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Old 12-28-2006, 05:42   #1
MtnGoat
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What to bring out on a trip

Okay this is for every 18C, not just the 18X that just graduated last week. It is sad when three ODAs and one ODB deploy to conduct combat ops to a forward “Base” and forgot to bring items or equipment forward. Basic tool sets, equipment, and supplies. Bottom line is you MUST take care of YOUR ODA, don’t think that your higher (ODB or FOB will) or others will. To watch the ODB and ODAs looking for hand tools, nails, screws, power tools, tape and mech tools to use to make anything from furniture to breaching charges is very sad.

Facts: Deploying or moving forward to conduct one- to two-week combat operations outside of your assigned Fire Base, you need to plan for the most or worst. If you are living at another camp or forward site you should bring your own supplies. Only one ODA brought basic engineering tools forward to, let's say to make “things” needed for the mission at hand. So with this happening, I think this needs to be brought up and hopefully it will drive what is need by Groups for their AORs. Not just within OIF & OEF deployements.

I’m going to break this down into two different parts. First is things you need to think about getting from home station prior to deploying to OIF or OEF or wherever. Second will be basic things I feel you should always bring if you will be working out of a stationary place outside of a fire base.

Things to have from home station:

Repair and Utilities (R&U) Kit:
- A good cordless power tool set. I like a Makita over a Dewalt. Why? Because of the Skill Saw blade size. Make sure you get a 6 1/2 saw blade, some cordless come in 5 1/4" Makita is 6 ½”. Overseas, you get a lot of unfinished lumber, you need a bigger blade.
++Also get an extra battery charger and make sure you have four batteries total. If you have old ones that came with your tool set, order some new fresh ones with your SOR and Company funds before you deploy. It can be hard (very) to get them in some countries.
- Six (6) good framing hammers, 2 ea 3 to 5 lb. hammers, 2 ea. Cats Paw or nail pullers and 2-4ea 25 ft. tape measures. When you get into country get 2-3 meter tape measures so you can tell locals the sizes that you need something made in. This way they can take the measurements too.
- Corded power tools. You will need to bring the following; IMHO, this is what I like to have. Plus, once you get to a good foreign country (Europe) you need to get as many in 220-240V as you can.
+ Skill Saw with 2-3 25-40 tooth cut (higher better for 2’X4” cutting) and 6o+ tooth cut for finishing, plywood and Plexiglas (Carbide Teeth), and 1-2 masonry and metal cutting blades.
+ Standard ½” drills with a good drill bit set. You need a drill bit set that covers everything from wood to metal to concrete.
+ Hammer drill With third world materials and concrete you need one.
- 4-5 good hand saws. It’s good to have two cross cut and ripping saws, I would say two of each type. I like to have a Shark tooth saw too; it can cut both – Cross and Rip.
- Tree Bow Saw. Get 4-6 blades on top of the on that it comes with. Look in third world countries you find a lot of rough cut lumber. Sometimes, you may have only trees to deal with. A hand box saw can come in handy too.
- Chain Saw. With trees and rough lumber a chain saw is a Charlie’s best friend at times. I like a Husqvarna; you want something that you can work on easily. Mr. Harsey your input here, please chime in!! Get extra chains, spark plugs, and a tool key too. Make sure you get the 2-cycle oil for the fuel mix, and bar oil too, a box key for each saw should work. You have to know your AOR for this.
- Hex tool set: get English and a metric set each.
- A Dremel tool kit, I like a Roto Zip set. They make a cordless one now, so that helps out. This can be used with your demo set too.
- A good tool set. Some like a Craftsman or Mac Tool set. Get it in a plastic tool box and something over 110 tools. It’s good to have it in metric and English.
- Tool belts or apron (Added). 2-4 each if you’re doing a lot of building. Get more with your mission (MTT) fund site. Make sure it has a nail pouch and hammer “hook”.
- Nails and screws. Get some, screws are more important than nails. Third world screws are typically flat head screws and they SUCK!!
- A box of Series 5200 locks. People like to cut them and our ODA always has a universal key when we deploy. Don't forget your master key!
- Extension cords: 2-4 25 ft. cords, 1-2 50 ft. and 100 ft. cords. You need to get some of the cords with a three plug head. Get a heavy enough gauge cord for the loads you plan on running. Ask your 18E if you need help with the electrical calculations.
- A small generator. 5-15K is great and is overkill. But if you have to a lot of work or run some heaters or OPCEN items they work. Mil Gens are too big IMO.
- Lastly get a home improvement book. Something like the Home Depot or Lowe's book that covers just about everything within a house repair. An electrical one helps too.

