Going to the 'Stan - Kit advice required

[Plasticab]

Off to the the sunshine. Without wishing to give too much away, what kit would you advise to take. Have just picked up two enormous bags from stores, a miriad of sandy stuff. What's worth taking, what's not provided, what's worth leaving behind? Planning a PX trip soon to buy a video Ipod and some other goodies. How much kit can I take on the 'frame with me? How bad are the sand flies? Keen to know having just had the Leishamaniasis brief!!
Help much appreciated
Plasticab

[Anton Meyer]

If you are going to Kandahar, take a (dual voltage) lap top pc with headphones and a camera for Messenger web cam access in your accn. Good for DVDs too.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is indeed unpleasant, so make sure you get your uniform dipped in Deet. Insect repellant is a good idea; sun protection would be good as well. It will be hot and there will be flies. Lots of them.
Sense of humour always a must at the front-line.

[Grabbers]

"If you're going to Kandahar...at the Front line."?!?!?!

Are you taking the p*ss?

[Axel-Flo]

Grabbers! you precocious 2wat he's not going down Elgin High Street so for 99% of the readers of this forum Kandahar qualifies as the front line...it's not a "my front line is closer to the enemy than your front line....." scenario and how dare you since from anywhere via Kabul/Kandahar/Bagram and all stations east or west depending on what one does for a living (oh and fpoint of note it doesn't make you font of all knowledge in where a front line starts or ends) you can be at or crossing over your so called "front line"
"Now go and have a chat with yourself"
"Rant over.....Rant Out!"

[Grabbers]

Oooooh,
Is someone menstruating? Aah bless. Why don't you go and have a nice lie-down with a hot-water bottle?

[Plasticab]

Err Fellas...at the risk of attracting some rough stuff myself, t'would be much appreciated if the 'I've been closer to Helmand than you' stuff was kept for another thread. Granted this OOA is more front line than I have been for some time, I will be supporting the guys close to the action, albeit from the 'relative' security of one of the main operating bases. So please can we keep it relevant?
Thanks
Plasticab

[Grabbers]

Fair One Plasticab

In my experience, take only old clothes you are happy to bin at tourex. Very little 'civvies' save for emergency polo shirt stuff and trews. The laundry probably only has one temp. boil. Plenty of toiletries as the prices the EFI charge can be ridiculous.

Oh and all major e-retailers play the no VAT for BFPO so if you are going for the ipod, it may be better to get it sent to you so it's waiting for you when you arrive. Laptop permitting of course.

Plenty of suncream/aftersun and lip salve stuff (ski/sports factor 50 works well if you can stand the peurile "What's that on your lips" 'Gags').

[airborne_artist]

I thought the whole thing about this post-cold war way of doing things is that there is no definable front-line, anyway. Plasticab might hope he's a couple of steps back from the action, but it only takes a few Taliban to get a bit ambitious, and suddenly he is as close to the front line as any other guy.

[stickmonkeytamer]

Kandahar not front line, eh? What about the mortars that come in to disturb your sleep, or the GR7 that was destroyed there by the enemy...

The Jingly Market on a Saturday is good though!

Now, Al Udied- that's not front line....

SMT

[Talking Radalt]

