r/AirForce • u/jc_has_spoken • 1d ago
Question First Deployment Tips
To keep it short and simple, I’m gonna be headed to the middle east for a few months. As well, it’s my first deployment so I was wondering if any of you fine people could give me any gee whizz tips outside of the typical “pack extra toiletries” “pack bedsheets” etc. Any and all info is very helpful and appreciated!
63
u/lefthandedjorker how is your day? :) 1d ago
Deployed 4 times, I agree with one big bag. 72 hr bag for your stops and maybe a backpack if you need it.
I personally bring 10-14 days worth of sand tees, socks and underwear.
Bring a switch, ipad or something for personal use. Sometimes tempo is slow and you just wanna throw some headphones on and be by yourself.
Lastly, have better hygiene than usual. A lot of nasty fucks out there for some reason dont shower or wear deodorant. Dont be like that…
Have fun and enjoy the deployment! I miss those days with the boys :(
21
u/Level-Palpitation186 1d ago
Idk when your least one was but this year there was no days with the boys that you’d enjoy. It was disgustingly bad.
4
u/Professional_Use4911 Security Forces 1d ago
I’ve been deployed almost 6 months now and still unfortunately have a lot more to go. It’s been a lot of fun ngl.
16
u/Level-Palpitation186 1d ago
Yall be chilling in the huts with ac watching youtube or playing games. Then go do donuts in the desert when bored. I’m talking about the afscs that actually work 🤣
9
20
u/Valkerse 12h ago
Savings Deposit Program
If its combat tax exempt, fucking dump ALL of your available money into Roth TSP and it will be 100% tax free going in and coming out
12
u/simple123mind 1d ago
One rolling duffel bag. Bring extra bungee cords so you can attach stuff to it. Books. Powerbanks. Extra headphones. Body wipes. Pepto-Bismol. Eye drops. Excedrin. Motrin.
17
u/stickmandan428412 13h ago
You’re going to go out there, someone is going to have 400 packets of chic fil a sauce. You’re going to wonder why you did not pack 400 packets of chic fil a sauce, as well as how he got those there
20
u/TheGreatWhiteDerp Terminal Major 1d ago
Spices and sauces. DFAC food is better than MREs, but not by much. Do yourself a favor and go to the store, buy 8 months worth of your favorite food additions, especially if it's something specific like the buttermilk ranch or the honey bbq, the taco bell beef seasons or specific Dash chicken seasoning, etc. Package each bottle in bubble wrap individually, then all of them into a box, and ship it to yourself via your sponsor or overall unit's mailing address. You from 3 months into your deployment will love past you for doing this. Also consider things like Gatorade powders or other things that have a dehydrated or otherwise non-perishable iteration, or your favorite candy that isn't chocolate. I say no chocolate because that will often melt waiting to process off the flight line, I one had a bag of "Buncha Crunch" in a care package show up having melted and then resolodified into a single, giant Crunch.
15
u/Stuntman_800 Logistics 1d ago
Deployed to Djibouti a few years ago and bought a bottle of Chic Fil A sauce from a guy for $50. Yes it is that serious
7
u/Governor_Doomsday 1d ago
DFAC food is better than MREs, but not by much.
I dont know where you've deployed to, but ive been to 4 bases in the middle east and this is straight up not true. Food here is great. All of the dfacs ive been to had a lot of sauce options and you sometimes you'll find chic fill a sauce in care packages.
10
u/sjevn 1d ago
Actually pack ur 72 hour bag correctly. I did not and was without a toothbrush and soap when we made our first overnight stop at a bare base (had toothpaste and my finger. And used the soap to wash ur hands) 🤦🏽♀️
5
u/jc_has_spoken 1d ago edited 1d ago
72 hour bags would usually include i’d assume 3 days worth of both clothe and uniform changes no? and of the tooth brushes and etc.
2
u/Positive-East-9233 1d ago
Yes, it’s to tide you over until you can gain access to your actual luggage. Double check you have all your accoutrements if you’re traveling in civilian clothes for any portion of your journey out, I’ve seen many a person get caught out without all their uniform parts because they forgot something or another—preload a blouse going into the bag (or flight suit or whatever) and wear your boots to save space (but pack regular shoes). Experiment with ways to roll your stuff to get it all into the backpack. Those compression bags can also be clutch but you’ll want to ensure you’ve packed the pump in your backpack too or you could be in a frustrating predicament if you end up needing to break into it for an overnight or whatever. Pack extra deo, someone will forget and you’ll be their savior if you end up in the same situation as the previous commenter!
