I've been on deployment for almost 5 months. Here are some other thoughts of what to bring and not to bring on deployment.
Things I never or rarely used:
1)Knee and elbow pads-never used it. I would not bring this.
2)7 layer system (cold weather gear)-I still would bring a fleece.
3)The infamous overshoes-Why did I pack this?
4)Sleeping bag- I used this in Kuwait but then never used it again.
5)Flame retardant uniforms-I wish I would have worn these.
6)Personal stethescope, otoscope, opthalmoscope-The aid station had plenty. Waste of weight. I should have never brought them.
7)Medical references-The unit will have their own. I was glad to bring some specific study materials for myself, but I would not bring too many of these references.
8)Ruck-dont bring it.
9)Extra personal hygiene items-In Iraq, we had so much of this stuff sent from the generosity of the American people in care packages. Afghanistan might be different. I would NOT bring too much extra soap, shampoo, lotions, deodarant, and so forth. You can pick this stuff up at Kuwait anyways.
10)2nd pair of boots- NEVER used them. I wouldnt bring them. Come on....how often are doctors going outside the wire.
11) Wet weather gear--Never used them. Next time I'm leaving them.
I was glad that I brought or had shipped the following:
1) IPOD-for workouts
2) External drive-for movies
3) Cooling pad for laptop-My junky Dell Laptop kept overheating.
4) Extra USB ports
5) Logitech Video camera
6) Cell phone with Epocrates
7) Laptop backpack
8) Shower shoes
9) Extra name patches, IR Flag, unit patches.
10) Camera
11) PSP for entertainment
12) Basketball shoes
13) Alarm clock
14) Running shoes
15) Paddle holster
16) Professional Stamp (name, degree, specialty)
17) Tough box
18) Headphones for workouts
Things I wish I would have done better:
1) Wear the flame retardant uniforms.
2) Bring only 2 pairs of regular ACUs because of the flame retardant uniforms.
3) Bring a bigger tough box.
4) Bring 4 shorts and about 4 PT shirts. You can order them once you are in theater or buy some at Kuwait but supplies and your size maybe limited in Kuwait.
5) Buy some souvenirs in Kuwait at Camp Buehring and sent them to the family.
Things I did just right during deployment:
1) Start the paperwork for a split deployment on day 1 of being in theater.
2) Savings deposit program.
3) CMEs via medscape.
4) Lots of teaching of medics.
5) Make good connections with MEDEVAC.
Hope this helps for those you getting ready to deploy.
Things I never or rarely used:
1)Knee and elbow pads-never used it. I would not bring this.
2)7 layer system (cold weather gear)-I still would bring a fleece.
3)The infamous overshoes-Why did I pack this?
4)Sleeping bag- I used this in Kuwait but then never used it again.
5)Flame retardant uniforms-I wish I would have worn these.
6)Personal stethescope, otoscope, opthalmoscope-The aid station had plenty. Waste of weight. I should have never brought them.
7)Medical references-The unit will have their own. I was glad to bring some specific study materials for myself, but I would not bring too many of these references.
8)Ruck-dont bring it.
9)Extra personal hygiene items-In Iraq, we had so much of this stuff sent from the generosity of the American people in care packages. Afghanistan might be different. I would NOT bring too much extra soap, shampoo, lotions, deodarant, and so forth. You can pick this stuff up at Kuwait anyways.
10)2nd pair of boots- NEVER used them. I wouldnt bring them. Come on....how often are doctors going outside the wire.
11) Wet weather gear--Never used them. Next time I'm leaving them.
I was glad that I brought or had shipped the following:
1) IPOD-for workouts
2) External drive-for movies
3) Cooling pad for laptop-My junky Dell Laptop kept overheating.
4) Extra USB ports
5) Logitech Video camera
6) Cell phone with Epocrates
7) Laptop backpack
8) Shower shoes
9) Extra name patches, IR Flag, unit patches.
10) Camera
11) PSP for entertainment
12) Basketball shoes
13) Alarm clock
14) Running shoes
15) Paddle holster
16) Professional Stamp (name, degree, specialty)
17) Tough box
18) Headphones for workouts
Things I wish I would have done better:
1) Wear the flame retardant uniforms.
2) Bring only 2 pairs of regular ACUs because of the flame retardant uniforms.
3) Bring a bigger tough box.
4) Bring 4 shorts and about 4 PT shirts. You can order them once you are in theater or buy some at Kuwait but supplies and your size maybe limited in Kuwait.
5) Buy some souvenirs in Kuwait at Camp Buehring and sent them to the family.
Things I did just right during deployment:
1) Start the paperwork for a split deployment on day 1 of being in theater.
2) Savings deposit program.
3) CMEs via medscape.
4) Lots of teaching of medics.
5) Make good connections with MEDEVAC.
Hope this helps for those you getting ready to deploy.