Don't worry about shopping for toiletries or lack thereof. The EFI maybe expensive (don't recall it that way myself TBH) but then there's the PX, Canada House or even the Jinglie Market. American toiletries also offer some light relief in their instructions/warnings. For instance, on an aerosol of shaving foam: "Not suitable for infants under 36 months":uhoh:
As well as a UK-US electrical adaptor take a small extention lead with a four-gang (or even six?) block of sockets on the end. Far more convenient than balancing everything in a block adaptor (and safer should the "Far D'parment Surrrr!" come checking).
Civvies....don't bother. One set for unseen divs on the way there/back and that's it. Oh and some plimsolls and a vest if you like all that running and jumping stuff. That said, (and this isn't a cheap shot but a genuine observation) there are units out there who seem to pro-actively encourage the wearing of civvies when not immediately "at work". But why get your own stuff dusty, faded and laundered to within an inch of it's life?:confused: For my money I also think civvies round camp looks unprofessional. If it is the front line, there's never an "off duty" time.
Kit wise I try never to take more than I can carry in one sitting ie a day sack, and two holdalls (even if they are pretty big, AR5 bag variety), or a bergen (you did say Front line after all;) )
Better still, if you don't want stuff crushing try and get one of those big black foot locker trunks. Ironically you can get them in the PX :ugh: As good as any Samsonite and less pretentious. Even guys in Sangin have them!
Do not take/buy crap Fakeley sunglasses. It is hot, damn hot, and thus very bright and your retinae will be damaged if not protected adequately.
Bite the bullet and take your own sun block. The issue stuff is utterly rancid, and it destroys plastic (arms on sunglasses etc) in a matter of minutes. God knows what it does to one's skin.
If forwarding by wokka/Albert, label all your baggage with a paint pen. Lables/tags get torn off too easily.
And what not to take? Don't tell the Regt but my S10 hasn't been overseas since Telic 1.:oh:
Enjoy.
PS Please, please, please, please, please do not buy a single-size magazine pouch and attach it to the stock of your SA80. It is SO gash.:(

[South Bound]

Don't go overboard - no need to take 4 months of toiletries. There is a PX with variable stock for the basics and it occasionally gets iPods etc.

Some of the accommodation (mainly the US stuff) has wireless internet access, so worthwhile taking a laptop if you know where you are going to be. Brit accommodation did not, but was planning to get it - again worth checking before you drag expensive kit out that will get manky in the dust (gets everywhere).

As for issued kit, depends on what you are going to be doing and where you might be going. If you are staying inside the wire most of the time, you can make do with the issued kit and some sports kit for the gym. Laundry is fairly good, but did get a couple of items trashed, so don't put in anything you care about - there are always self-service machines if you must.

The place is dirty all year round, either dusty when dry or very muddy when wet, but is approaching end of rainy period I think. To be honest, I would take as much issue kit as you can (difficult to exchange) and as little personal kit. Comfy boots a must, as everywhere is a decent walk. Screw top mug and microfibre sports towels (ebay) my best purchases.

There is a minimum kitting list (that includes S10 etc) on the HERRICK warning instruction, but ny specific questions, please ask.

[Talking Radalt]

Wireless I'net is due any day (or might even already be) at Bastion.

If you are staying inside the wire most of the time, you can make do with the issued kit
And if venturing outside said wire?:uhoh:

[South Bound]

If venturing outside, that is where the personal preference thing comes in. I have always been a fan of not spending my money, but then again I have never expected to get face to face with anyone that wants to do bad things to me. If I were going out, I would probably want the lightest best kit available, but am poorly qualified to make recommendations.

[gearontheglide]

Plasticab, Check PMs

[Al_Paché]

1 x 400GB harddrive topped up to the brim with Gentlemens multi-media!!

[Plasticab]

can one still receive GQ/Maxim or is that taboo?:cool: :confused:

[Green Flash]

Don't take anything too Gucci - unless you are prepared to loose it to anything from movers to mortars!! (NO NO NO THIS IS NOT MOVER BASHING, OK?)

[sarboy w****r]

Plasticab,
Apologies if any of this is teaching you to suck eggs; I don't know how often you deploy, or when you last went OOA.

There will be certain pieces of military kit you will need to take as hand luggage:

- Body armour
- Helmet

I'm not sure if it's contained in the current guide, but you'd be foolish not to take a sleeping bag, thermarest, some toiletries and change of underwear too - you can find yourself in some odd places for a day or two when travelling by AT, without access to your main luggage.

You're supposed to take your S10, but unless we complete the pincer movement by invading/bombing Iran during your time overseas, you probably won't need it (but you may get ordered to bring it; sorry).

Minimise the rest of your military kit - at Kandahar and Bastion you can generally get stuff washed and it'll be ready for you the next day (sometimes 2), so you don't need too much. Be prepared to bin stuff when you come to leave, as the washing isn't the gentlest in the world, so no expensive civvies. War isn't a fashion competition, and you can come and help kill the Talib whatever the label on your clothes...

