Equipping a Marine

April 16, 2004 | self

[Capriole]

I belong to a small organization that has about $1500 in its coffers. One of our number is a young man who volunteered for the USMC last year and recently got sent to Iraq. As I posted on this forum a few days ago, he got shot at by the bad guys last week but was saved from injury when some of his radio gear deflected the shot.

It made us all think: is there some extra gear--a fancy kevlar vest or a special type of helmet--that would be a cut above standard issue, and that we could buy for him for less than $1500? Would US Cavalry or Brigade Quartermaster be a good source? What would be best? Or do the Marines already outfit him as perfectly as human technology can devise? With summer coming would a water pack or someting else be better? We are ladies and have NO idea about these matters, so we are happy to entertain all suggestions. We are most anxious to preserve this young man in life and health not only because he is personally dear to us, but because he is the only surviving child of his parents, who recently lost a child to an accident.

For those of you who are experienced warriors, your advice would be particularly appreciated.

[kissmyconservativebutt]

I know there was a shortage of proper equipment at one time but I believe that the vast majority of combat soldiers are getting what they need. He should have a vest for protection...you should write him and ask him.

As for what you can get him...ask him. I really enjoyed socks and underwear, because there are no washing machines on the front lines. Seriously, these were my two favorite. Throw out the old and put on the fresh and new. Food and everything is nice too, but you have to kind of think small. Soldiers in combat, even if they are on armored vehicles, don't have a whole lot of extra space.

So, from personal experience: socks and underwear, letters, letters, letters, food like beef jerky, and more letters. But as I said, ask him, he may want something specific like the water container you mentioned.

[kissmyconservativebutt]

Just make sure they are not white socks. Black boot socks are normally best. Underwear doesn't matter...well, don't send him colors, he will never hear the end of it.

[George Smiley]

Be careful where you buy.

I've heard about stolen equipment being put up for sale on Ebay.

[Riley]

Can you inform him of this effort, and ask him what he needs? Serious, high-end Kevlar is great, but it is also hot to wear and very expensive.

I don't know what is better in helmets than the issue PASGT ('Fritz') helmet, and he probably wouldn't be allowed to wear it in any case.

A Camelback ('water backpack') might be a good idea. I don't know what they issue nowaways other than 2 plastic one-quart canteens. Staying hydrated when you're out doing hot work in the hot sun and wearing all kinds of hot gear is critically important.

As always, mail from home and non-issue field munchies are really good to have.

[shield]

My son-in-law is a Captain in the Army. I recently ask him about this, he told me regular military get all the high tech gear needed. I'd ask him, but I bet he's got what he needs. They are very well equipped.

[gieriscm]

I wouldn't send combat equipment or anything along those lines. The USMC probably has standard issue items that are required.

However, this list of care package items will give you a lot of other ideas.

[Riley]

Socks and underwear are an excellent choice.

As to vests, he already has the PASGT one that he has to wear. If he puts on a Second Chance or something, I'd be concerned about overheating problems.

Which gives me an idea. The ballistic vest people have some kind of a special undershirt that is designed to keep a body-armor wearer cool. I know cops that use them- can't remember what they're called. Anybody?

We used to have salami and cheese and maybe some crackers for field munchies, too. C-rats and MREs get kind of old after a while.

[Riley]

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4c.tam?&M5COPY%2Ectx=26402

Here's one idea...

[wingnutx]

How to send a care package

As for armor, the new USGI stuff is fantastic.

[Atomic Vomit]

Thanks for the list, it will come in handy for the soldier we adopted from operationac.com.

[Riley]

Here's another. I wish we had this kind of stuff when I was in.

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4s.tam?xax=12834&M5COPY%2Ectx=26219&M5%2Ectx=26219&M2%5FDESC%2Ectx=Protective%20Helmets%2C%20Visors%2C%20Accessories&level3%2Ectx=results%2Etam&query%2Ectx=cooling&backto=%2Fagcatalog%2Fresults%2Etam

It's a cooling and cushioning system for the current issue helmet.

[Outlaw76]

Almost any fabric undershirt that wisks sweat away from the body would be very nice. Fabrics with technology like 'Air-Max' (you can find them at sporting goods store) will help keep a body cooler. Another to look at might be Under Armor's Heat Gear.

Most of that stuff is so new It didn't exist back when I had to deal with hot weather and heavy gear so I can't tell you how well it works under a pack and vest.

[Fire_on_High]

Agreeing with previous posters here...socks, underwear, perhaps basic hygiene supplies like toothpaste, an extra toothbrush, or deodorant...baby wipes are popular also. Double A batteries for his downtime gadgets should go over well also. Keychain flashlights are handy and can be kept in pockets as a backup, as they're only slightly larger than their battery. Sunscreen may also be a good idea. Remember...anything he doesn't need can be bartered to buddies who do.

[I got the rope]

NICE!! Wow that sure would have been nice to have.

I would send him some phone cards. I'm sure he has everything he needs for battle.

[Riley]

NICE!! Wow that sure would have been nice to have.

No joke. I remember the old M1 helmet and the Vietnam-era hard-plate body armor in the summer heat was just awful to have to run around in.

[Lurker]

The Corps will give him nothing but the best combat equipment, don't you worry.

I must concur with the other posters here. Send him the 'sundry' items. For $1500.00 you could make his platoon very, very popular over there.

What they don't need, they'll barter away.

L

[in the Arena]

Ping for some advice...

[Myrddin]

I purchased a Camelback with a cover that matched the desert cammys for my son before he went to Kuwait last year. The fresh socks and t-shirts request came after my son was on the ground. Making a phone call home was accomplished by finding someone with a sat phone and paying the guy about $2.50 per minute. The guys in the desert camps don't have easy access to a phone. Once my son was getting close to his return, he was on a base that had phone service...and hoses to wash him Hummer.

An AT&T phone card might be appreciated for the guys who can get to a landline. Make sure that it makes sense before sending it.

[E.Allen]

Coolmax is one of the brand names in polypropylene fabric shirts for wearing under ballistic vests, they are more comfortable, but expensive, about $25-$30 for a t-shirt. Most police vest suppliers carry them.