Demo Kit. Well it is no longer the SDK, the regular Army has it now. So plan for your shortcomings on the supplies within it. All of those nice MOD shaped charges are all EOD items. What you were taught in the Q-course during CALC & PLACE is not what they were used for. Find the SDK TM book and you will see what they are used for. With that note, get your supply NCO to order what you want. He will have to re-confirm the order every 30-60 days, so you have to remind him.

What I think you need extra for a Demo Kit: (others chime in)
- The Dremel tool set works great for building Breaching charges.
- Tape Tape Tape!! Get some from the store. That DOD Lighthouse for the Blind doesn’t stick too well in the heat. Get colored duct tape.
- Spray adhesive.
- Get some craft store Super Glue. Regular Super Glue doesn’t stick to plastic and Demo well if at all. The craft type from a craft supply store works great.
- Electrical wire strippers. Pick up at least two.
- If you Demo Kit don’t have the Gerber DEMO/EOD Tool get two for you and the other 18C. They will walk off if not secured.
- Utility knife. Get 4-6 utility cutting knives to aid in cutting demo instead of your Benchmade you use to open your food with. Get extra blade sets too.
- Order good commo wire (copper) from your SIGDET if you plan on doing electrical caps. Some foreign countries only use electrical caps, check on where you are going.
- Double sided adhesive tape. Super tape or something along those lines. Check with your SFAUC committee or CIF Company. They will know what is working in which ever theater you are going to.
- Rubber bands. As needed, all sizes. Riggers will have the heavy ones.
- Medical tape. I like taping my charges with 1” medical tape then writing the DTG made and charge name. Time systems, the same way.
- Paint markers. Two sets are working fine. Get some for your 18B and 18E, they like them too.
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Last edited by MtnGoat; 01-01-2007 at 01:33.
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Old 12-28-2006, 05:45   #2
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Going to another Fire Base

Look, I will always take some needed supplies and equipment while on a mission. Everyone does, you need to plan for what you doing.

Here is a small list of what I would take if I'm going to stage out of someone else's fire base. US, NATO, ISAF, Coalition, etc. (added) You can say your going on a combat mission, but you will almost always need to build something for your ODA. DEMO Charges, Weapon Racks or mounts. Fix something that gets broken. So they way I roll is I bring what I can fit into my truck or best trailer for the unknow that awaits me at the new Fire base. If it is not another ODA or ODB, I bring my "stuff" for the COMBAT mission ahead. If your going out to do a DA stlye mission you don't need this. We know that, this is from that place that you will be staging out of. Find out what is there and work from there on what your ODA needs to bring forward.

Two items that are great to have are a mechanic's tool box or kit and a spot-arc welder kit/set.

Try to get an electrical class and a welding class for PMT training. It will help you out. KBR and Locals aren't always there when you need them.

While in country:

R&U kit:

Hammers, power tool sets (corded & cordless), a couple of your hand saws and maybe the tree bow saw. Get some nails to travel with. Plan to have wood shipped to wherever you are. If someone is “watching” your FB, ensure they know where your wood, nails, etc. are located. I run with my Cordless tool set and a hand tool bag wioth some nails in a ammo can.

DEMO:

Deploy with enough demo to make war with. Ensure that you bring (100 mile) tape, thumb tacks, rubber matting, adhesive tape and spray, as well as charge “sticks”. Bringing along some cardboard can help out too.
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"Berg Heil"

History teaches that when you become indifferent and lose the will to fight someone who has the will to fight will take over."

COLONEL BULL SIMONS

Intelligence failures are failures of command [just] as operations failures are command failures.”

Last edited by MtnGoat; 01-01-2007 at 01:39.
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Old 12-28-2006, 07:48   #3
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MtnGoat-
I'm sitill working on that other project, it keeps blowing up on me (probably cause it's for you, damn 18C), but here are some ideas from my time in construction.

A lockable gangbox to keep the tools in is essential, besides security - everything is in one place.

You need to have a couple of 16 oz hammers on top of the heavy framers - and go with the most ergonomic designs out there for all of them, some even have vibration damping - you will thank me for this advice after 3 days of driving nails.

Have manual backups for all of your power tools, and yes that includes hand augers and hand drills - don't forget bits tthat work in the auger too (diamond chuck most of the time)

3 or 4 ratchet sets (2 ea metric from .5 mm to 30mm sockets and cut drivers, and 2 ea english from 1/64 to 2 in sockets and cut drivers)

Don't cheap out on drill bits, that is one place you will pay for frugality and make sure to mark your wood bits and metal/carbide bits differently - wood bits suck in metal, and metal bits gum up in wood - always clean your bits after use, and buy a bit sharpener.

