When it's packing time...

APFT shorts, shirts, jacket and pants
Army Combat Uniform, 2
Atrix Lapdock
Books, reference
Boots, Protected Toe
Boots, Temperate
Cigars
Knife, fixed, custom
Knife, folding, Spyderco Manix 2 Translucent
Laptop
Light, tactical, ElZetta
Light, red
Lotion, sun protective
Pants
Papers
Personal hygiene kit
Running shoes
Shirts, brown, t
Shirt, longsleeve, button-up
Socks, boot
Socks, white
Vitamins

What is this list? Well, if you haven't guessed, it's just some of the things I'm packing for my deployment. This is the part I really hate, arranging and guessing what's going to be most important and valuable in an environment in which I might have to carry everything I need for an extended period, and in which I will definitely have to move everything myself.

My job description includes travel to FOBs, so I bought a Maxpedition Doppleduffle from Optics Planet. I want a bag big enough to carry enough gear for a week or two, but still light enough to be portable. I also wanted a bag big enough to carry most of my gear until I get to Fort Benning, where I know I'll be issued a lot more gear. The LapDock I got in the hope that I can use it instead of my much heavier, bulkier laptop when I travel to the FOBs. Look for a review of the Doppleduffle in the future on Seek Cover.

I face this deployment with both trepidation and anticipation. I've been away from my civilian job for about a month now, and despite spending some of that time training in Battle Creek, I am eager to feel gainfully employed again, to feel useful. I also know that everything changes us. I hope I can successfully apply all my previous life lessons, and come back from this deployment as someone I like even better.

(And, Tamara, I'm sorry I didn't get to make it out to visit y'all in Broad Ripple. I'll make it a priority after I return.)