[Aoresteen]

I'm halfway through a 12 month tour. Here's what I brought that hasn't been mentioned.

Gerber multicolored lens flashlight. When you are in a tent with 10 other guys using blue light keeps everyone happy at 3:00 AM.

The Gortex bivvy sack (issue) shell. I use it with my poncho liner & lightwight down Northface bag. In the summer I just used the poncho liner & bivvy sack.

MOLLE waist pack (issue). Straps to the top of my Kifaru XTL. Keeps my rain gear/cold weather parka handy.

Ipod shuffel 1 gig. I keep it in a pouch on my IBA.

iPAQ 2215 Pocket PC. This is my main support device. I have a 16 GB CF card and a 4 GN SD card in it. Docs go on the SD card, MP3 & movies go on the CF card. I have 3 batteries for the iPAQ, ac charger, and an USB charger.

US style 3 plug adapter. It seems that all the outlets are used everywhere you go; this lets you share an outlet with a buddy and get recharged without having to wait.

Small AM/FM radio that uses ear buds.

Sink plug 1.5", Every sink in Iraq is missing the plug. Having your own lets you fill up the sink with water to shave or sponge bath. Linnens & Things sells a nice one for $2.99.

Coming back from R&R I brought back a Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance SP with a bunch of classic games. Should have brought it with from the get go. Note: Nintendo AC adapters are 110v only, get a universal 110-240v generic charger off of eBay.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 digital camera. Uses SDHC cards and I got an 8 gig card for it. Never run out of space!

Thumb drives are fine for unclass NIPR stuff but you can only use gov't drives that are issued to you for SIPR stuff. That's the rule within MNSTC-I. MNF-I, MNC-I and CJSOTF might have different rules but from what I have seen, no personal thumb drives for SIPR.