Packing List Manifesto Part I - The Mandatory
I get more than a few questions about packing list specifics from candidates preparing for SFAS. I’m a gear guy at heart and I have a knack for ‘gaming the system’, so I like to digest these sorts of topics with an eye towards maximizing opportunity and minimizing risk. Taken as onesies and twosies, the packing list items are just that, items. But if you can tweak enough of them in just the right ways, you can start to realize some cumulative gain. And some seemingly mundane choices can have big impacts later down the rabbit hole.
So, I thought that I would break down the packing list to help guys make the best decisions possible. And I can also save some effort and just point guys here instead of taking another lap around answering them individually. Where appropriate I’ve added an Amazon link for clarity, but I always encourage you to shop locally. That being said, there aren’t many local vendors that depend on your purchase of Q-tips, clothespins, or baby wipes. In these cases, it’s just easier to get them on Amazon and have them delivered. I also encourage you to buy American, but that’s becoming unobtanium for most things.
There are services that will provide you a curated and pre-packaged shipment with all of the items on the list. But they are expensive and many of the items are not the ones that I would select. So, I like to build my own and customize it as I go. There is just something to be said for knowing that everything is exactly as I want it. A peace of mind, which for me translates to a lower cognitive load. For this manifesto we’ll go line by line and I’ll add notes and links as appropriate.
First is the actual packing list layout event, aka the Shakedown. After the PRT, the class survivors will hold a massive formation and will be instructed to layout all of the items. In a large class this takes up over an acre of real estate. The Cadre will spread out and each cover a little section. Some Cadre are more direct and gruffer, while others are very laid back. There are many candidates that view this laid-back environment as an opportunity to sneak in contraband. Don’t be tempted. When you get caught with an unauthorized item after the Shakedown Amnesty it is grounds for immediate Involuntary Withdrawal. Immediate, no forgiveness, no mercy.
STUDENTS MUST BRING (5) COPIES OF THEIR ORDERS, (2) COPIES OF THE SFAS PHYSICAL, (1) COPY OF THE ERB/ORB, DEFENSE LANGUAGE APTITUDE BATTERY (DLAB) AND/OR TEST OF BASIC ADULT EDUCATION (TABE) IF APPLICABLE, ELECTRONIC PERSONNEL SECURITY QUESTIONNAIRE (EPSQ) HARDCOPY & DIGITAL
The first item on the list is your administrative paperwork. Be diligent and bring absolutely everything. An extra copy of each item is never a bad idea. I’ve seen more than a few guys sent home because they were missing stuff. I also recommend scanning everything and uploading to a digital drop box that you can access remotely. This way, if you lose your physical stuff, you can still get a copy. This paperwork will be checked before the shakedown as you in-process, but it will get called out for accountability during. Bring your stuff in a durable document folder that will help you stay organized and keep you from looking like a clown when you hand in a torn and dog-eared file. You will note that the packing list includes a copy of the signed packing list. I’ve never seen this get inspected, but Camp Mackall is an upside-down world and I’d hate to see a guy get dinged for such a simple thing.
IDENTIFICATION CARD (ID)
ID TAGS with Breakaway Chain (Medical Alert Tags or Bracelet if required)
Your ID card and ID Tags are self-explanatory, no nuance here.
Duffel Bag (green or brown clothing and sales/CIF issue only, no suitcases, no roller bags)
Just a standard top-loading duffel bags. Bring three total. One for your unauthorized items and two for your authorized items. They will be stuffed full, so I don’t recommend the bags with the zipper as I’ve seen these blowout way too many times, even if you bought it at MCS or were issued it. As you go through the shakedown and you identify an unauthorized item, you will place it in your duffel. The same goes for your authorized items in your two other duffels. You aren’t given lots of time to refold and neatly pack, so just stuff it in. You’ll have plenty of time to organize your gear later. When you’re done with the shakedown, you’ll have your three duffels and your ruck, if you brought one. More on this later. Take a four-foot length of gutted 550 cord and tie a loop. Store this cord in the little pocket on the side of the duffel and use this to girth hitch through the metal clasp and feed through the eyelets when you’re struggling to close a too-full bag. https://youtu.be/ucsrvevHH1M
OCP GARRISON UNIFORM (complete with patches, flag, rank, name tape, service, and cover)
This is just your standard uniform with all of your patches. This uniform will be worn during in and out processing.
