I was wondering what you all that (have been/or that are being) mobilized and deployed with the Guard considered to be your "must haves." I know the active duty guys probably have their own ideas, but I was more looking for the perspective of my fellow Guard soldiers.

It depends (heavily) on your MOS, but some basics would be:

1)A good laptop complete with games or movies.
2)A good digital camera with video and sound.
3)Under Armor. I prefer the underwear over the t-shirts, just because when wearing the IBA and uniform, the wicking ability of a t shirt is negligable. However, keeping the boys cool made it all much more comfortable.
4)Sunscreen and moisturizer.
5)A goal. A big book, learn a language, caligraphy, chess, musical instument, -anything. Just something to take your mind away from whereever you are for a while.
6) a good, USB webcam for you and your SO. After a while you forget what the other looks like.
7) My family found that keeping a daily diary of the days events helped stay connected. So some method of sharing it helps. We wrote ours in HTML, loaded them onto USB drives, and used my limited amount of internet time to upload.
8)Electric razor powered by AA batteries. Good for remote locations, and AA's are usually available via supply.
9)This is a little,... well... gay. But I hated my living quarters smelling like arse and feet, so an Oust or potpurri deal was nice.
10) A good attitude. It's gonna suck. Embrace it, and believe that hardship makes you a better person.

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by XJay:

3)Under Armor. I prefer the underwear over the t-shirts, just because when wearing the IBA and uniform, the wicking ability of a t shirt is negligable. However, keeping the boys cool made it all much more comfortable.

Ok, considering how flammable Under-Armor has proven to be, I certainly wouldnt put it THERE.

LOL my first deployment I only needed the cloths on my back and the gear the army gave me. This time I have a hubby and kid.

1) LOTS and LOTS of pictures!
2) 1 unlocked cell phone
3) 1 Laptop with camra
4) 1 degital camra
5) Highest SPF sun block I can find (I am a red head)and hand sanitizer
6) Fly catchers I am getting there in the fall I remeber all the flys from last time.
7) 1 blow dryer for my boots during the raney season. LOL on my last deployment I had to go to the PX to buy one and I triped in one of the waist deep puddles
8) Phone cards with a bizzilion minutes
9) My fav pillows from home plus a fuzzy blanket that I bought last time I was in Iraq (lol I bought 3 cause my room mate was evil and kept turning the AC on in January)
10)Power converter and plug converters both a must have