Rather than buy different sets of tools for different voltages, get a multi socket voltage converter/inverter - probably cheaper to get 2 than have 4 sets of tools. and if you really bhave $$ in the budget - a diesel generator might be a good idea if it fits the mission.

Ok, I'm prepared to take fire now for my suggestions.
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Too many people are looking for a magic bullet. As always, shot placement is the key. ~TR
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Old 12-28-2006, 08:48   #4
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That is some outstanding work VG, and is a great planning document, especially for those making their first trip into the box. As a matter of fact, your writing is getting much better too, that was damn near perfect.

Last time I checked, they didn't teach deployment lists (or property book accountability) in the 18C course. 18Cs better get the info they need on it on their own.

x SF med is also correct. The above items will walk off with your teammates using them in CONUS. You get in theater and slickie boy is going to have half your gear at the end of the first day. Get a lock box and some spare locks. Issue that stuff out like you were at the auto craft shop. Check it for all components when they return it. That $350 saw isn't much good if the blade breaks and the spares are all gone to the local open air market.

You new 18Cs take this for action. The life you save could be your own.

Great work, hermano!

TR
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Old 12-28-2006, 09:05   #5
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TR-
Property book accountability could be accomplished with a simple database or excel spreadsheet if you have a laptop available, plus you could run a 'balance sheet' with purchase dates for all of the items. The last part sounds anal, but even a good $300 drill motor will only last about 5 yrs of heavy use, it's a good way to accrue your budget for repurchase/replacement of items.

For expendibles - nails, tape, epoxy, screws, drill bits, driver tips, wire, wire nuts, bolts, washers... (lots of #2 phillips bits, they walk away and get stripped) keeping track of what's used will help you plan future projects - and you can see if you can locally source them on site rather than carry them.

Another type of item that gets forgotten - pipe wrenches / adjustable wrenches, all it takes is one plumbing job where all you have is large channel locks.... and don't forget a pipe cutter too - one that is rated for pig/slag iron and one that is rated for pvc / copper / galvanized.

As for power tools - Ryobi, Makita, Dewalt, and Rigid are very good - Porteer Cable has gone downhill over the past couple of years. I've got a Ryobi 18v cordless multi toque drill driver that is great, and the batteries will work with all kinds of add on tools - reciprocating saws, circular saws, I think they even have a jig saw attachment now. quick charge, lots of power and a speed chuck that really locks down - not hyper expensive, and extra batteries and chargers are not budget killers either - 4 hr charge from dead, 1 hr quick charge - the ylast about 4-5 hrs of work each.
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In the business of war, there is no invariable stategic advantage (shih) which can be relied upon at all times.
Sun-Tzu, "The Art of Warfare"

Hearing, I forget. Seeing, I remember. Writing (doing), I understand. Chinese Proverb

Too many people are looking for a magic bullet. As always, shot placement is the key. ~TR

Last edited by x SF med; 12-28-2006 at 09:13.
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Old 12-28-2006, 11:20   #6
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I can see from the lists that times have really changed. But the posts reflect one thing that hasn't......I used to inventory my boxes/gear every Monday morning because things do seem to walk off!

Accountability for property always has been and always will be an issue.

Jim
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Old 12-28-2006, 13:20   #7
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MG - Excellent post/advice. I'm sorry to see you having to reinvent the wheel though. I've been counseled a few times for assembling kits containing most of what you've listed. Course that was in the days of "peacetime" supply accountability and busybodies that had problems with "excess property". x-SF-med - that's a good addendum. Especially the part about the gangbox. I'm assuming weight is no longer the problem it used to be when outloading? You might consider adding a couple furniture dollies and a hand truck to the list. Rolling beats carrying and there's almost never anyone free to help move loaded boxes when the time comes. (Hernias are a mission stopper.) Peregrino


P.S. MG - did you cheat and get an editor to proof spelling and grammar?
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Old 12-28-2006, 15:22   #8
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Couple things to add...

R&U kit, don't forget a couple up/down converters. They are invaluable but you can also usually buy some in country. Don't forget that the GMV come's with a 110 volt power supply so you can charge batteries out on patrol, even if you don't have a generator.

Demo kit, a couple bags of large wowen's hair clips, to attach the firing system to the charge.
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Old 12-28-2006, 15:36   #9
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Peregrino-
Most of the new gangboxes come with locking wheels now - and a folding pull handle on each end - Knaack makes the best, although not the lightest. Building removeable dividers into the box so stuff doesn't shift too horribly is great too. and level maps for what's where once the dividers are in saves time finding and invetorying items.

I wish I had been an 18C now, you guys get power tools.