CAP, OCP, MULTICAM (No rank, branch insignia, cat eyes, or other badges authorized)
TROUSERS, OCP, MULTICAM, jungle or desert uniforms are unauthorized ** SEE NOTE -1
COAT, OCP, MULTICAM, jungle or desert uniforms are unauthorized** SEE NOTE -1
These are your daily wear uniforms. I don’t recommend new uniforms and I wouldn’t bring my most comfy pajama uniforms as they likely won’t survive the abuse. I would bring at least four full sets and as many as eight (but you will be dealing with limited space in your duffel). Five or six is probably the sweet spot. Don’t bring anything but standard issue…no FRACUS, no Hot Weather, no unique issue that you got as a Group support guy. Just bring serviceable standard uniforms. Have the engineer tape sewn on as per the SOP (via the Milsuite site…shoulders and thighs).
UPDATE: The IHWCU (Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform) is authorized. The Jungle Uniform is not. There are multiple variations of the Jungle uniform that include improved venting, mesh inserts, wear point reinforcements, and pocket eliminations. Some of these variations closely resemble the IHWCU, so be cautious. None of the Jungle uniforms are authorized. None of the prototype uniforms are authorized. Just the standard issue and the IHWCU.
BOOTS (all boots IAW AR 670-1, no GORE-TEX, no Temperate Weather boots, no buckles)
Boots are one of the most discussed topics for SFAS, and rightfully so. Well-fitting boots are a must, and it can take months or even years to figure out your boot, sock, insole, and footcare combo. I have written extensively on this topic to include a fully updated and comprehensive foot prep section in the book. I recommend that you bring three pairs. Four pairs are probably overkill and unless you bring boots on the edge of their service life you are unlikely to need all four pairs. But bringing only two pairs seems to be inviting failure. So, three pairs seems an appropriate compromise. A quick meta-analysis of the most often cited “best boots for SFAS” seems to come down to these three:
But take some time to do the process described in the book so you can get this critical part of your prep correct.
DRAWERS, Cold Weather; Military issue Poly-Pro or Gen III, level-1-bottoms.
DRAWERS, Cold Weather; Military issue Poly-Pro or Gen III, level-2-bottoms.
UNDERSHIRT, Cold Weather; Military issue Poly-Pro or Gen III level-1-tops
UNDERSHIRT, Cold Weather; Military issue Poly-Pro or Gen III level-2-tops
Bring all of your cold-weather gear. Even in the warmer months it can be helpful to throw on a nice warm top after you’ve finished a grueling land nav day or team week iteration. You need to be thinking in terms of “supportive care” wherein you are the enfeebled patient. One item of kit that seems to have disappeared from the common vernacular are Break-Away Jakes. A common problem is the time that it takes to doff and don long underwear. You want your legs to be warm, but you never know how long you have to unlace your boots, take off your pants, change your long-johns, and get dressed again. Nobody wants to earn extra attention by holding up the mission with your constant costume changes, so you usually just suffer in cold silence. In the olden days you could take your issued poly-pro underwear (the old-school super thick and static charged kind) to a local sew shop and have them sew velcro along the outer leg seams so that you could doff and don without taking off your boots. It was most easily done just by dropping trou, but I’ve seen many guys pull them off fully dressed, even during movement. Some enterprising fella actually marketed these as “Break-Away Jakes”. They don’t seem to be on the market anymore and it’s a shame as they were vital snivel gear for many field soldiers. I would take some of my issued drawers and have them modified so I could enjoy warmth with the flexibility required of the environment. Snivel is a lifestyle.
GLOVES, Cold Weather (LEATHER GLOVES WITH INSERTS ONLY, NO GORTEX, O.R. GLOVES ETC)
Just bring your standard issue cold-weather gloves. You’re unlikely to use these, except maybe the inserts for comfort or light duty. There is a strict restriction on Goretex products, so just stay safe and bring the issued cold weather gloves.
