Posted on 12/30/2003 2:56:27 PM PST by John Jorsett
OK, this is too late for Christmas (unless you're Orthodox), but if you have a friend of family member serving with a combat unit in Iraq, there are a few non-lethal items that have proved highly popular over there and would make a great, maybe lifesaving, gift.
Hand held laser pointers have been popular for troops expecting to get ambushed. The laser pointer makes it easier to show where everyone should shoot. Sounds crude, but it works, and has worked many times. It also proved popular for raids as well.
The army issued GPS receiver (the PLGR) is old and put to shame by newer GPS equipment. The 82nd Airborne division went out and bought Rhino GPS units for all the troops. This unit was lighter, smaller, got more time out of the batteries, and picked up the GPS signals faster than PLGR. Many troops had already bought the Rhino (spending about $200 to do so), and similar models. But many troops are stuck with the PLGR and would appreciate something better.
Better desert boots are popular. The ones issued do not stand up well to the heat and sand. Some troops have been getting their hands on Iraqi army boots, which are lighter and more sturdy. However, there are outfitters for desert trips that have some boots built for the rigors of stomping around in a desert environment. No clear cut leader in this department yet, though.
Bolt cutters and Battle Axes. Combat troops spend lots of time making raids on Iraqi compounds, homes and industrial sites. Bolt cutters come in handy. Also popular are "battle axes." Actually, these are similar to the ones that firemen use for breaking and entering. But calling it a "battle axe" appeals more to the troops than "fireman's axe."
In many units, the Gerber multi-tool has replaced the bayonet. The multi-tool has been popular with troops for years. About the same size as a bayonet, the multi-tool includes needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, a drop point knife blade, screwdrivers, a can opener, a bottle opener, among other things. The troops love this stuff.
Canteens are considered so 20th century. Today's trooper wants a camel-back hydration system (a bladder of water carried on your backpack, with a tube that allows you to sip water as you need it without having to use your hands to get the canteen out.)
While Christmas is past, some of these items would make a nice Valentine's Day gift. Or just a "come back alive, baby," gift. It's always appreciated.
Interesting. HHD troop ping
I'd like to underline several of these:
In many units, the Gerber multi-tool has replaced the bayonet. The multi-tool has been popular with troops for years. About the same size as a bayonet, the multi-tool includes needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, a drop point knife blade, screwdrivers, a can opener, a bottle opener, among other things. The troops love this stuff.
Either a Gerber or a Leatherman, goes over big-time. I've yet to be in a unit within the last four years, where every other troop had one or the other. They're just too damn useful.
Hand held laser pointers have been popular for troops expecting to get ambushed. The laser pointer makes it easier to show where everyone should shoot. Sounds crude, but it works, and has worked many times. It also proved popular for raids as well.
These lil' buggers are cheap - I've seen them as low as $8, and made as part of a key chain - and dead useful in field or garrison jobs.
Canteens are considered so 20th century. Today's trooper wants a camel-back hydration system (a bladder of water carried on your backpack, with a tube that allows you to sip water as you need it without having to use your hands to get the canteen out.)
Two reasons why I'd opt out on these. One, they're still expensive - $40 and up, last I checked. Two, Camelbacks are issue items for almost every unit going to The Sandbox.
The army issued GPS receiver (the PLGR) is old and put to shame by newer GPS equipment. The 82nd Airborne division went out and bought Rhino GPS units for all the troops. This unit was lighter, smaller, got more time out of the batteries, and picked up the GPS signals faster than PLGR. Many troops had already bought the Rhino (spending about $200 to do so), and similar models. But many troops are stuck with the PLGR and would appreciate something better.
Any avid sports guy might have a Rhino, or a Garmin, or a Magellan. My Guard company made a local purchase on three; blew some training money, but our surveillance guys needed them. I echo the commentary on the PLGR: if you have nothing, then they're great. If you can get hold of better, do so.
Only thing I could ever add to this wish list: A cheap-o digital camera! One that you can quickly upload the pics to a laptop - and laptops are becoming the equipment of choice in almost every unit - purge the camera, and shoot some more. I've got one we found for $20, and my new laptop will be mated up to it soon.
Power converters, 12 volt to 110/220 are also popular. My Navy son picked one up that had a cigarette plug as well as dual alligator battery clips and two 110 outlets. I think he paid too much but we are sending that off to Iraq this week as well. I know you can get them (sans the battery clips) at Fry's for about $30-35. Not telling what rediculous price my Navy kid paid for it at Radio shack but he wants to send it.
I'm throwing in some as well small Cuban cigars I picked up overseas - hope I don't get him in trouble!!
Very interesting.... and doable.
'Pod is yer group still interested in the care package effort? Maybe we can coordinate.
:-} Thanks for the chuckle.
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Lets tie these posts together :)
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