Have you played with the idea of one of the electric nail guns, if you have the inverter on hand, it would speed up any construction, they'll handle up to 18d nails now, they're not just for trim, and no compressor.
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In the business of war, there is no invariable stategic advantage (shih) which can be relied upon at all times.
Sun-Tzu, "The Art of Warfare"

Hearing, I forget. Seeing, I remember. Writing (doing), I understand. Chinese Proverb

Too many people are looking for a magic bullet. As always, shot placement is the key. ~TR
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Old 12-28-2006, 16:05   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by x SF med
Peregrino-
Most of the new gangboxes come with locking wheels now - and a folding pull handle on each end - Knaack makes the best, although not the lightest. Building removeable dividers into the box so stuff doesn't shift too horribly is great too. and level maps for what's where once the dividers are in saves time finding and invetorying items.

I wish I had been an 18C now, you guys get power tools.

Have you played with the idea of one of the electric nail guns, if you have the inverter on hand, it would speed up any construction, they'll handle up to 18d nails now, they're not just for trim, and no compressor.
One of the gun shops I work for uses Knaack Boxes to transport inventory to/from gunshows, and as a desk/retail counter while at the show.

I ahve also seen Nail guns that were Propane powered, taking a standard camp stove type propane cylinder. I think I saw them in Popular Mechanics a while back.

Good times,
Blake
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Old 12-28-2006, 16:46   #11
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We used standard pneumatic nailers and air tools. (See the Redneck Engineering thread.) As long as you have an in-line regulator and the appropriate adaptors any vehicle with air brakes will run them. If you only have HMMV varients there's always portable compressors. They keep getting smaller, more powerful and more durable all the time. I'm a big fan of pressurized air; it's always useful for something. I've used the propane powered nailers (Paslode makes a good one) and they're great - as long as you can find the cartridges and keep the batteries charged. Peregrino
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Old 12-28-2006, 18:06   #12
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If fastening to concrete- Tapcons!! Get the real ones, they come with a bit for piloting and a driver. They come in all sizes and are outstanding.
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In the business of war, there is no invariable stategic advantage (shih) which can be relied upon at all times.
Sun-Tzu, "The Art of Warfare"

Hearing, I forget. Seeing, I remember. Writing (doing), I understand. Chinese Proverb

Too many people are looking for a magic bullet. As always, shot placement is the key. ~TR
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Old 12-28-2006, 18:08   #13
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VG,

Thanks for the tips/ideas. I'll share this with my Sr. when I get back to work and add this to my references.

PS. Have you happened to recieve any Oberta Beef Jerkey products recently?
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Old 12-29-2006, 09:42   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Reaper
That is some outstanding work VG, and is a great planning document, especially for those making their first trip into the box. As a matter of fact, your writing is getting much better too, that was damn near perfect.

Last time I checked, they didn't teach deployment lists (or property book accountability) in the 18C course. 18Cs better get the info they need on it on their own.
Now this is funny, I can feel your hand hitting the back of my head on the first line. "SGT your on it (Pop) this time." LOL

Property Book accountability was being taught in the course from 02-05ish. It got cut for not being needed as much as somthing else. The talk was the new guys could learn on the ODAs and on Deploys. I was like, well thats really hooking the guys and ODAs up. It was only a day long blcok, covered the basics. At one point it was only for about 3-4 hours, done under the table and not on the POI at that time I was told. Sad to know that its gone. Knowing the basics on 2062, LOGSTATs, SF-44 (OPFUNDS), Logisitical Class and how "stuff" works is a lot for a Sr to cover while doing PMT or Load out. But thats what we have always be doing, so no change on that end.

Off my box
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History teaches that when you become indifferent and lose the will to fight someone who has the will to fight will take over."

COLONEL BULL SIMONS

Intelligence failures are failures of command [just] as operations failures are command failures.”

Last edited by MtnGoat; 12-29-2006 at 09:51.
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Old 12-29-2006, 09:53   #15
MtnGoat
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Max_Tab
Couple things to add...

R&U kit, don't forget a couple up/down converters. They are invaluable but you can also usually buy some in country. Don't forget that the GMV come's with a 110 volt power supply so you can charge batteries out on patrol, even if you don't have a generator.

Demo kit, a couple bags of large wowen's hair clips, to attach the firing system to the charge.
I was going to add this as an Edit on the hair clips. Wish we had some here somethings.

Zip Ties of different lenghts and sizes are valuable when making charges.
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"Berg Heil"

History teaches that when you become indifferent and lose the will to fight someone who has the will to fight will take over."

COLONEL BULL SIMONS

Intelligence failures are failures of command [just] as operations failures are command failures.”
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