WATCH CAP, Military issue Micro Fleece, military colors only
The watch cap is the unsung hero of the snivel world. Unassuming, compact, and infinitely warm. I still carry the same ultra-lightweight watch cap that I picked up almost 30 years ago. I always carry it in my left-hand pocket and it’s a staple of my performance gear. Even in warm weather its useful as it doubles as an impromptu hanky/sweat rag on many occasions. During land navigation movements you will often find yourself varying your pace based off of terrain and obstacles. If you are chugging along, generating heat, and you suddenly come to an unavoidable draw or you are slowing to plot your final attack azimuth you can preserve heat and remain comfortable (thus reducing cognitive load) if you slip on your watch cap. If you always carry it readily accessible, then it’s just a thing that you do as a matter of course. You will find yourself slipping it on and off throughout a movement without even thinking about it.
You’re authorized 2 x watch caps and 1 x neck gaiter. If you are looking to maximize efficiency I recommend thicker watch cap, a thinner watch cap, and a neck gaiter that can double as a cap. Microfleece is the way to go for your medium weight cap, something in the Polartec 100 range.
A cotton-poly blend is perfect for the lightweight cap. You are looking for soft, comfortable, and a little absorbent. This is less about “performance” and more about comfort. It should be almost loose, but not slouchy. I like this particular lightweight cap because it’s a good balance and all you have to do is snip off the tag and it looks like any other standard issue military cap. It’s the perfect cap to sleep in as well as it’s not too tight and its comfortable enough to be almost unnoticeable when your snuggled up in your sleeping bag or poncho liner. It’s also soft enough to be a good hanky without chafing your nose. It sounds whiney, but a soft snot rag when you catch the inevitable crud that makes its way through every class becomes much closer to mission essential than mission enhancing. We’ll cover the neck gaiter later.
UNDERWEAR, (Military color only, non-compression, no spandex, MUST BE COTTON ONLY)
You might think that an item as mundane as underwear wouldn’t warrant much discussion, but skivvies are perennially in the top 3 of items under constant deliberation. I think the bulk of this discussion is an attempt to manage monkey butt, the inevitable chaffing that can incapacitate many candidates. We can help manage this affliction with some proper lotion (and of course prep), which we’ll discuss later. Recent classes have become very strict with the underwear requirement. I recommend getting a pack of the issued brown tighties, just to check the block. Don’t try to game the system with spandex blend sport briefs and cutting the tag out. If they look, even remotely, like compression shorts then they won’t be allowed.
I’ve written quite a bit about compression shorts already but let me summarize my conclusion here. Compression shorts aren’t allowed because of 3 primary reasons: heat injury prevention, injury mitigation, and performance advantage. There is a whole story in my book about this topic so if you want more details go ahead and read through that. It’s a good illustration of the logic for the restriction. Ranger Panties (nobody calls them Ranger Shorts…they are Ranger Panties) are on the packing list and are great for loungewear, but they are not appropriate for underwear. The wicking and fast drying capability for Ranger Panties are nullified when you wear them under pants. And the idea of multiple layers of shorts balled up in my crotch just sounds self-defeating.
I’m a firm believer in eschewing underwear. You are assessing to become a Commando, you should just go Commando. Just like you need to prep your feet for the rigors of Selection, you also need to prep your undercarriage for a life of walking under load. First, lose weight. Fat guys have fat thighs. Monkey butt is not exclusive for the big guys, but it is certainly highly correlated. Next, spend some time learning what works best for you, powder or lube. Anti-Chafe, (Body Glide or Vasoline) is an authorized item so this might work for you. You should follow this up with your recovery treatment. You are also authorized Skin Care Lotion, small which is broadly authorizing for many types of lotions and treatments. More about this later. Finally, even though I likened grundle prep to foot prep, you should not anticipate curating any calluses or similar skin conditions. You are simply building the resiliency of that particularly sensitive skin. But, just like foot prep, it takes time. If you go Commando early and are deliberate in your prep, you can enjoy a lifetime of ‘brass balls’.
EYE GLASSES with retainer bands (military issued if required) NO TINT, NO TRANSITION LENSES
EYE PROTECTION APEL (Clear Lens only, with inserts if required)
Prescription eyeglasses are pretty self-explanatory, so I won’t belabor the point. But you should spend some time sorting out your eye pro. You will be required to wear it during land nav and this is probably a good thing. I’ve seen more than one candidate take a stick to the eye and get dropped, so an ounce of prevention here is a good thing. But you don’t want to be battling constantly fogging lenses, so a little test and evaluation is in order. Try your glasses under multiple conditions…hot, cold, dry, rainy, at night, with a hat. You don’t need expensive, and you don’t need ballistic. If it’s stupid and it works, then it’s not stupid. Done and done. I like these eye pro.
