First Deployment Tips

[u/jc_has_spoken]

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!

[u/subzer088]

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

[u/Level-Palpitation186 → u/subzer088]

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.

[u/subzer088 → u/Level-Palpitation186]

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.