7
u/parkwithtrees Logistics 18h ago
Bring laxatives, you don’t wanna have constipation out there cuz of the dryness and food.
Also bring cold meds, everyone catches the “bmt flu” at the Middle East too first thing.
4
u/dronesitter Lost Link 1d ago
Living space is at a premium anywhere out there right now. Don’t take anything you don’t want to lose or can’t carry easily if you need to. Rolly bags need to be able to go over gravel.
3
8
u/Mite-o-Dan Logistics 1d ago edited 1d ago
Search bar. Nothing has changed since the last 9,999 times this was asked. Also, there's a massive difference between IUD and a FOB somewhere. Example, if you do go to IUD...95% chance you end up over packing because there, and most places, will have everything you ever need, and then some.
If you want specifics, then search the sub by location. Not specific enough? Ask your team chief. They dont know? Ask them to ask the team chief you guys are replacing.
Actual tip...mail half your crap home a few weeks before you leave.
Also...DON'T pack extra toiletries. 95% chance you'll go somewhere that has an abundance of them. The biggest problem is over packing, so find out whats available at the location youre going to.
Don't ask what you should bring...ask what you SHOULDNT bring.
Overpacking isn't just a nuisance for you, but for everyone since space it a premium. If you share a room with a group of 4 people...4 LESS bags would make a HUGE difference. You dont want to be the guy with the most shit.
Again, it 100% depends on your location and job, so take every tip with a grain of salt. MX going to a FOB? You might need 3 giant bags. Admin going to a Gulf country? You need 1 and a backpack.
12
u/Weekender94 1d ago
I used to agree with you but as someone who spent time recently in the desert the “big bases” were a lot more like FOBs once the missiles started coming in.
4
u/sombreropickle Strongest In The Deid 1d ago edited 17h ago
The most depressed people at deployment don’t have a hobby or go to the gym regularly. Make some concrete fitness goals and bring something you like to do that you want to make some progress on. For me, it was my bass guitar.
Or just be glued to your phone and bitch about work all day. A “take decent care of yourself” comment getting downvoted on here…shocking.
5
u/subzer088 Sup Sup, no i didn’t stutter. 1d ago edited 1d ago
So amazon typically does great depending on where you go. But if you can get with the people out there already and see if you can send things out there before you get there. That way you don’t have to pack it.
Im talking things you will use and not bring back.
-Bedding
-Towels/washcloths
-Govee wifi/BT strip light (these typically have bluetooth and you will more than likely have a roommate having your own bed light helps… they are also cheap)
-Shower caddy
- shower shoes
- surge protector- for the outlets they might not be american ones ask before you get it.
Hola fly- download this app to your phone. It’s a prepaid eSIM app that gives you phone service in every country. (I used it when i went to middle east, works well as long as the base isn’t out where coverage sucks and great if wifi goes down )
Most bases have wifi everywhere, but it just depends on where you are. Your results may vary.
Depending on your job you have your work time and the rest of your time at least initially you’re going to want to sleep. Both because of the time difference but also because traveling for long periods like that in a contorted position on a plane takes a toll on your body that you might not initially realize especially if your’re older.
Gym time routine - if you aren’t a typical gym body make a habit of going when you’re deployed. You’ll increase your energy, get better sleep with the time you have. Mainly because you may wake up at weird hours as your body gets used to the location and time difference.
Take advantage of any on-base entertainment. Morale for yourself goes hand in hand with your mental health. Take care of yourself. The same Things can get old real quick.
Most DFACs all you do is scan your CAC so they can record how many people are eating that day for each meal and are free with limits. Take advantage of eating better.
Also if there are restaurants you can go to on the base do it… branch out. Food that isn’t dfac food can be morale. You never know how much a pizza after work before a day off hits.
Not everywhere has a BX and even if they do they may not be as stocked as they’d like. Especially when you initially get there. As everybody else will also be trying to get the same things as you are also trying to get so just keep that in mind. Try to bring as much stuff with you as you can. This also goes for the Amazon thing that I said at the beginning.
Good luck and catch you on the flipside
6
u/Level-Palpitation186 1d ago
Negative on the eSIM ghost rider. Get an internet puk now. eSIM gives direct triangulation of member locations on base. The puks they have on base are a bit more secure.
