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Thread: Friends Son going to Afghanistan This summer. What should I get for him.

  1. #41
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    You have to watch for the tobacco products over in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was in Iraq in 2005 and the local nationals always found a way to get dip, smokes, and booze. Many people got into trouble with the booze due to general order 1. You can save him a world of trouble by sending him a 5-10 logs of dip or 5-10 cartons of smokes. If he uses tobacco that is.

    Another huge thing for him that he needs like every military member deployed is friends and family back home. Keep in touch with him as much as you can and let him know you are there for him.

  2. #42
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    Afghanistan

    I served in the Marines from 98-02 as a Infantryman. My last tour was 5 months in Pakistan and Afghanistan right after 9/11. This kids does not need anything for the rifle system they give him nor knives. I think you would be better off sending him with some warm clothing. I froze my ass off over there. 80 degrees in the day and way freezing at night. Just my 2 cents.

  3. #43
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    In the area of warm clothing and good socks.

    How about boots. I hate cold feet. Nothing makes me more miserable faster. (especially if the ducks aren't flying)

    Are the issued boots any good?

  4. #44
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    His job means he shouldn't be doing any patrolling. By rifleman, I'm sure they mean he will be going on convoy's and may need to react to contact.

    Education is probably the most important thing right now.

    First, how to keep his weapon running. 1. Good mags that he keeps clean. To me that means PMAG's. 2. A new bolt, preferablly Colt with the 5coil spring and black insert. 3. A new Colt action spring for his issue weapon, either an M16 or M4. Good GI cleaning kit and knowledge on how to use it. Augment with good cleaning patches, a couple dental picks and lub of choice. I like Slip 2000 EWL, but that requires a cleaner in addition. Good old Break Free will do the trick as well. The army tested most lubes/cleaners on the market a couple years ago and Break free CLP came up on top. 5. He needs to know what to clean and in what order. He also needs to keep the bolt and carrier wet. In the end sand will get in the reciever. At that point do you want just sand or lubricated sand? Dry is the worst thing you can do. Graphite doesnt' work well with aluminum so I would stick with a wet lube.

    He needs to be good with long range engagements. Afghanistan has mid and long range shooting. An ACOG is great, but costly and he won't be issued one. I would buy one if I had the money. If he isn't a shooter, he probably won't want to, but look at it this way, he can sell it when he gets back or you can buy one, loan it to him for the deployment and then get it back and either keep it or sell it.


    RFI will take care of clothing stuff. He gets the same stuff that every unit gets, from the 82nd Airborne down. Its pretty good kit at this point.

    He needs a good light, probably several. I like the Petzl headlamps for reading and general use. A surefire, like an L4 LED is a good choice for tactical light augmentation.

    An IPOD is a good idea for carrying all your music with you. A laptop is another good thing to have, just understand that it will probably have a shorter life after all the dust.

    As others have said, a good support network is essential. A steady stream of magazines he is interested in as well as copies of the latest movies will help alot. Lickies and chewies are always welcome. You can augment this with support from the local community. Church groups are great as well as local businesses. If you need anymore help, PM me and I'll do what I can.

    Hope this helps.

    Tom

  5. #45
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    As far as boots are concerned my vote is converse. They have a hard toe (that isn't steel), side zipper for quick off and on, and are comfortable (like wearing basketball shoes). I agree with the ipod idea that would very nice to have and send him good books. When I was in Iraq I was big on Mario Puzo books. Good toilet paper with baby wipes is good too. Send him some vasoline for chaffing, humping up those mountains will tear up skin after awhile especially in the crotch region.

  6. #46
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    Thanks TPE. All good stuff.

    Kimbo, you just reminded me how valuable a tube of hydrocortisone cream can be.

    Again, I'm ex-nothing but have done week long hiking trips and a case of "chafe induced swamp ass" can ruin things quickly. A glob in the evening and morning sets things straight.

    But then again, he can probably buy that on base.

    Don
    Last edited by dcmdon; 04-10-09 at 20:46.

  7. #47
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kimbo View Post
    As far as boots are concerned my vote is converse. They have a hard toe (that isn't steel), side zipper for quick off and on, and are comfortable (like wearing basketball shoes).
    Zippered boots are NOT authorised for wear by the Army. Also, I believe that the new regulation states something about boots that have an athletic shoe type appereance not being authorised. I know some of our guys got their balls busted for wearing the converse, blackhawk and short oakley boots. If you want to buy him a GOOD pair of boots get some Danners. The Acadia series comes in insulated and non-insulated desert versions. I've owned a pair of Danners in the past and it was money well spent. The only caveat to Danner is they do have a few models assembled overseas. In my experience stay away from them as they aren't as well made as the USA assembled models. I believe all the Acadia series are USA made, but that may have changed since the last time I looked.

    Previous suggestions on the care packages are good to go. A little piece of home is nice because the PX isn't always well stocked. I had an an IPOD and computer for my tour and they were lifesavers. I also PT'd as often as I could, so if this kid has gotten into staying fit, then good basic supplements such as a good multi-vitamin and protein powder, might be in order.

  8. #48
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    Don't buy him a pair of boots. Some guys like the ultra light wieght Bates with some SealSkin socks and some like the heavy weight Danners. Let him decide.

    Myself, I prefer the Bates Lites.

  9. #49
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    Quote Originally Posted by Littlelebowski View Post
    Don't buy him a pair of boots. Some guys like the ultra light wieght Bates with some SealSkin socks and some like the heavy weight Danners. Let him decide.

    Myself, I prefer the Bates Lites.
    Bates make a good boot, but don't last for me. Danner does make a lightweight desert boot, but I believe they're assembled in China. You're right though, now that I think about it. Let him decide when it comes to boots, because everyone is not the same.

  10. #50
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    Quote Originally Posted by murphy j View Post
    Zippered boots are NOT authorised for wear by the Army. Also, I believe that the new regulation states something about boots that have an athletic shoe type appereance not being authorised. I know some of our guys got their balls busted for wearing the converse, blackhawk and short oakley boots.
    Just voicing my opinion, didn't mean to give bad advice. Your right on the fact that boots other than the standard issue stuff is always out of regs. If that kid is going to be on a hard base and never leave the wire than there is no reason to buy any kind of comfortable boot. If he's humping and patrolling then I say screw the boot regs. Cause honestly the people who actually care about what the regs are concerning boots (and their appearance) is not going to be outside the wire getting dirty. Just my .02 take it for what it's worth.

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