals what I currently have in Germany. You’ll be able to buy most things you need there. Don’t get too wrapped up in taking everything with you-you’ll regret carrying it all with you. My other comment is about the camelbak. If you’re a light fighter and you’re going to be doing lots of dismounted patrols then I would recommend it. However, if you’re in wheels or tracks like most in Iraq, the 3 liter camel back and the IBA are uncomfortable as hell. It forces you to slouch forward. We mostly drank straight from the ubiquitous bottles of water-some Kuwaiti brand that comes in 1.5 liter bottles. IF you are doing any kind of mission that requires you to wear your body armor whether it be a support mission on the FOB or a long patrol or convoy, you need to get your unit to invest in some big igloo coolers. In the summer, you’ll drink one of those 1.5 liters every 1-2 hours during the hottest parts of the day. If you just throw some bottles in the back of your vehicle for later use, in about an hour they will be the same temperature as everything else 120 plus. It’s like drinking bath water. Trust me that’s no fun when you’re dying of thirst. You won’t have room to pack coolers in your personal stuff but hound your unit until they get plenty of them. You’ll deply with ISU 90s or big milvans which you’ll, like everyone else, pack lots of other crap you don’t need. If you’ve got extra space, fill it with igloo coolers. You can get several different kinds from GSA and maybe even Class IX. My other general Iraq comment is that advice from previous Iraq vets is good and certainly available but it’s not the Bible for preparation. Every part of Iraq and each unit’s mission is different. What worked for a mortar platoon in Mosul in 2003 may not be applicable to a transporter in Baghdad in 2005. Learn everything you can during your left seat/right seat ride and work on developing your own TTPs and finding equipment that works for you. Just because the last guys did it this way doesn’t mean it’s the right way. After a year, most guys are so focused on getting home they’re taking lots of shortcuts they shouldn’t be. You know what right looks like SFC Barnette, force your soldiers to do the smart thing, the right thing, all the time and everytime and you’ll all come homes safe. Hope this helps.
Comment by 1LT Walter — 8/5/2005 @ 11:26 pm
I would also recommend that he ditch the issue socks and bring a bunch of white cotton athletic socks. I tried the boot socks for a while and I switched to PT socks one day and never went back. My feet were much happier. Good luck and good hunting to SFC Barnette!
Comment by Outlaw13 — 8/5/2005 @ 11:33 pm
Austin- Your “links” side bar is cutting off the right hand 1/3 or so of your post. Any suggestions on shrinking it so that I can read your blog?
Comment by Mark Tinder — 8/6/2005 @ 1:03 am
Why isn’t this equipment being issued or am I under the wrong impression? I would have thought for sure that the camelback canteens were issued. If it is not, perhaps we should lobby to make sure that this is done.
Comment by Paul Deignan — 8/6/2005 @ 4:00 am
I’m at anaconda right now (don’t you love the internet!), and I also went through bliss for CRC recently, so I can probably add some things to this. A lot of the “conventional wisdom” and “things posted on the walls in building 301″ are wrong, at least when it comes to Anaconda. At Ft Bliss: For those of you who haven’t left for training there yet, don’t waste your time with any preparation. CRC cadre will take care of all your finance paperwork, power of attorney, medical/dental clearance, etc. If you take time to get it done before you show up for crc, they make you wait while the rest of your unit gets theirs done, so there is no advantage to doing things ahead of time. Get with 2 or 3 other people and rent a car the second week of CRC- have some fun in El Paso before you leave! Ignore the alcohol prohibition, just not blatently. Same with juarez. medicine- Four of the five people I kept in touch with developed severe allergy problems immediately after leaving Bliss, probably due to either the nasty moldy buildings at CRC or the weird things in the desert that you inhale the last 3-4 days of training, so get some allegra issued to you before you leave just in case (even if you have never had allergies before). Go to the Ft Bliss px and pick up 2-3 pairs of the funky orange low-glare sunglasses from the “eye armor” guy (big outside tent). They work much better than regular glasses. Don’t waste your money on wileys, these work better and are 1/4 the price. Plus he is a great guy. Get one of his business cards and save your receipt; he’ll send you a new pair if you break one while you are here. Might also want to pick up a small carabiner from the bliss px. They are sold out in theater and you will be in body armor/kevlar helmet over half the time here; they are very useful when it comes to taking your helmet off at the DFACs. The army has a ridiculous list of items they are required to give to all deploying personnel, developed before the war even started, so the army will give you several mosquito nets, cold weather gear (bring it if you will be here in winter!), sleeping bags, woodland survival gear AND desert gear, etc. Almost everyone at anaconda is in a hard shelter now, and if they aren’t now they will be soon. So you will not need most of that stuff unless you are going to be at an FOB or doing convey ops, or expect to be forward deployed to Afghanistan. I put most of mine in storage at bliss (they have some small 4′x4′ lockers available for $12/month; I split one with 3 other people, put a combo lock on it, and am very glad I didn’t lug all that into theater!) I still brought way more than I needed. Anything you need that you don’t bring can be purchased or issued at the local CIF. You won’t be lacking for anything mission-critical or survival related.
