Packing for Iraq Deployment

So, you're being deployed to Iraq. You've asked people in your unit, but nobody can seem to provide a clear answer on what to bring. The first thing to find out is if your unit has a shipping container that you can place a box in. Most people bring a standard Tac-Box. However, most are flimsy and can be pried open or crushed. One of the best investments you can make is to get a Tuff-Box or equivalent. A good choice is an X-Treme Tuff (available at Lowe's or most hardware stores). The significant advantage is that it locks in the middle and you can have a lock on either side. You probably don't know your living arrangements yet. You may end up in a tent for an extended period of time (months), and need your belongings to be secure. It also makes a good table/seat.

If you were issued an ACU field jacket- bring it! When you ask around, people will tell you, "It's hot". That's probably the only thing that people will tell you about Iraq. A field jacket may be the last thing you think to bring, but rest assured it gets VERY cold in the winter. You'll be happy you have it. You'll want to bring lots of extra clothes. You'll need more than what's on the packing list as far as socks, tan t-shirts and underwear. You may like to have some thick socks for winter, or for long foot patrols. You don't know when you're going to have a chance to wash your clothes, so having more is better than not having enough. It's nice to have both boxers and briefs because you can let the situation dictate what you wear (chafing, etc.). The "B" bag is a good place to put this extra clothing because you won't be carrying that with you, it gets put in the shipping container.

You'll want personal hygiene products that you like because you don't know how available they will be. Don't overdo it on the personal hygiene stuff because you'll get a lot of that in care packages. Some items will be hard to get such as bug spray, sunscreen and small bottles of hand sanitizer that you can put in your pocket. Baby wipes are an absolute must have. Bring one to two boxes. Again, you don't know your living arrangements. You may or may not have shower facilities. You may wish to bring a loofah, they are great for scouring the dirt off your body.

Another item you'll need is a fingernail brush. You're not allowed to wash your gear at most FOBs, and if you're anywhere smaller than a FOB, you probably won't have a washing machine at all. A fingernail brush makes it easier to scrub your gear. A shaving brush makes quick work of cleaning the outside of your weapons. Also, bring a knife. But, nothing too nice or too big. You'll most likely have a hard time finding a comfortable pillow (or a pillow period). So, unless you enjoy sleeping on a laundry bag, you may want to consider bringing one along. It would be wise to bring an extra cleaning kit for your weapon, because it's a hard item to replace should you lose yours, or lose or break pieces of yours.

As far as entertainment, the best thing you can bring is a laptop. It doesn't have to be too expensive, just something you can watch movies and play games on. An external hard drive is great for storing music, movies, pictures and games. You'll probably have access to the bazaar, where you can buy burned movies, computer software and games from the local nationals. As a note, only buy your electronics from the States or from the PX. An iPod or Zune is great if you have one. Make sure your laptop has the iPod/Zune software installed in it before you go, because it might be hard to get once you're there. A digital camera is a great tool to have because it allows you to send your family pictures of yourself, of what it's like there and allows you to save photos and memories to look back on when you get home. It can also be useful on missions should something happen (photographing evidence, etc.). If you don't bring one with you, it's okay. You can usually buy one in Kuwait. One of the best pieces of entertainment is a PSP because you might not have time to boot up a computer, wait for it to load and play a game. A PSP can give you instant gratification. If anybody in your unit can modify PSPs, it's recommended you do it because you can buy the games on CD from the local nationals. But, you'll have no way to play them unless your PSP is modified - just something to think about.

As your unit arrives, the unit you are replacing is probably going to be selling some nice stuff (power converters/inverters, TV's, shelves, etc) for very cheap. However, they're going to want cash. You can get some great deals if you simply have the foresight to bring some money with you. $200 should be more than enough.

Don't worry if you forget something, or if you feel you need something while you are deployed, you can have someone send you the items you need. Remember though, this can take 2-4 weeks.

I hope this has provided you with a clearer picture of what you should bring to Iraq when you are deployed. It has been written with the help of several soldiers who have recently come back from Iraq.