My cousin's son is in Afghanistan. I would like to send him some items for his rifle. What type of mags (20rd/30rd) Magpul ? rifle sling (one point/ three point) what brand ?, flash hiders (Vortex)?. What does he need weapon wise? Thanks for your service ad stay safe !!

The flash suppressor of choice would be the Smith Vortex but depending on his job his command may go bat shit crazy to any alteration to the mil weapon. Slings no problem they dont look at that the same way. If he smokes - smokeless tobacco chew or dip. There have been more than a few who have lit a cigarett and become a target for the snipers. Coolmax socks or really high quality hiking socks - foot care is very important. A&D diaper rash cream, And you will get some joy out of this one as will the guys he opens it around - the individual Always feminine wipe pre moistened like baby wipes but in individual packages. (there is nothing quite as funny as sending a bad ass a box of maxi pads - the shear joy his comrads get is well worth pain he suffers) throw in an unopened pack of baseball cards and look for things in the store that are new products that were not previously available when he left. Anything to remind him of home or a distraction like a sling shot or dominoes etc. He should have gun gear but throw in some cleaning supplies, if you want to afford it a solar battery charger and rechargable batteries. A small multi band radio could also be useful to pick up BBC news. American toilet paper - if they are in the field the TP in the MRE's leaves something to be desired. Immodium, Advil. There is a little teapot looking thing called a Netti pot that can be used to flush out your sinus - google it - this can knock the dust out and give a lot of relief. flavored coffee, just figure it out by what stuff you use during the week and picture yourself with none of it just mountains rocks MRE's Guns some ammo usually the wrong caliber and a lot of heavy crap to carry. There is a lot we take for granted like having a pillow and blanket and once you get past the basics you can get a five gallon bucket and lid from Menards and pack the stuff in that and tape it up. The bucket will be used as a washing machine, chair, means to carry items way to protect items in the bottom of the ruck sack from getting broken. He will soon be begging for another bucket. Pack heavy stuff in the flat rate mailing boxes from the post office and light stuff like chips in the bucket so that he gets chips not chip dust upon arrival. Pick up the Customs form at the post office before hand to have it filled out.

slidefire stock

Not to rain on your parade here, but what is his job? If he's doing combat patrol stuff then sure, rock on with the weapons stuff. If he's living FOBulously then he really doesn't need that stuff and he may be better off with something else. That said, when I was in Afghanistan, I loved getting stuff like Campbells Soup cups, Ramen, easy mac, stuff like that since we only had Afghan food or MRE's. Weapons stuff, I'll agree with the X300, I ran on one my M4 and SAW and it was great, ensure it's LED. Don't screw around with batteries, you can't ship them first of all, and second they should have plenty of CR-123's. Actually I take that back, we always needed AAA batteries for our head lamps. If he doesn't have one, get him a decent LED head lamp, don't go crazy with the Surefire one (unless you've got money to burn, then go nuts) just a 25 dollar Petzl will suffice.

If hes a grunt and doesnt have a good two point quick adjust sling get him a VTAC.

He should be provided a light and at least a PEQ-2 with his weapon so dont worry about that.

Bore snake.

Dont send any weapon parts they are all ITAR regulated and you would get yourself in trouble if caught. I think even magpul followers for regular magazines are ITAR controlled.

ETA: I second the Headlamp if he doesnt have one and the AAA batteries for it.

Dont count on it making it through customs. I had a couple of HK mags sent over with a care package, and when it got here the box had been cut open and mags removed. They never got sent home either

+1 to the diaper rash cream

On the topic of sendin things, does anyone know the regs for coming and going with personal armor and gear. Specifically for contractors or DoS guys?

Can anyone get me the address's for any of the bases in Afghanistan? Going to get a couple of care packages together with the kids this weekend and wnat to send them to the guys who need them the most. Also any other recommended items not included in the previous lists...thanks for all you guys do!

Great idea! Thanks for the info!