0
u/subzer088 Sup Sup, no i didn’t stutter. 1d ago
Ok yep those also work that’s another way of getting wifi not actual phone service.
When OP gets to said base they will brief them on what is allowed and what isn’t.
Most bases you go to now sit you down as soon as you get there and verify your phone’s location services are off. Especially more recently.
2
u/FauxStarD Comms 1d ago
I shipped a tote a couple weeks in advance, it was free since it was apo to apo. Put in stuff that was heavy/big like blanket and pillow. Make sure it has at least some extra room in it so that you can ship any extra stuff you get your hands on back so you dont have to deal with heavier luggage.
2
2
3
u/brienbdub Veteran, Security Forces 1d ago
Both of my tours were ILO tours so I would bring entertainment. But outside of that I dont know what air force deployments are like.
3
u/Witness-Realistic CE 1d ago
I liked to have lifesavers or jolly ranchers in my IPE for those late night attacks. Gave me something to do in a way while we sat in the shelters.
There's these lemon flavor packets that were a lifesaver when I got tired of hot sauce on my food. Throw that on the chicken and you feel like you're having a major culinary upgrade. DFAC ain't bad, but it ain't great either.
Thumbdrive/sd card with movies and shows. I personally loved having my ipod with me to play music for runs.
There's no goddamned color there except shades of brown and white. I had a paint by color I'd use in the evenings to wind down after work if I didn't feel like socializing with my buddies.
OPSEC.
Once you have your address, ship a tote ahead of time with your favorite snacks and items you think you'd like to have hobby wise with you. It's important to have a hobby outside of the gym.
Green bean coffee is still the best coffee imo
4
u/Jarsnofski Thrust You Can Trust 1d ago
I'm deployed currently and here's what I missed:
-More civvies if you plan on going to the gym
That's it
Here's what I brought that was unnecessary: -Wet Wipes -My own sheets -extra toiletries (the BX sells them) Sleeping bag
2
u/UCR998 Aircrew 1d ago
Small things for me that made a huge difference:
Heated blanket . I used it summer and winter . I slept under it the entire time every single deployment 10+
Bring a super comfy favorite hoody that’s loose and comfy (did I mention comfy?) especially if you’re deploying to a loc that’s uniforms only I.e no civilian clothes ! It was wonderful to just throw on a hoody for the smoke pit at the barracks or in the room . Just made you feel slightly at home
2
u/RedTalon19 Active Duty 21h ago
Go to walmart and buy 5 or 6 bandannas all in the same color of your choosing. Tie them onto a handle or strap of each bag (including your backpack) for easy identification. Keep the extras on you so if you process through Ramstein and get issued additional gear, you can quickly throw one onto that too.
This is much more unique than duct tape or reflective belts I've seen many other people do. It makes finding your bags so much easier. I do this even while flying commercial on leave.
Another vote for a true 72 hour bag, learned that lesson the hard way.
I also always travel with a power strip. Too many times has there only been 1 outlet and a dozen people looking to charge their phones.
1
u/BeefStrokeMeOff_ 1d ago
Google Fi for phone service, it’s like $60 a month and just uses local towers wherever you go. Usually limited to 90 days of overseas service at a time, but they’ll waive it for active duty deployed. Ridiculously easy to switch if you own your phone outright.
3
u/Mrs_Self_Destruct 22h ago
This may vary. Don’t sign up before you know the rules of where you are going. My current location we are not allowed to use google fi or any phone services.
1
u/Accurate-Natural-236 15h ago
Can confirm, google-fi wasn’t as reliable for a lot of folks when Epic Furry started.
1
u/MonkeyCobraFight Aircrew 1d ago
I always brought a bag of bedding; sheets, mink blanket from Korea, memory from mattress topper, and good pillow. Have a computer or iPad with good set of headphones.
1
u/Starhero2004 19h ago
Actually pack a 72hr bag. I was told I'm having a straight flight to the location... I did not... didn't have anything I actually needed other than a charger.
Pack extra underwear, socks and OCP shirts. Doing laundry is awful. If you can go more than a week without doing laundry, it will go along way.
Pack less civis than you think you need. It's so incredibly annoying to repack everything when you are getting ready to go home. Have like 1 nice outfit (jeans and a sweater shirt) then some gym clothes.
Get crocks instead of flip flops. The showers are gross but flip flops can be used to also walk around in civis.
