His NG unit has been called up. He's leaving in January, going to Fort Dix and points unknown.

In the spirit of the season, I'd like to get him something he could use over there.

Any ideas? Those of you who have been there, what would you suggest?

G

If he will be carrying an M4/16 get him a tactical sling.  VERY useful

Wiley X goggles

Invisible paint??
Pre-paid visit to an attorney for estate consultation??

A few suggestions:

Wiley-X sunglasses. If he wears glasses prescription lenses can be incorporated into the sunglasses....

Tac sling for his M4/M16

Dropleg holster for his M9.

CD player.

If not that you can send him regular packages consisting of batteries, junk food, plenty of drink-mix powder, porn, and other such goodies...

porn.

You know, porn crossed my mind, but I thought you couldn't send it over there. In fact they told him "no porn".

Seriously, thanks for the suggestions. I have something to work with at least.

G

Exactly.

That is precisely why it is so valuable.  Some ingeniously concealed porn would be invaluable to him.  Perhaps you could mail it ahead of him, mixed among local newspapers?  It is a gamble, but the worst that could happen is it gets thrown away and not to him - he won't get in trouble.

Otherwise, a nice GPS system would be great - but pricey.  Nearly evyone returning for R&R a few months back bought one for the rest of their stint.

One day Chicken Little was walking in the woods when -- KERPLUNK -- an acorn fell on her head.
"Oh my goodness!" said Chicken Little. "The sky is falling!.............................

From what I can tell from a friend who is over there in the 101st (infantry): portable DVD player, DVDs, reading material--books, magazines, anything, GPS, digital camera with plenty of memory cards, maybe a laptop computer.  In cooler months a camp stove would be useful for brewing coffee or making tea/hot chocolate.  For food they can buy some stuff at local PXs but things like jerky or canned oysters seem to be desired and not available locally.

A lot will depend on where they are stationed, what sorts of barracks and base they have etc.  I expect he won't actually get in-country until late Spring or early Summer, so facilies should be quite a bit better by then.  Some combat troops have decent barracks with AC, refigerators, generators, snack bar, computer room, etc.

GunLvr

Oh, that's hysterical. About as funny as a petrol bomb in your living room.

I read that handy wipes, AA batteries and Kotex are highly sought after. They use the Kotex under their helmut by the forehead for absorption to stop horrible rashes.

Buy him a sleeve of Skoal bandits or other Dip.  It's purported to be a top item for bartering.

Why don't you IM Freefall and ask him?

edited becasue since I quiet tobacco, I can't seem to spel (see)