PT UNIFORM: Jacket, Pants, Long Sleeve Shirt, Short Sleeve Shirt, Shorts *(Complete)*
No explanation required. Just make certain to bring your complete PT uniform, regardless of the time of year that you attend.
SHOES, RUNNING
There seems to be some consternation over running shoes. I think that many of you may be overthinking this a touch. The most often asked question is choosing between trail shoes or road shoes. The routes that you will be running will be on a mix of hardball road, unimproved (gravel), and sand. Sometimes loose sand but the preponderance will be packed sand. You will not be running on trails per se, so you don’t really need a heavy lug sole with an aggressive tread. But you probably don’t want racing flats either. My advice is just to find the shoe that you like best for general purpose running. Even with this fairly milquetoast advice some guys want more. So here it is, my preferred running shoe is Inov-8. They seem to have the best toe-box configuration, the lacing seems just right, great support, and perfect blend of comfort and durability. If you’re not familiar with Inov-8, you might try the Roclite 275s or the F-Lite 230s.
SOCKS, Athletic
Any athletic sock that is AR 670-1 compliant. I wouldn’t get too cute here, just bring regular old socks. If you’ve read my stuff before then you know that I always endorse simple solutions, especially when it comes to foot care and socks. Multi-sock systems with a complex regimen simply don’t stand the test of time and are unsustainable. So don’t try to game the system with bringing specialized athletic socks and try wearing them with your boots. You may note that toe socks are forbidden for the boot socks, but no such restriction is levied for the athletic sock. Again, don’t get too cute. For running I prefer an ankle sock and I really like the toe socks. I don’t recall how I discovered these, but the Injinji is simply amazing…which goes against my just stated simple is better mantra. But these are pretty simple, and they work wonders, especially if you choose lighter weight (breathable) shoes. The Injinji is great because the little toe separations are ideal for managing the inevitable sand that migrates in (breathable shoes seem to invite sand) and in the Sandhills the sand is just par for the course. A 90-minute Zone 2 training session with a couple of strategically placed granules of sand is just torture. Don’t skimp and get the off-brand ones, just get one pair of the Injinji and try them out. Game changers. Now I’ve ruined regular socks for you…
BELT, Tan Non-Elastic (Rigger belts accepted)
A regular rigger belt is fine. You don’t need the retention d-ring or the extra durability, but the cheap belts always flex and bind so I never saw the utility in them. I wore the exact same OD Green Blackhawk rigger belt for 15 years and never had a single issue, so I never really thought much about belts. It likely saved my life once when it snatched me from the edge of a Chinook ramp during a particularly chaotic Host Nation infil, and that was enough for me. This was a US made belt before Blackhawk sent some production overseas, so buyer beware. I will say the belts that combine the retention D-ring and the buckle into a single piece of hardware are ill-advised. The combo hardware puts too much stress on itself and binds the wearer under tension. We actually did some significant quasi-scientific research and testing on different belt designs and the combo hardware is a poor design. Avoid them. If you’re looking for some drip you can get the Galco fancy leather belt, which seems to give so many guys the fizz, but not for Selection, and while it looks cool it doesn’t have the retention of the rigger belts.
T-SHIRTS, Short Sleeve, Sterile tan or OCP brown, issued cotton loose fitting
Just standard cotton shirts that aren’t even remotely compression fit. Lots of guys like a schmedium shirt. Don’t be one of those guys.
BOOT SOCKS, military colors only, no sock liners, no GORE-TEX, no waterproof socks, no toe socks
Here we go. Strap on your body armor, load your mags, and jock up…we’re about to do battle. I’ve only ever found one topic that garners more debate than socks, and that’s knives. For the record, the answer is Spyderco Military. But for socks, it’s all about test and evaluate. Individual preference. Needs of the user. I’ve written extensively on this topic before as a part of comprehensive foot prep and care. Regardless of how many times I stake my claim to the ‘let your freak flag fly’ refrain for socks, I get so many questions about what I prefer. So I’ll concede, here is my list and why in order of preference.