Comment by Sleepy — 8/6/2005 @ 6:46 am
Travel: Other than the things I mention here, pack extremely light- Anaconda is the most built-up base in theater and will be an enduring base; we call it “little america”. The px here has anything that you will need, from electric fans to tv’s, dvd players, radios, portable speakers, coffee pots, etc. Make sure you ask about “blackjack java” if you are a coffee drinker! http://www.simscoffees.com Don’t bring a lot of extra toothpaste etc, as you can get all of that here. You might consider bringing something to help you sleep the first few nights and possibly some melatonin to speed the jetlag adjustment- once you hit the ground you will be working and will have no time to spare adjusting. Try to get a flight from kuwait to Anaconda. Avoid BIAP like the plague. They are the most disorganized organization in theater and you are liable to get stuck there for a week if you catch a flight there first. If you DO get stuck at victory, you’ll have better luck getting here from Griffin on a blackhawk than you will from BIAP space-A on a C130, just because the BIAP guys are so confused and disorganized. MISC Stuff: The local hajimart has power adapters, rugs, towels, etc. Everything is air conditioned here and there are awesome MWR facilities. If you wear XL or XXL pt gear, bring several sets as the px here has been sold out of those sizes for 2 months. You can work out in civilian clothes, so bring some of those if you like. And bring at least one fairly nice set of civilian clothes, since they’ll be bringing back salsa night when the current base mayor leaves (and anaconda has the prettiest girls in theater!). Finally, bring a swimming suit, as Saddam’s olympic training center is here and it came with 2 beautiful pools. I absolutely recommend the generic underarmor shirts; they reduce the temperature you “feel” by quite a bit. Best $100 I’ve ever spent. Also, the KBR laundry has improved immensely in the last few months, there is now no problem with washing underarmor. I’ve been here 3 months now; there was a problem some months before I got here with local nationals stealing the nicer items of clothing, but that has been fixed. A number were deported and that got the message across; they do a much better job now. Money- the px takes debit and credit cards, so don’t bring a ton of cash. The finance post on base will also let you cash out something like $400/month if you need it (I don’t know the exact number because I haven’t needed cash for anything since I have been here). Well, that is all I can think of; if anyone has a specific question, post here and I will try to check back in a day or so.
Comment by Sleepy — 8/6/2005 @ 6:47 am
Tips for Soldiers Preparing to Deploy He has some good advice let’s go through them Point by Point and at the end I will add a few things of my own.
Trackback by Assumption of Command — 8/6/2005 @ 10:06 am
I’m only a civilian, but I’ve travelled a bit. I like Sleepy’s advice on the Alegra. If you can’t get that get some other antihistamine over the counter. Do they give you guys Cortisone cream? That might be good. When you go overseas you realize you have allergies you never knew you had. Good luck to all of you over there or going over there…my prayers are with you!
Comment by Carolynn — 8/6/2005 @ 10:20 am
Tips for Deployment to Iraq Austin Bay has posted a very helpful piece, Advice For A Troop Deploying To Iraq, and our friend Mustang 23 encouraged those of us here already to drop by and add any comments we felt would be helpful.
Trackback by Dadmanly — 8/6/2005 @ 12:37 pm
I read in Yon’s blog that LED headlights were really useful too. Would this be something that an in-field soldier like to receive in a care package?
Comment by joeindc44 — 8/6/2005 @ 1:29 pm
This is a wonderful post full of good information. As a returning soldier I agree with all of your tips to include the KBR warning. Don’t send UnderArmor to the laundry!!!! It might not come back. Track back added to my blog. Keep up the good work!
