[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.

[wingnutx]

How to send a care package

As for armor, the new USGI stuff is fantastic.

[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.

[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.

[Gunrunner2]

Toilet paper. . .rolls of it. The stuff they put in the mRE pack just doesn't cut it. Send the good stuff.

Nothing salty, as he is heading into the hot months and salty snacks/foods are a no-go.

[msdrby]

ping

[300winmag]

We're also a small group of freepers who do troop-support work, and also on a vey limited budget. We really can't afford big-ticket items, but there's lots of little things that mean a lot to the troops, and many have been mentioned here.

One thing not mentioned that all troops can use is a good pocket knife, with emphasis on good. I stumbled onto a great deal on this little beaut, and it has proved to be well-received by the troops. I personally inspect every knife, and hone it, before sending, because I want to put my best effort into something with the Hobbit Hole's name on it.

Another amazingly handy item are $3 EMT shears. One gets sent with each knife. They're good enough to cut seat belts, webbing, wire, and even thin metal. And at $3, if they're lost or broken, no big deal.

If anybody here is interested in our knives, freepmail me. You can either send me an APO, or I can mail them to you, to send to your troops. This is just one phase of the Hobbit Hole's efforts, which also include the tradtional goodies, socks, flashlights (cheap laser pointers are used as directional signals, and for pointing out stuff in the dark), and lots of love and prayers.

But if pocket knives for the troops interest you, please freepmail me.

[g'nad]

socks... good socks... Thorlo's are the best, I swear by them... the Hobbit Hole got a special deal from Thorlo by calling the company and telling them we were sending them to the troops...

powdered graphite, to lube his weapon without gumming it up with grit... it will save a life... most hardware and automotive stores carry it...

a Hobbit Hole knife and shears, courtesy of 300winmag...

phone cards... gator aid... beef jerky... tobacco...

everything else he needs, the Corps will give him...