Thorlo, I’m a lifelong fan of Thorlo. Years ago, I met a Thorlo sales rep who set me up with a bunch of socks at a convention and those socks lasted me a decade of hard wear without a single issue. I still have some of them, 20 years later. I abused these socks in every way I could, and they simply performed. Flawlessly. I never had to deal with the replacements or any guarantees or any customer service because the socks just never quit. So, I’m a Thorlo fan. These are my favorites. I like the option of the calf compression, particularly if I’ve been on my feet for 10 or more hours, but I generally wear them folded over the top of my boot, so they stay up but let my legs breathe for heat management. But these seem to have just the right thickness so you could wear them up all the way and not get too overheated. But, I’m also not closeminded and I’m not immune to the relentless lobbying of the impassioned masses. So, I’ve been testing other brands over the past year. I’ve dropped a good chunk of change and tested them across a broad range of environs-- running, rucking, range work, casual, hot, cold, wet. I’ve been taking notes and charting performance and here are my frontrunners.
Fox River. I used to wear Fox River liners that were my go-to socks for jungle patrolling. Super lightweight and just enough to protect the foot and allow the jungle boots to drain. Nothing will test your kit quite like jungle patrolling. I’ve had some cheaper gear literally rot off my body in the hot, wet, dank jungle environ. So, I’m familiar with the brand and I’m confident in the quality. The pair that has become my favorite Fox River general purpose boot sock is the medium weight mid-calf. It doesn’t give you the compression option that an over the calf one might, but the Fox River over the calf compression version didn’t have the same cushioning that the mid-calf one does. Some guys swear by the compression version, but I needed more cushioning. One of the features that makes them ‘fatigue fighters’ is the breathability, but that sacrifices some cushioning. Get a pair of each and see what you think.
Finally, Darn Tough. Lots of guys fan-boy Darn Tough and a big part of that seems to be the replacement guarantee. I’m not sure that this is the endorsement that Darn Tough intended, because it is predicated on the fact that the sock must need replacing. But they have a good customer service reputation and that stands for something. I settled on the medium weigh mid-calf over the calf compression version for the opposite reasons as the Fox Rivers. The Darn Tough over the calf is really cushiony, but maybe too heavy. You can of course fold them down as I prefer but we’re slicing onions really thinly in these comparisons so minute details get noted.
That’s my list. You could get one of each to test them out and be out a little over 100 bucks. It’s not wasted money though, because the ‘losers’ of your experiments can just be a part of your garrison rotation. Once you figure out which sock you prefer, just invest in yourself, and get 10 pairs of the exact same sock. Keep them rotating through your line-up so they wear out evenly. You should be able to get a decade of service under all but the most extreme circumstances. You might also learn to properly launder and store them, which we’ll cover later in the manifesto.
HYDRATION SYSTEM Camelback 70-100oz (Carrier will not have clips or carabiners attached)
Just bring your issued Camelback, but there seems to be some diversity of what gets issued now. I prefer the ThermoBak with Crux Reservoir. Be certain to disconnect all of your grimlocs and carabiners. I still don’t have a good answer as to why these aren’t allowed, and I can’t seem to make sense of it. No cadre has been able to provide a cogent reason. Learn to pack your ruck so that your hydration bladder is on top, but not directly on top. You want to be able to quickly access it for refills, but you don’t want to burst it by resting a heavy apparatus on top of it. The next few items are on the authorized, but not mandatory portion of the packing list. I would definitely bring them. I include them here as a way of tying up the hydration discussion neatly.
Extra Bite Valve & Bladder for Hydration System
Make certain that you bring a bladder that matches your CamelBack. If you bring a shorty carrier, then bring a shorty bladder. You will note that only one additional bite valve and bladder is authorized. This bladder fits my recommended carrier.
2 Quart, Canteen Straws
Canteen straws are a great way to maximize the effectiveness of your hydration. The best canteen is your stomach (never ration water and never leave a water point without topping up). You will have two 2-quart canteens on your ruck. Following the mantra of 2 is 1 and 1 is none (which I always heard attributed as the Submariners Rule), you should bring 4 canteen straws.