Kandahar is dusty; Bastion in summer is one of the dustiest places on earth. The Iraqi desert has nothing on this place. The recent rain should have stopped when you get out there. Bring your sleeping bag inner sheet - it will be easily as hot as Iraq when you get there, and in summer it doesn't get much below 25C overnight - your lightweight sleeping bag may be too hot, depending on where you're sleeping. It's also good if you should find yourself trying to sleep off nights in canvas tents, and it's 50C outside and the aircon doesn't work (or worse still, you haven't any).

As for civilian kit, here is a list of things that I have found made my life significantly more comfortable when on ops (the first 3 I consider essential):

- 4/6 way power board adapter

- US/UK power adapter

- Hanging cloth wardrobe (couple of quid on eBay) and a couple of clothes hangers (you generally can't get them over there)

- Thermarest or equivalent (makes cot-beds bearable and C17 comfortable, and it's much smaller than the issued rollmat)

- Insulated mug (you get this on issue now, but you may wish the sort of mug that looks like a mini-thermos, as it doesn't spill/leak when it's in your bergen/pocket - about 5-6 pounds from a camping shop). Considerably less relevant as it gets hotter though.

- You may wish to consider bringing a laptop, as some parts of Kandahar have internet access, and there are plans to install it at Bastion. Eventually. You may not see enough violence and to get your fix you may wish to watch/play dvds/games. Alternatively, write long emails on it, burn to a rewriteable cd and then import onto the shared computers that you only have a limited time on. Just make sure your laptop case can be closed properly so as to try to dust proof it when it's outside your tent/accommodation.

- Fitted cotton sheet (or two) - means you don't sleep in your sweat at night: far more comfortable.

- Enough toiletries for a couple of weeks - the rest you can get out there. Don't bother with anti-perspirant; it's a waste of time, and you'll just have to get used to sweating night and day.

- Cough/cold medicine such as Lemsip - living cheek-by-jowl with so many people means you will come down with something (no jokes please), although you can find some stuff in the PX.

- You'll need one set of gym kit (the US gym at Kandahar is better than most on UK mainland stations), and no more than a set or two of civvies (shorts and t-shirt).

- Black plastic foot locker (available from PX for around $20): it's lockable and mover-proof.

- If you have fair skin, you will need a higher factor suncream than what you get on issue.

- iPod or something similar.

- If you work for the CIA over there, you will also need a silly goatee and a mullet.

You can borrow books from the US welfare area, and they are trying to set up something similar at Bastion. And GQ/Maxim/FHM or gentlemen's literature is ok to be sent out (although the hierarchy may try to persuade you otherwise).

If you find yourself other than in Kandahar or Bastion, you'll just need lots of ammo and lots of water. :)

Above all, remember to pack light - leave room for a sense of humour!

Sorry for the length of the post and have a safe tour,

SBW

[Beeayeate]

I'm not of the generation that is currently doing the sandyboxes but I can see the logic in a lot of the stuff mentioned above by various.

One thing though, don't see any mention of talcum powder. This stuff was god's own gift in my day in the hot'n'sandy. Used in the right areas of the body talc can really prevent (and relieve) 'awkward afflictions'.


.

[theboywide]

Whereabouts in Kandahar can you get wireless i'net access?

[parabellum]

When it comes to 'chaffing' of body parts corn flower is an excellent replacement for much more expensive talcum powder and possibly obtainable from the cooks/chefs.

[wokkameister]

If you are going outside the 18-30 complex at KAF, I suggest you take as much ammo and water as you can carry, and some means of calling for help.

[Plasticab]

Thank you for the responses so far. Very useful. Can you get leccy fans for the bed spaces? Do you need them?:ok:

[H5N1]

Plasticab,

re the Leishmaniasis, the country as a whole had the largest single epidemic in the world a few years ago. It is so common a disease in Kabul that it is called 'little sister' as it's like a member of the family. It also sounds like you're heading out during the main biting times too (May-Oct). This is also prime feasting season for mosquitos and the area is also a high Malaria risk so don't forget to take your malaria tabs. Get your kit treated before you go (although it won't last for the whole tour and I'm not sure if you can get it re-treated out there). Good insect repellent, the issue stuff is actually rated highly by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine but if you'd be happier with you own stuff Millets do a good range of high % DEET (and you get to use your mil discount). TB also prevelant in the area so if you didn't get a BCG jab at school (often leaves a funny scar at the top of your arm) it may be worth popping down the med centre. :8

