iPods,
I would suggest getting access to any "Lessons Learned" summaries generated by other coalition aviation units that have operated in the Afghanistan and in particular the area in which you are headed. You might even consider doing a liasion trip to do a bit of hangar talk with guys who are current with the situation and location. Good ideas oft times get washed out on the way up the ladder and merely reading staff studies might not necessarily contain all the really useful information.
Other folks may not operate to your SOP's but comparing your current procedures and policies to the Lessons Learned might save you some grief. Just because the SOP is written one way does not mean it is etched in stone either...become repetitive and predictable and you will have problems as well.
Don't base future hopes of success upon past experiences....the Bad Guys are adapting and improving their tactics/strategy just as we are (or we should be anyway). Bad Guys have good days too....just like we do.
All my escapades are ancient history....but the basics are the same. If the Bad Guys ever take the initiative away from you....things get ugly in a hurry. Just be prepared to hit the ground and join the infantry should your Birdie decide to leave you in a lurch. That translates to there is no such thing as too much ammunition or too many different types of signalling devices. If they are not attached to you...you probably will leave them behind when you do the "Legging It" routine.
As they say...Total awareness is not paranoia.