Please note: this list is NOT intended to be definitive; please
contact your recruiter for additional items that they recommend.
Packing Topics:
Packing Notes
Double check with your recruiter for your individual situation for
the following:
- Is camouflage or military clothing allowed?
Generally speaking, the answers I've heard so far are
a resounding NO.
- Is "body armor" provided?
yes; all safety gear except steel-toed boots is usually
provided; however, if in doubt, ask.
- How much should I bring?
For our situation, clothes was 2 full weeks worth,
&supplies like toothpaste were at least enough for 30 days;
- How should I pack?
Because one piece of your luggage may travel separately from you,
you may wish to split the contents of your bags in half - i.e.
half your shirts in each piece of baggage, half your socks, etc.
Also, don't forget about weight limits.
- Is there electricity available,what type of voltage
and is it generally available for the contractor's personal
use (as opposed to "business only" use)?
You may or may not have electricity, depending on where you are
based. Our particular employer indicated that all razors, etc.
be non-electric. (See note about electric converters under
Other below)
Packing &Traveling Tips
- Do not bring anything that comes in an arisol can -
airplane cargo holds are not presurized and can cause them to explode.
In addition, high summer temperatures may also cause them to explode.
- put "spillables" in zip-lock bags
- sign up for a "Frequent Flier" card from the airline
that you will be using - even if you don't use the miles yourself,
you could donate them to help bring soldiers home.
Not Generally Allowed
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- Alcohol
- Weapons and Firearms of any type
- Large bladed knives
- Pornography
- Pork Products
Clothing
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For our particular situation, we were told to bring two full weeks
of clothing.
- shoes
- steel-toed boots (two pairs, if you can, so one can air out
while you're wearing one; helps to prevent athlete's foot)
- winter clothes, such as jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, etc.
- socks
- underwear
- Belt - My husband said to send him a belt as "you will
loose weight with the food they serve you"
- long sleeved cotton or flannel shirts
My husband says he wears the lightweight long sleeve t-shirts
all the time, since they protect from the sun and the blowing sand
- short sleeved cotton or flannel shirts
My husband says he wears short sleeved stuff after hours, but
not for work
- sweatshirts (we were advised not to bring sweaters
as they will be destroyed in the laundry)
- bathrobe & shower shoes
My husband laughed at the bathrobe thing; he just brings clean
shorts and t-shirt with him to the shower - but he does recommend
good shower shoes
Health & Hygiene
For our particular situation, we were told to bring a 30 day supply
of regular supplies, SIX MONTHS supply of prescription
medication and SIX MONTHS supply of prescription contacts
- NON-electric razors
- NON-arisol shaving cream
- styptic pencil
- soap, shampoo, hand lotion
- feminine products (if applicable)
- eye drops (the type that mimic natural tears)
- hydrogen peroxide (for cleaning minor cuts & scrapes)
- nasal spray
- unbreakable mirror
- sewing kit
- comb
- nail clippers
- foot powder
- body powder
- chapstick, lip balm or other lip protection
- sun screen
- insect repellant
- zip-lock bags
- towels
- wash rags
- vitamin C drops & hard candy (the powdery dust is
everywhere and this helps keep your throat wet)
Luggage
We were told to use durable, lockable luggage.
- Check with your recruiter for quantity, size & weight limits
- Make sure that you have combination or key locks for it
- If you use a "key" lock, string a spare through your
boot lace
Paperwork
These are some of the things you will probably need to bring with
you. Many of these things you will need to "keep on your person
". You may wish to keep a separate color copy of your passport picture
page and driver's license in your luggage or some other secure place
in case the originals are lost or destroyed. This will help make
getting them replaced easier. You may also wish to leave copies with
your emergency contacts back in the US.
In addition, there may be other paperwork the the company gives
you. You may wish to bring a folder, manila envelope, binder or
other such item to keep them organized and in one place.
- Your passport. (For more information on passports, visit
http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html)
- Driver's License
- Insurance cards
- Business sized card with your emergency contacts
- Contract
- Benefits package
- Copies of Healthcare Power of Attorney, Will or other such
legal documents
Other
- Power adapters and converters
- The power at the camp where my husband is stationed is 220
- The converters can be found in the travel section of
Wal-Mart and convert from 220 to 110 - make sure it says
it's a converter and not an adapter
- The adapters convert our style of plug to the round
two prong version used in Europe and the Middle East
- A regular power strip with surge protector connected to a
110 converter will allow you to use the rest of your
US stuff with only one adapter
- 32 oz Insulated Cup with Lid (to prevent dust from getting
in your drink)