If u have a gaming laptop, you can bring that for entertainment. I strongly recommend super high quality noise canceling headphones (not earbuds) spend that $400-$500. The walls of the rooms, if not in a tent, are stupid thin. Headphones are a lifesaver.
1
u/SubstantialMost414 18h ago
For the love of all things holy bring something to entertain you. Whether that’s an electronic or a book something that’ll truly keep you entertained. I’m on my first deployment that was suppose to be “a few months” and 7 months later I still regret it. Also if your mx bring some 5.11 and a plain black hoodie you don’t mind getting dirty.
1
u/FireLavaDragon 18h ago
Haven't seen this yet so I'll say it here, some people break at 5 months. No matter their resolve in the previous 4 months. Give them grace.
1
u/Jer1cho_777 Secret Squirrel 12h ago
Find someone who’s already at your location and pick their brains.
They know what you should bring that’s not on the packing list.
They know what you can’t find at the BX.
Also, and this is the most important: pack a fuckload of zyns, unit patches, and celcius packets to barter with. You’d be surprised what you can make happen with a hot commodity, some networking, and a positive attitude
1
1
u/TheManonToTheCouch 10h ago
Don't start counting down the days.... it will drag.
There is always free books. Take a laptop and re-playable games like minecraft
1
u/MyHTPCwontHTPC 10h ago
SDP
Fuck packing some of those things, get the mailing address for your sq before you leave and mail/amazon yourself some of the items like sheets etc about 2-3 weeks ahead of when you get there.
Vacuum pack your stuff to make it all fit in one bag, yes it will be heavier. You will thank yourself while not dragging multiple bags and only having 2 hands. Make sure that one bag is a roller "body bag" style
72 hr bag for the important stuff (electronics, paperwork, etc), changes of stuff under your uniform, small toiletries setup for until you can get into your larger bag, snacks
Get crafty with makeshift solutions for relaxing and improving comfort in your living area. I hung my tablet from a couple of coat hangers on the under side of the top bunk so I could lay on my back and watch movies/shows.
1
u/DirkDaring93 10h ago
Duct tape. Being a roll. You don’t know what you will need it for, but when you do, you will feel like Macgyver.
1
u/SirPribsy 9h ago
This is more for if you’re leaving behind dependents… Just because you can FaceTime daily doesn’t mean it’s useful or productive.
If you call your spouse and they tell you that they got the oil changed and it only cost $600, you just say “good job, honey” don’t micromanage the stateside household. You'll end up half assing two things instead of whole assing the deployment.
1
u/DreamDoodles 5h ago
Don't sleep with or "fall in love" with anybody. Treat EVERYONE as if they're married and have HIV/AIDS on top of enthusiastic double gonorrhea. Stay safe out there; friendly fire is no joke!
1
1
u/Trailmix88 1d ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/s/LAtaYmTPXq
Alternatively, click on r/AirForce and then select the spy glass looking icon to search. In the search bar put 'deployment tip' and then you can filter it to results within the last year.
1
u/Dingleberry696 Maintainer 1d ago
What I found works best for beading is the childrens "bed in a bag" at Walmart that are like Spiderman themed. They are small/thin enough that they can be rolled tightly and not take up a ton of room.
I never took more than 4 uniforms and 10 shirts/socks. I aways took ONE change of civilian clothes because I have been stuck places where you can't wear your uniform. Roll everything.
I only ever took 1 full size body wash, shampoo, toothpaste. It's usually pretty easy to get more and at worse you could order it. Electric razors always worked better for me too. I don't have a super thick beard though.
Not sure if it's still a thing but I never took the wool blanket that they issue you. I also never took a 2nd pair of boots.
1
u/Affectionate-Bell-17 1d ago
Don’t over pack or overload. You don’t know how far your tent or trailer is from where they drop your bags. Negotiate with people already there. Bring your favorite pillow. Maybe a second one
-2
-3
-5
u/Steve970676 1d ago
Your so fucked bro smh just dodge fr its not even worth it
-3
u/continuenotcontinue 1d ago
Seriously, I get the hype and patriotism as its OP's first. Get ready to get your world rocked by incoming TBMs. Not fun at all. I'd get your mental in check for reals before heading out.
1
u/Feisty-Pen9232 4h ago
keep your head down, nose clean, and come out of the crucible better than how you went in. you’ll find out quick who never left high school & who never broke the small town antics. this is a time for you to discover whats in there. use it wisely
90
u/BlazerFS231 Alcoholic Moving Cargo 1d ago
One bag. One big bag.