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There are many factors as to what each member should have for gear and every unit has their supply chain as well. The idea is simply to ensure he isn’t leaving without what he knows he should have and ensuring what he has is in good condition, fits properly, and is of good quality. For some reason the military is not doing as good a job as might be expected. I mean, after years of these deployments it would seem they would have this down to a science but they don’t. So, don’t assume that he is properly outfitted, make sure he is.

A primary reason troops go without is cost. Equipment is simply expensive. Add up all those items and it gets expensive real fast. Contrary to the expectation that the military would ensure every troop is properly outfitted they for some very strange reason don’t. Every unit does their own outfitting and some have more money than others and some know what they are doing and some don’t. It’s hit and miss. Parents have been picking up the slack for the troops for years, so don’t be afraid to ask and go over his gear with him and check what he thinks he needs to have and what you can afford to buy him. There are a zillion places to order and buy good gear nowadays so there is no reason for him to be without if you can afford it.

There are also many blogs and articles online from those that have been there as to what was useful and what wasn’t. Read those lists, study them, and even go so far as to call another unit currently over there and ask questions. His unit should be able to provide a contact to someone else over there. You can always send him packages with anything he needs but it simply is best to have what he needs before he goes. Take the time and effort, it pays off.