One of the guys in our extended family is deploying later this year to Afghanistan and I would like to get him some gear kind of to “support our troops” spirit but also to be useful when he comes back. He is big into the outdoors, shooting and hunting. He can afford pretty much what he wants for practical purposes so I was thinking of a couple of things he probably would not get for himself.
It sounds like there is no weapon related gear that is allowed or not already issued. He will not be in a combat unit and is an officer. I would like to get him something fun and useful but not scream poser/Rambo wannabe because he is definitely not that.
I’ve asked what he might need or want and he isn’t coming up with anything. He’s got the clothing, boots, being issued a rifle and pistol. One thing for certain, I want to get him gear that is near unbreakable, will not crap out on him and be useful overseas as well as at home. And if it anything that could save his ass in some manne r all the better, but comfort or sanity is good too.
A couple of ideas I have, maybe all three:
Bark River Bravo fixed blade knife (other?)
Zero Tolerance folder (suggestion on model or other brand?)
Surefire light (probably something that could be weapon mounted later but could also be pocket or pack carried)
Are those any good or are there other items guys deploying in non-combat roles would get more use and enjoyment from (he’s married so no Barbie blow up dolls!). I am figuring if I treat him well he will bring me back a Conex container of brass or something. Haha!
Thanks for any input, and thanks to all who have or are serving our country. I see the tip of the iceberg of sacrifices being made and I am humbled by all these fine young men and women. One nephew already came back pretty mangled from early Iraq. I hope this Afghanistan tour will be less harsh on this other young man.
I know the thing that I would grab for myself on my next deployment would be a good holster for the m9.
I made due with a shit awful px special outside the wire and a fobus paddle inside. My deployment was pre- seeing the light of quality kit.
He doesn’t need a concealment holster but a solid belt holster like a bladetech stingray with retention hood would be ideal, or similar safariland.
Good folding blade would be ideal too, I used a pocket knife every day I was over there.
Lights are easily available, think I was issued half a dozen different surefires while I was deployed.
ETA A good belt is a must in my opinion. Think Ares ranger or voland atlas. I picked up both in 1.75 in tan for uniform wear, also have the 1.5 atlas in black from every day wear.
He is a captain in some sort of base support job. Family is praying he never goes outside the wire of course, but who the heck knows what can happen over there. Those occasional shootings by Afghan soldiers on a base is kind of unnerving to his wife. I never thought of things like a good gun belt or M9 holster.
Thanks for the ideas, guys, please keep them coming. I’m thinking of spending $200 - $500. But if someone came up with a “must have” item costing $5,000 I would find a way to get it for him even if I have to pass the hat around the entire clan.
I would think he’d already have a headlamp. Any ideas on that OP? If not, they’re incredibly useful. A Safariland would be awesome too, keep him away from a SERPA or worse…
I’ve got a couple of Bark River Bravo-1 fixed blade knives, and can attest to their quality. Very usable blade, and at 4.25 inches, not difficult to carry. I also have a “Gunny” which is the same knife only smaller, and that would be nice too, but the larger blade may come in handy. Others to consider are the ESEE-4, and Fallkniven F1, or S1.
I like the ideas of a knife or multi-tool. A decent watch may also be a good gift depending on how much you want to spend. A G-Shock or better at least.
Yeap, this is what we sent our boy last year when he was in Afganiland. I sent him a couple of those 1 “AA” battery lights from Countycomm, a good Benchmade folder, and a bunch of AA batts and buttload of baby wipes.
Might I recommend a Petzl TacTikka? Some useful light modes, can’t lose the red filter, and very durable. Can withstand being headbutted into the ground (though my nose didn’t enjoy it).
A good multi tool is a great suggestion.
With your budget range I would get him a quality multi tool for sure a quality holster and a head lamp (even if he already has one).
Then as soon as you have a good address for him send off a nice care package.
A surefire light handheld, a pet lee headlamp with either a red or green lens, SF Batteries, and a Leatheman tool are all winners. Someone mentioned smart wool socks and those are a great idea as well! An external multi gig hard drive would be awesome too!
Awesome gesture! I gave my family member a multitool, a few comfort items and access to my Dropbox account to keep…um…occupied and sane. I just upload files for him to access and be up to date.