[SALAD DODGER]

-Those little LED torches are invaluable. You can buy them from the BX.
-If you have any spare $ from your last holls bring them along.
-A good DVD series or two helps time pass and is a good morale boost in your down time.
-A good book- No need to bring more as you can swap it.
-I thought the issue neck coolers that contain gel were not that bad.
-All my kit was raided by mice and they even ate part of an S10 canister and mains wires! --One mousetrap later 8 dead mice. You could buy them at the BX, but next time I am taking the daddy of all mouse killing traps, as it was by far the worst thing as they even shat in the coffee jar!
-A little luxury or two from home goes a long way but don't go over the top.
-A few of the lads had PSP's - Wireless internet, games, video, music etc
-Priority- Make sure your war kit is all together, know how it works, and where everything is.
Make sure you get to the range to zero your rifle again when you get there, as it will give you confidence.
Get an int brief.
Get stuck in to your day to day job and have fun!

[ProfessionalStudent]

A good head torch is a must...

[Green Flash]

Given that the land is composed of rock of various sizes I seem to go through footwear a bit. I take old trainers/flipflops in the expectation they will be shredded before i leave.

[Melchett01]

Pop down to B&Q and get some electrical tape - the yellow/green or blue stuff and stick it on your holdall / bergen. Either a strip round the handle or crosses etc. Makes it so much easier to find your kit in amongst all the other bergens and holdalls - as I found out when the movers put my bag on the wrong pallet and then asked me what it looked like :\

Other than that, if you're off to KAF, don't take much, you can get it there. If you're off to Bastion, not quite as swish as KAF (well it wasn't last summer but things were improving rapidly) but you can still get by with taking the basics and picking up stuff whilst you're there.

If you are thinking of buying a laptop to take with you, don't. Dell (Mods forgive the advertising) and various other direct suppliers worth their salt will ship to BFPO addresses, and if outside the EU it will be tax free (same goes for any other gadgets you might think of buying) A blank CD-R /CD-RW is also quite handy for typing letters / emails on your own machine / work one and burning to CD for transfer to the Paradigm internet machines - they can be vvvv slow & it is v easy to eat up your 20 mins internet time waiting for hotmail to open!

Oh yes and watch for the jerboas - the desert rats. Look like bloody huge gerbils - friendly enough but big enough to see off most mouse traps and it scared the sh1t out of me when it ran across my foot in the tent one day!

Other than that, keep your head down and enjoy - it's much more interesting than Iraq and when we transited through Kabul it was so surreal that it was almost like being in a Kubrik film.:ok:

[BEagle]

So no need for Mess Kit then?

Standards are clearly slipping...............:(







But seriously, good luck and I hope that you aren't involved in Bliar's doomed adventurism for too much longer.

[SALAD DODGER]

One of the best products out there is the Somerset shaving oil: One little bottle will last you a whole det, it takes hardly any room and gives a really good shave even with little water. Worth a try before you go, as some chaps don't get on with it.
Perhaps take 2 as the jerboas ate my first one!
http://www.somersets.com/products_shavingoils.php

I am sure I will get banter for this, but have you thought about a pillow? If you are going to be based in the same accomodation and not in the field, then a pillow makes a massive difference to your quality of rest. You can get travel ones that pack up small, but some lads brought out big ones!! Perhaps you can buy them there now. Worth a thought, however there is no need for scatter cushions unless you are Sqn Ldr or higher.

[midsomerjambo]

You were the kid whose dog ate his homework, weren't you SD? ;)

[SALAD DODGER]

How did you know?

[cornish-stormrider]

Would I be right in thinking an AK47 would be the best bet, ammo more plentiful and works in the sand etc.
:E :E
Seriously though, stay safe and take care. try to enjoy it

[Talking Radalt]

I am sure I will get banter for this, but have you thought about a pillow?
Avail at the PX.....in desert DPM!

[Like This - Do That]

Take a spare watch. Sounds trivial but I've been caught out twice recently.