HEADLAMP, Red/white lens capable (Must require AA / AAA batteries)
Strap in, no pun intended, for a lengthy diatribe on headlamps. There is some benefit to gaming this one a little bit. First, let’s recognize that when you are using your headlamp at SFAS it’s because you need to see some stuff. You aren’t worried about the tactical environment. You aren’t concerned about compromising the patrol during a map check. There is no assessment of the enemy situation and lines of sight. You need that light to see, likely a map or a negotiated route through constricted terrain. This is not the time for wavelength mitigation or candela moderation. If we were really concerned about these things we would not be using red light (read Jungle SNAFUs and Remedies by Kearny for a definitive discussion of this topic and many others). You shouldn’t be looking for that unique moonlight mode or tiny navigation lights. You need to see, so you should pick a headlamp for SFAS that prioritizes seeing. There is an entire sub-culture of Geardos that obsess over flashlights. I appreciate the passion, so I’ll try not to butcher this too much. Look for 5 features to guide your decision: lumens, candela, tint, strap, and user experience.
When measuring light, you should consider 2 key factors: candela and lumens. Lumens is a measurement of total light output from a device while candela is a measurement of how much of that light is travelling in a given direction. So, you could have a high-output lumen but if it isn’t focused at the target then it’s useless. Many lights will advertise/label lumens, but not candela. What this means is that you have to test the lights, preferably under the same conditions you’ll see at Camp Mackall. I’ve seen cheap no-name lights outperform brand name ones simply by refined reflector design.
Neither the lumen or candela matter much if your red lens is so darkly tinted that it unduly occludes your light to the point of detriment. This is where your tactical world clashes with your reality. Again, you aren’t concerned with giving away your position, you are concerned with seeing what you need to see. Pick a light that has the least restrictive red lens while still meeting the red lens requirement. I often counsel guys that the difference between a red lens and REDlens is about 50 meters. You’ll want that extra visibility. Most modern lights employ colored LEDs, so lens filters are a dying breed. The lesson still applies though, you have to check the light under your operating conditions.
The strap here is important, or as important as a detailed discussion of a headlamp strap can be. I always recommend a single strap. The lamps with the stabilizing strap over the crown of your head are good for stabilizing, which is why my running headlamp has one (I prefer this Petzl Duo S). But my field headlamps are a single strap. This way I can comfortably slide the headlamp to my neck without choking myself out. There it sits where I can use it for general lighting as needed or slip it back up to my head as required. The stabilizing strap prevents this modality.
There is also something to be said for a wide soft band that acts as a bit of a sweatband. I’ll confess that this is actually something that didn’t occur to me until I observed SFAS for a few classes. Many candidates would keep their headlamps on their head for this very reason. When I went to SFAS, in the Middle Ages, you weren’t even allowed to have the little clip on your mini-Maglite, and headlamps were nearly science fiction. I recall the feeling of supreme omnipotence when you splurged for the accessory kit. The Maglite was THE standard for lights, and my current EDC RovyVon Aurora A1 is infinitely better…and cheaper. I’ve got about a dozen of these awesome little lights stashed all over the place. So, I’m always open to new ideas and the sweatband headlamp strap is one that I’m open to accepting. You have to be careful to not violate the 3 Rules, but it’s a valid concept.
This may get a little touchy-feely here, but the final point to consider is the user experience. In the manly world of special operations, the idea of button-ology is usually scoffed at…until you start talking about gun accessories. Ask your average operator his thoughts about the Unity Tactical hot button and you’ll start to understand that smart people have opinions, and user experience, button placement, and ergonomics matters. This extends to headlamps. Combined with the fact that the headlamp resides mostly on your face where you can’t see it, where the buttons are and how they work matters. The Petzl E+LITE is a great example of good simple button-ology. The progressive rheostat switch is excellent, including the locking function. The only issue with the light is its low lumen/candela. It’s designed to be an emergency light, so for that function it is ideal, just not for SFAS.
I also like when a light defaults to turning on in redlight mode. I’ve always considered a white light AD (Accidental Discharge) nearly tantamount to a live-fire AD. I’ve seen too many compromises from a bad button UX design. Side Note: I’m a fan of rechargeable batteries whenever possible, but this simply isn’t tenable at SFAS. Dual use headlamps are available, but I’m focusing on standard batteries mostly.