Comment by American Soldier — 8/6/2005 @ 2:34 pm
Tips for deploying soldiers I found this wonderful post with tips for deploying soldiers.
Trackback by Adjusting to life after serving in Iraq — 8/6/2005 @ 2:42 pm
I am in the middle of my deployment in Iraq as well - but in the International Zone. First, Paul asked about whether we are being issued these things: my unit is a Gaurd Unit and we were issued everything on the list: 2 camelbaks, gloves, under-armor t shirts, lots of coldweather gear, the new kevlar helmets, and a ton of other things that I can’t remember probably because I don’t use half of it. My advice would be similar to a few others - I cannot stress enough the sock comment. The black issue socks shrink, PT socks may be technically not the proper uniform, but no one is going to care. The KBR laundry doesn’t seem to be able to shrink those! (In defense of the KBR laundry service, it is awesome to drop of my clothes and have them back the next day - I haven’t had a single piece lost either!) I haven’t used either of my camelbaks since I arrived in Iraq - we do all of our work mounted, so what’s the point? (Here’s a tip! If the zipper gets stuck - run your finger on a bar of soap and then on the zipper. It works wonders! Apparently my unit wasn’t the only ones to run into the zipper problems with the camelbaks.) Keep in mind that Anaconda is enormous and has everything - most of the other FOBs and camps don’t have quite as many facilities, but you will be well taken care of by volunteer organizations and such, so definitely don’t worry about bringing a whole lot. One of the greatest inventions of all time has to be the portable DVD player - I highley recommend one, but don’t get a cheap one - spend the big bucks or it won’t play the DVDs you buy at the local shops - movies for a dollar before they come out in the theaters! With the money you will be saving on DVDs, it will pay for itself in no time, I promise. Other than that, just keep your head in the game at all times! The best defense agaist the threats out here is to make it seem like you are ready for anything. The units that get lazy or hide in their turrets are getting hit - the guys ready for anything do much better. If you were a terrorist, who would you attack first? God bless and safe travels.
Comment by Spc Prentice — 8/6/2005 @ 3:39 pm
[…] want to help supply those there with what they need, this post will give you some ideas. Austin Bay Blog » Advice For A Troop Deploying To Iraq In early July I received an email (via Creators Syndicat […]
Pingback by Badger Blogger » Blog Archive » If you or someone you know is deploying to Iraq — 8/6/2005 @ 5:25 pm
Col. Bay, First, as a long time follower of your blog, thank you for you prior and continued service to our great nation. Now, what to bring to Iraq? Although I am not now there, nor have ever been, my wife is serving in Tikrit. Pre and post deployment, I have tried to support/supply her with anything she and the soldiers under her command might need. Many of the items seen as needed in the above are now being issued. DadManly is right on in this area, as most things are being supplied by the DoD or KBR. I would add that people should bring Gallon and Quart sized plastic bags to protect their property in. CDs/DVDs, cameras, clothes, whatever will last a lot longer when protected fron the desert dust. Also, “wind-up” flash lights are available for purchase. They have LED bulbs that are less likely to break in the event of the eventual drop, and don’t require batteries. While they are are not for some tactical use; map readind, intra vehicle use, regular power outages and nighttime latrine trips are all reasons to bring a couple of these along. C. Crane Co. sells an excellent example, but others are out there. Lastly, because of the afore mentioned power outages, a battery operated “tent” light is useful. During the regularly occuring blackouts, these lights will help the nightshift office workers, and those in the barracks, get around until the power comes back. Thanks for the opportunity to help.
Comment by Randy — 8/6/2005 @ 7:33 pm
Essential items for Iraqi deployments- My 2nd time here 1. Subscription to National Review 2. A kind friend to forward articles by Victor David Hansen and Mark Steyn 3. A prayer mat to pray for a USO visit by a squad of nubile, buxom football cheerleaders. Jim in USMC Near Camp Duke, Iraq “…it’s an eyesore, but it’s our home.”
Comment by Jim — 8/7/2005 @ 10:06 am
joeindc44: “I read in Yon’s blog that LED headlights were really useful too. Would this be something that an in-field soldier like to receive in a care package?” Survival Kit Contents: Headlights The following recommendations are base on civilian, not military, use: For those times when you must absolutely stay wide awake and alert: Provigil. The drug allows you to stay awake, not keep you awake like other drugs. A big difference! You won’t feel wired or jittery. You may still feel like crap, but it will be wide awake crap. For skin rashes, chaffing, broken blisters and other skin conditions that are infected or are at risk of becoming infected: Vetericyn. A bit bulky. You might have to have it shipped to you.