On course last December I had a flat battery. Bugger. Took a new watch on an exercise in JAN/FEB and it stopped. Double bugger. Lesson learnt.

Cheers & best of luck on your tour.

[Mmmmnice]

You will also need your sense of humour, as one now has to:

1. Wear a hat (admittedly any type; so the possibilities are endless!)
2. Have sleeves up or down, but not fashionably half way up the forearm
3. Not wear sandles in the cookhouse
and several others I can't put my finger on at the mo.....

Needless to say, as one goes further west there tends to be less military BS going on - just real work. You know you've arrived at KAF when some helpful HQ Wallah explains the mixed dress regs to you - in the queue at Tim Hortons!! Drive that desk, push that pen - ah there's nothing quite like a spot of modern reconstruction/warfare.............must be time for my doughnut, massage, fun-run, trip to the BX.

[Plasticab]

They've told me where I'm going now, Kabul airfield:\ What's the score there? Accom, facilities, sports, 'phone access, 'puter access, work routine etc? The job will be well removed from my current 'remf' post, but should be interesting, provided I can talk to the current incumbent to get the full 'Bobby Moore':E Must get to the Gym, 1 month to fitness test:yuk:

[PTC REMF]

The job will be well removed from my current 'remf' post,

Not that far.

[Melchett01]

They've told me where I'm going now, Kabul airfield

In that case, I strongly recommend ditching anything vaguely warry from the baggage and stocking up with alka seltzer, paracetemol, maybe some brufen for sports related sprains and bruises and a good indigestion remedy :p

[Solid Rust Twotter]

Anti fungal foot powder is also pretty good for crotch rot and dhobi itch in the sweatier climes. Antiseptic talcum powder/baby powder also useful. Heat a teaspoon with a lighter or in a cup of hot water/tea/coffee until you can just about take the pain but it won't leave a burn. Press on mosquito bites for a few seconds to stop the itching.

[Cmn2644]

American toiletries also offer some light relief in their instructions/warnings. For instance, on an aerosol of shaving foam: "Not suitable for infants under 36 months":uhoh:



brilliant !! this sort of american thinking leads me to tears !!

[paddyfactor]

"For my money I also think civvies round camp looks unprofessional. If it is the front line, there's never an "off duty" time."

Day out of uniform a day wasted and all that c**p, this sad muppet really needs to get out more. In general this is one of the lamest most tedious threads on pprune, the fact idiot boy even posted for advice makes me doubt if he is in the military at all. We've only been in these theatres for longer than wwII, whats he been doing. The patronising responses from people who seem to spend their whole time reading soldier of fortune magazine gives me air rage.

[oli,_the_original]

Calm down dear, it's only an online forum:ugh:

[Plasticab]

Thanx Paddyfactor:p for your incisive wit and repartee. The 'Herc World':} must be a better place with you there.

The reason for my starting the thread was to glean some good gen from those who had been there as to what to/not to take, and to get some more in depth and personal info that the Individual Refresher Training is unable to deliver. But I guess having had some really useful info posted, I'm better prepared; so thanx to the guys and girls who took the time to post their advice, and to you Paddy me old chum, best you take yourself away and read your Commando Comic:ok:

[Talking Radalt]

Day out of uniform a day wasted and all that c**p, this sad muppet really needs to get out more
The reason I prefer not to see civvies somewhere like KAF, is simple. If, no make that when, a mortar lands and goes "Bang", insignia of Nationality and branch of service can be more than a little helpful in sorting out the whole bloody mess, as can rank/blood group/name etc.
Sporting cheap naff shellsuit bottoms and an "Ingerrrrlund!" top somehow doesn't count.
And I'm not a muppet. Dickhedd.

[Hueymeister]

Talk me old chum....I think Paddy doodaahh was just 'chumming' the water...best avoided...he's probably not made it past pre-pubescent Co yet, still counting the actuals - if JPA allows them still:D

[paddyfactor]

The reason I prefer not to see civvies somewhere like KAF, is simple. If, no make that when, a mortar lands and goes "Bang", insignia of Nationality and branch of service can be more than a little helpful in sorting out the whole bloody mess, as can rank/blood group/name etc.