Keeping all of these factors in mind, here is my go-to list.
Princeton Tec Remix – Bright, light, good UX. Starts in red mode.
Petzl Tatikka Core – Bright, light, includes rechargeable battery and is AAA compatible.
Black Diamond Storm 400 – Very bright, great UX, comfy band.
Here endeth the diatribe.
BATTERIES, AA and/or AAA cell (To sustain Headlamp for duration of course)
No discussion required, other than to say you might consider the higher output lithium batteries. I might default to simply bringing a larger quantity of quality name brand batteries as simply changing them out often.
GLOVES, Light duty work type, no GORE-TEX, subdued/military colors only, civilian gloves authorized
Back onto the soapbox we go. Gloves are quickly becoming the new socks and knives…guys are getting oddly territorial. I love it. I recall when your only options were nomex flight gloves (if you wore them rolled up with a hank of 550 cord looped through the roll you were immediately high speed) or plain-jane Mechanix gloves. Dive teams might dabble in some neoprene gloves, but they never translated to shooting well. And of course, the freefall guys favored the Neuman gloves…perfect for gripping their Krispy Kremes. Then came the Oakley Assault glove (they’ve changed the name since introducing them for liability reasons) and the gear queers went into their tizzy. There were the obvious copycats and more ‘advanced technology’ than you could ever want. But the glove game was forever changed and now there are more options than you could ever want. The best part is that along with all of the needless options (and of course many good ones) came better sizing selections. I’ve blown out so many fingertips prematurely because the gloves that fit my hand well never accommodated my fingers. Gloves that were long enough for my fingers were like wearing oven mitts they were so big. Now, I can find the perfect fit with any and all of the options that I want. It’s a buyer’s paradise.
The real issue here is that you don’t really need all of the options for SFAS. Dexterity isn’t really an issue either. Anytime that you need to do high-tactile work you can just pop them off. You just need protection. You want your gloves for land nav so you can preserve your hands from the ravages of the draws. If your hands get scraped up in Land Nav Week, they’ll likely be infected by Team Week when grip is at a premium. In Team Week your grip will fail, eventually. But good gloves can extend your grip and of course protect your skin. I’ve seen guys tear off nearly their entire palm without gloves.
Ideally, you would wear a set of Versa Gripps, but this would definitely draw some attention. Maybe a hybrid lifting glove like this would work, but the lack of protection for the full fingers is less than ideal. I’ve seen lots of guys slip an AA or AAA battery into the glove to create a little shelf, like the Versa Gripps, and many Cadre are ambivalent about it. I’ve also seen Cadre specifically forbid this practice, so proceed with caution. Gun to my head-had to choose-no waffling-safe bet, I would choose either the PIG FDT Delta+ or the Magpul Patrol. These are both good for shooting too.
This horse is well-beaten.
PENS
PENCILS
There is a deep micro-culture for pen enthusiasts, and they are supplied by a never-ending cornucopia of writing implement options. This is a rare case when I will encourage you to ignore those nerds. Pens and pencils are expendable items, and doubly so at SFAS. Just get a handful of clicky pens and mechanical pencils. I have a different take for alcohol markers that we’ll discuss later.
NOTEBOOK (Not larger than 4"x6") Sterile upon arrival, will be thrown away at the end of course
There is no discussion to be had here. This topic is not debatable. There is only one choice. The Rite in the Rain is the uncontested selection. Your only decision is what color you want to bring. Take some 100MPH tape and make a loop to stick a pen/pencil on the cover and be done with this decision.
RAZOR, Shaving non-electric
RAZOR, Blades
Just bring whatever razor that you’re using, unless you’re some hipster who uses a straight razor or some throwback 50’s safety razor. A couple of extra heads is fine. Or just grab a pack of these.
SEWING KIT military issue
This is a bit of a tough one for me because I’ve never been issued a sewing kit. I’ve never seen a sewing kit get issued. I don’t know of a non-commercial sewing kit in the inventory available for issue. I suppose they are referring to this fairly standard kit. Or maybe this one. But these things are junk. Have you ever tried to use the scissors that come in these things? Go ahead and cut a piece of thread and then try threading that through an eye of a needle. You’re better off chewing the thread. You could replace the standard scissors with a pair of these Fiskars, which you most definitely should. But what about your needles? How do you store them so they don’t get bent, dulled, or poke holes in your other stuff?
