Deployment

[cityginger]

I'm a medic getting ready for my first deployment this summer to Afghanistan, and wondering what kind of extras to take with me. I know that probably seems like a silly question but it's a year and I want to be as prepared as possible, especially considering they have no idea where we're going or what the area will be like/has/does not have. If

Comments

[spartonian]

Phone cards
Books/Magazines
Snacks of choice
Laptop or portable DVD player and/or MP3 player
Baby wipes
Anti-athlete's foot medication

Given your field, here's hoping you're bored stiff.

[porterkid]

I personally liked to travel light and have my things shipped to me once we were settled. BUT- I would take a lap top and movies. Bring DVDs in a CD book orsomething to save room and keep things lite etc... OR bring some books to read and keep busy. If you bring extra things, I would focus on things to keep you from going bored. A lot of hurry up and waiting.....

[kanickb]

I agree with porterkid. The actual process of getting into country is a lot of hurry up and wait. Just keep yourself occupied or you'll go nuts

[katyblue]

Not Sure about AStan, but when I was in Iraq I needed at least 8-10 pairs of PTs because of laundry turn around time. The tiny little px trailer never had my size in. (Small) Only XX large. So bring a crapton of extra PTs. Trust me.

Pack as light as possible and have stuff shipped out later.

[desert_sailor]

I loved my iPod since the waiting times on everything drove me nuts when I wasn't prepared and just spaced out. Extra bonus if it's a video one and you can put your movies on there instead of packing some for now. :) Some extra books and some notebooks since I liked to write about what I was experiencing. I also agree with spartonian about the phone cards. Sometimes the ones on my ship were sold out when I wanted one so having some handy would be nice.

Good luck!