[Druid5]

On my 2nd deployment right now, so here's my list;

Must have:
- At least one good knife. I always have my Benchmade in my pocket, except when PTing, plus my primary knife when on patrol. A good reliable knife is your best friend when you need it the most.
- Decent magazines. Magpul Pmags are good reliable cheap magazines, unlike what the Army issues, which can be a crap shoot at best.
- A dependable watch, plus a backup if it breaks. Walmart specials are good throwaways and you don't have to worry about banging them around.
- Decent, well broken-in boots, at least two pair. Corcoran Desert Marauders are honestly the best boots i've ever worn. I'm on my second pair now and my first pair are still with me after 5 years, Iraq and a couple resolings.
- A decent sling that doesn't get in your way or obstruct weapon function. A wolf hook or single point sling works well for me, but personal preference varies.
- Eye pro, with either back inserts or a back up pair. Eye pro is easy enough to find in theater, but again, you go with what you like and cheap SI Oakleys take a while depending on the mail system.
- Batteries. Depending on your personal electronic needs, brings at least enough to last you for four changes.
- If you have rechargeable electronics (Roshan cell phone, Ipod, even a laptop) a solar charger is usuful, especially during the summer months when there's plenty of sun.
- Locks. Enough for all your bags, plus anything you plan on securing. There's only one thief in the Army and everybody else is just trying to get their stuff back.
- 550 cord. There are infinite uses for 550 cord and you'll never have enough. If nothing else, its a nice distraction learning how to braid or knit.
- A decent flash light. Surefire or other variants are a good option, especially if you plan to mount it on your weapon. A headlamp is also nice for when you need both hands free.

Nice to have;
- Computer. You're not guaranteed a whole lot of down time, if any. The MWR is usually crowded and the options for internet are few, if any. If nothing else, video games when you do have down time are a nice distraction.
- Compass. Plain old lens-static compass. Electronics eventually fail and a compass is always something I try to include in my bag.
- Digital Camera. Useful in the field if you come across something you have to make note of or jot down for further use.
- Extra gloves. Most Army issue gloves eventually rip or burst their seams and will leave you hand exposed. You can get reissued new gloves, but I always like to have extra on hand just in case. Plus, winter months usually necessitate better gloves than what is issued.
- Pelican cases for anything you want to secure and/or safeguard. Hard drives, laptops, etc will sometimes suffer being thrown around due to mishandling and these will help protect them from shock/water.
- Any personal preference items you can't do without. The PX is at best of times very selective on what they stock and at the worst of times out of the one thing you can't do without. If you're lucky enough to actually have a PX that is.