Comment by CharlesWT — 8/7/2005 @ 12:17 pm
life insurance… life insurance…
Trackback by life insurance — 11/7/2006 @ 9:37 am
I will be leaving shortly with my unit. This will be my first time in Iraq, this blog seems very helpful. Thank You
Comment by SGT Crone — 7/10/2007 @ 6:10 am
Most of the time blogs don’t carry alot of information and just made for time pass. But I think your blog is the one where I have learned many things with your practicles and experiences. Thanks
Comment by penis — 8/8/2007 @ 2:45 am
wow, I find this incredibly helpful. We are prepping to go to Anaconda and I find this info. very good. The RFI (extra gear issued like camal packs etc.) seems to be pretty good so far during current training. Although I’m not a fan of the new plastic ruck sack frames.
As for Ft. Bliss I’ve been stationed here for a couple years now and the allergy thing is no lie. This is a verry good post keep it alive
Comment by Anonymous — 10/7/2008 @ 9:17 pm
I would consider not wearing the under-armor if you are out on convoy or patrol regularly. there are other types of moisture wicking fabric you can use, but you want to find something not practically made out of plastic or nylon. They melt to you instantly in extreme heat. A flash of an RPG or IED near you and the docs will be removing skin/nylon mixtures from all over your body. Even a hot piece of brass down your body armor will melt that piece to your skin and cause significant burns. Those plastic type fibers in underarmor shirts just aren’t a great idea if you think you might actually get attacked.
Comment by SSGT Fraser — 11/2/2008 @ 2:09 pm
I am currently putting together a packet and a training guide that my junior sailors, as well as sailors from all over the country can use prior and while on deployment’s to Afghanistan. I myself have not had the fortune to deploy to the region but I am hoping that I can find some assistance in my quest. The information is Afghanistan specific, ranging from phsical fitness tips to additional equipment. I need as much information as possible to help my fellow Sailors better prepare themselves for what they face once on the ground. I have taken as much from the site as possible and wanted to see if there were any additional tips to pass on. Thank you all for your time and service. Be safe and God Bless.
OS2
Comment by OS2 — 2/10/2009 @ 11:04 am
I am deploying to Balad on good friday. How about a laptop? or aam I just inviting theives?
Comment by TOBOR — 3/6/2009 @ 9:08 pm
Laptops are very common in theater. I was deployed in 03-04 to Mosul and almost everyone had a laptop or some type of gaming console. I am deploying again soon and wondering what is new/old. Deploying again after being there is a totally different experience. We will see! BTW, everyone has great advice here, keep it up!
Comment by David — 4/2/2009 @ 12:48 pm
I have just learned that my brother is going to be deployed to Iraq with the Army next month. I’m trying to put together a care package for him before he goes. I’m confused… should I buy him a camelbak or are they being issued? Also, does anyone know if he’ll be allowed to bring a laptop, camera, and/or portable DVD player? What about phone cards? I just want to make sure he’s able to stay in touch with us in the states, or at least be entertained with movies or games or something on the computer. Any advice about what I should send him would be much appreciated!
Comment by Elisa Muise — 4/7/2009 @ 4:35 pm
Laptops, cameras and portable DVD players should all be allowed. When I was in Iraq (2008) the MWR facilities had SPAWAR phones that you can buy minutes for and use. The MWR facilities also had computers with internet. You should find out from your brother whether or not he needs phone cards. In my case I didn’t need any because our headquarters had DSN lines as well as commercial lines that we had access to. Also, the Red Cross had phone cards that we could get once a month or so. It really depends on which FOB in Iraq your brother will be at.
Comment by K — 5/8/2009 @ 3:14 pm
Greetings on the home front…Is there any site available that soldiers would access such as a blog or web site whereby we can encourage them and just chat? There are so many who seem to need a good word from “home”, or an send encouraging email? Some of us would like to write, but sending snail mail just doesnt work. We would like to support our boys but don’t know how. Other than care packages, how do we contact our soldiers to let them know we thinking of them? What about once they return state side, any organization or web sites you that would be recommended?
Comment by Pastor Ruth — 5/14/2009 @ 1:57 am