You are so right, 'Talking S**T' what was i thinking of. It will be so comforting when my leg is blown off if the medical orderly addresses me correctly with the right amount of disdain. I might also have my bloodgroup tatooed on my forehead. Any other top tips. I am thinking of going to bed now and staring at the ceiling should i use a duvet or stick to the sheets? Now off to think about those actuals ( back to rates by the way) not that any of us Dichedds go anywhere nice to receive any.:ok:

[samuraimatt]

( back to rates by the way) Not for much longer.

[Talking Radalt]

It will be so comforting when my leg is blown off if the medical orderly addresses me correctly with the right amount of disdain
No doubt they'd be at the end of a long queue. :hmm:
Anyone with even the slightest shred of medical/first aid experience will know being able to address a casualty by their own name pays dividends on many fronts.....like taking their mind off their recently departed leg.
But by the sounds of it you never go anywhere where you're likely to encounter such problems, do you?
Any other top tips
Yeah. You know those actuals you were gobbing off about?......
Shove 'em up your smarmy gobsh!te ar£e (for safe keeping obviously):rolleyes:

[Plasticab]

MODS

Probably time to pull this one before it really does develop into a slanging match...Talk...I think we know one another...just leave the 'J' boy to it...one too many Commando Comics..:ugh: :}

[Talking Radalt]

You will also need your sense of humour, as one now has to:

1. Wear a hat (admittedly any type; so the possibilities are endless!)
2. Have sleeves up or down, but not fashionably half way up the forearm
3. Not wear sandles in the cookhouse
and several others I can't put my finger on at the mo.....
To drive* anywhere one needs written permission from CAS, a note from your mum, original copies of one's driving license, birth certificate, and a "50yds backstroke" certificate plus at least six forms of photographic ID. :hmm:

*Drive = propel a motorised vehicle at 2mph less than walking pace.

[unclenelli]

TAKE THAT SKIVING STAB THAT KNOWS Pontius WITH YOU!!!!! - AND LEAVE HIM THERE!!!!!!!
Head Torch & batteries
Get new battery fitted to watch (whether it needs it now or not)
DVD entertainment (laptop/DVD player - DVDs available in theatre)
Books
I was recently back from Bastion
You will get a 13A 240V socket (there were 10 sharing 8 sockets in my tent!)
Inflatable mattress/pillows for campcots is good idea. Mozzie nets not needed, but quite satisfying to be able to zip yourself away from the world at times.
Fly repellent a must - fly papers often could catch 200+ in a week!!!
Mouse traps - a must (available from stackers/QM) - don't store any food (inc crisps/sweets) in tents unless in an ammo box! Mice attract Snakes! Don't need to bait the traps, just put then along the inner sides of your tent and wait for them to stroll over them!!!!
Dry sandals for out & about
Wet Flipflops for showers
Huggies Nappy wipes for when the H2O goes off!!! (quite often)!!!!! (unscented unless you're Army/Navy)
When I was there the Marines turned up and announced that there were only 2 dress codes - uniform & PT kit! (EFI organised a Hawaiian Xmas Party only to be told NO!!!!!!, Uniform or PT Kit!!!! - B@st@rds!! This is the same Marines that ran out of FOOD for the whole camp, causing the shelves in the EFI to be stripped bare - I went in to find the only edible things were 3x ice lollies and 2x 4xcup-a-soups!! But plenty of Fridges & iPods!!!!!!!)
KAF can get VERY muddy when wet - I visited in December and found 1inch of slurry/mud everywhere and went through 2 prs of trs in just over 12hrs due to mud! BSN was much drier and usually 3-4 degrees warmer than KAF.
PLASTICAB - you don't say which service you are, but if you're RAF, then Dress codes are available on CCIS (it helped when I got questioned about the colour of my T-Shirts)
Remember that despite BSN being Army-led, you are AIR FORCE!!!!!!!! and not subject to Army rules (i.e. according to JSP760 Ch5 (new JPA regs), you get 14-days R&R!!!!(4-7Mths)! - As a mere Cpl, they would only give me 7days - according to their rules! F*c*w*ts!!!!!!!!! - claimed the rest as R&R PODL!)
Hats - not worn
Salutes - not given
Incoming - none