When it comes time for you to leave on deployment, make sure you prepare regarding the gear you bring along. That’s why we’ve created this military deployment guide. We don’t want you to have the wrong equipment when you ship out.
The Basics
The first section of this military deployment guide will focus on the things you’ll definitely need. Of course, you’ll want to double-check that you have your uniform, but clothing items like combat shirts, tactical pants, and boots are going to be items that you’ll wear most of the time as well. It wouldn’t hurt to include an FR base layer to that set of apparel, either. For those of you with electrical or fire related career fields, you can add a much needed layer of protection while on the job.
Weather-Related Items
Unfortunately, the weather isn’t always going to be ideal while on deployment. You’ll need to prepare for either extreme. For cold weather, start with a warm base layer. Follow that up with your uniform and a jacket and trouser set on top, and you should be ready for most cold weather that comes your way. However, in frigid temperatures, you might want to upgrade that jacket to a parka and put on a beanie or balaclava to keep your head and face warm.
If you’re heading to a hot climate, you’ll need an entirely different set of clothes. Tactical t-shirts and lightweight pants will be your go-to choices. If the sun is really beating down on you, you’ll want to have a patrol cap or Boonie that will protect your face from its harmful rays. Just be sure to keep things light to avoid heatstroke.
Other Deployment Essentials
Essential individual equipment items for deployments will include branded items from Camelbak, Gerber Knives, Outdoor Research, Wiley-X, Surefire or Darn Tough - just to name a few.
For example, Camelbak is the premier provider of the 3-liter hydration packs. Gerber offers a variety of hands tools and knives to fit any mission. Whether you are a member of a CE team or on Security Forces detail in need of a straight edge or serrated edge knife.
Both Mechanix and Outdoor Research are excellent suppliers of work, tactical and cold-weather gloves, some of which are offered with Kevlar or Gore-Tex fabrics for added protection and comfort.
For eye protection, Wiley-X is an industry leader among authorized protective eyewear list (APEL) providers. Be sure to look for the green APEL logo.
For personal ear protection, we suggested Surefire® EP5 Sonic Defenders Max earplugs. They are comfortable, offered in three sizes, and include a personal carrying case.
For footwear protection, be sure to pack solid wool-based socks in one of three weights - Lightweight, Mid-weight or heavy weight - depending on the mission. Fox River, Darn Tough or Thorlos are trusted brands to look to.
And finally for footwear, the offerings are broad among manufacturers but go with a brand you know and trust. There is nothing like wearing a new boot for the first time - with no prior experience wearing it – only to find the fit or comfort level is poor. Fitting tips for comfort might include footwear made with Vibram or Gore-Tex proprietary materials. For safety protection consider using a composite-made safety toe rather than steel. The composite safety-toe boot is lighter and carries equivalent safety rating as the steel.
Hopefully, our military deployment guide helps you better determine what you should bring and what you still need to get.