Quote:
Originally Posted by Mills
Anyone have any update to this thread in regards to VSO in Afghanistan?
I know trips vary, but for some of us..........we have not been involved in that just yet. Looking to start early and get the things that we need for the specific mission.
Thanks.
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IMO is depends on where you will be. How close you are to a major city, the people support in the area, ETC ETC ETC. This drives our DSORs. We all know this. IF we think we can't get it around our VSP we WISH FOR it on the DSOR list. Time of the year you will be there too drivers it.
Good 5Kw Generator and power tools from hell if your building a new VSP site.
30+ breaker panel for your main Generator panel, plus at least 8-10 breaker panels with 6-8 slots for individual rooms and OPSCEN. Some times all you have are tents so this drive this too. If your not sure request enough to set up your base line OPS and living. You can buy locally sometimes too but typically it is all 220V. With a military Generator you can run 110V and 220V with your Hertz at 50Hz or 55Hz. So you can run both, yes long term it can mess things up. But a Dyncorp guy taught me this, it works.
Screws of different sizes, 1 1/2", 2", 2/12", 3" 4' ETC. Boxes (I'm saying boxes) of 16d nails and good hammers if you don't have 1:1 per man from your carpenters tool kit. Buy good ones. We all know how well Chinese nails & screws are!! Tool belts, at least 4 belts. Both Charlies and two for others to help out.
Good welder if not a whole welder unit then at least get your gloves, bib, Auto-Darkening welding helmet, etc. If you are far away from a city I would get welding rods to start out with.
When I'm planning a new VSP I plan on making a shower/latrine trailer. So get a pipe cutter (for both Plastic Pipe and Tube Cutter) and a Ratcheting Cutter. Since most of your piping is metal (Steel) it is great to plan for them and/or get a pipe bender that can do 0 to 90 degrees bends. Get 3 piping threading tool set (I say more than 6 piece set). Just like buying drill bit sets, more the better. Northern Tools is a great place if you have one in town. Grainger tools too. Get lower water pressure shower heads, they pay off!!!
One thing I wish I had last trip was a hole cutter set, something along the lines of a 10 to 15 piece set )1/2" to 4"). If your thinking your going to do a lot of work then I say put down two sets. Cutting through SEALANDS, they go quick and you can't find good ones in Kabul or Kandahar.
If your there during the winter time put MATTRACKS down for your Razors. They are MONEY!!! But Most Commands don't like them due to there cost $10,000!! Ouch!! Yeah I know. But if they want you out during the winter months your MRAPS can't move for shit. Having two RZRs with these give you some mounted direct fire weapons and medical platform. Something for the LOJ, having something from your Bn Med can help too.
During the winter time leg gators are money!! Especially if your in the mountains and at altitude.
Air Compressor and 3000 PSI pressure washer for you vehicles and weapons. You can get these in country both gas and electrical powered, but most are Chinese made.
MPro 7 cleaning supplies. Enough said.
*********** Medical **********
Hand Pump water filters, like a MSR Sweetwater or miniworks plus two additional ceramic replacement filters. Dismounted patrols.
Our Medic DSORed a Portable oxygen concentrator, not sure if he got it. Will post update.
Cooking thermometers helps too.
If you have the DOG security system, get the add on devises from S4 Tech. I got their DOG Dual Sensor Kit and Thermal Camera Kit. Just email them and they will work with you and your needs. CJSOTF-A has many of these systems, check to see if your VSP has them.