The point is that when you need a sewing kit it’s because your stuff is broken, and you need to fix it. You’re under some duress. Having a blown crotch in your pants isn’t life threatening, but you want to affect this repair as quickly and easily as possible. And we haven’t even addressed field repair to your kit. What happens if a seam on your ruck blows out and your gear is at risk of spilling out? Or a strap is coming loose? Shouldn’t your sewing kit include some heavier thread and bigger needles? Does that stuff come in those ‘military issued” kits? So yes, surprise-surprise, I have some thoughts on sewing kits.
I suppose that you could build your kit to your liking so long as it fits in a little zippered nylon pouch. So, form factor matters. I’ve built and refined my own sewing kit over the years, and I think I have it dialed in pretty well. I’ve used it dozens of times, so I know that it works. I sewed the pouch myself because I couldn’t find one that worked exactly like I wanted. Microbat Systems makes some super sexy pouches, but I struggle to drop $50+ for a simple pouch. Especially when there are much cheaper and just as good alternatives like this, this, and this for a fraction of the cost. My kit includes those Fiskars scissors, of course. I have an array of needles that are pre-threaded with high strength nylon thread, not that whisker thin cotton thread that comes standard. I have heavy-duty gear repair needles with ultra-strong cordage. And I store them in a hard container to protect them and my other gear. The extra thread is stored on plastic bobbins, as opposed the cardboard ones usually supplied in the commercial kits. That cardboard degrades way too quickly. I have a mini Bic lighter so I can sear the loose threads (nylon vs cotton!) and my kit includes some luminous tape and safety pins. You can get safety pins in a kit, and they’ll work just fine, but the best safety pins are scavenged from USGI Triangular Bandages. Each bandage is packaged with 2 pins and a sure way to judge someone is if they have a couple of them pinned inside their PC. Immediate credibility. Is it stupid? Yes. Is it accurate? Also, yes. Either way, the safety pins must be black…because that’s just the way these things work.
My sewing kit sits in my ruck in the same pouch as it always has. I know exactly where it is, and I know that it will work without fail every single time. That peace of mind helps reduce cognitive load. Reduced cognitive load helps me stay focused on critical field tasks. This is why gear matters. Buy good kit and you never have to think about it again. Plus, you’re not rich enough to buy cheap gear. Take some time to think through what you need, buy the right stuff, and move on to critical tasks free of the burden of crappy kit.
SHAVING CREAM
Get a non-foaming version. There is no real data to support this recommendation other than I’ve seen more than one can of foam get pierced and explode in a guy’s bag. It’s not common, but its catastrophic.
SHOES, Shower (any color, flip-flops only, no heel straps)
No Crocs. Just get a cheap pair of shower shoes. Throw them away when you leave Camp Mackall so you don’t get hemmed up for being Patient Zero when the contact tracing of the bacteria in the showers reveals you. Nasty stuff.
SHOWER SOAP
TOOTHBRUSH
TOOTHPASTE (Large Tube)
SHAMPOO (Large Bottle)
Whatever you got. You might consider an anti-bacterial shampoo/body wash.
TOWELS, Large (military/subdued color)
I strongly endorse the McNett Tactical microfiber towels. McNett quietly produces some top tier kit. Their MiraZyme gear deodorizer is awesome for de-funkifying all your gear without having is smell like Fabuloso…which is great, just not for your gear. The microfiber towels are super compact, dry really quickly, and dry you off really well. Anyone who has used a cheap towel that just pushes water around will appreciate these. A good buy.
SOAP, Laundry Liquid (Small/Medium Bottle, No Powder/Pods)
Only one choice here, Woolite Delicates. It’s specifically formulated to rinse out well, even in cold water. It actually cleans, unlike a lot of the biodegradable/natural backpacker specialty formulas. And the scent is very light. Just enough to cut through the funk. I’ve seen guys get contact dermatitis from using heavy-duty detergents and not being able to rinse it out adequately. Get this fru-fru option and be done with it.
WRISTWATCH (No GPS, altimiter, pedometer, compass or internet capability. May not have any more functions than regular time, world time, alarm, timer and stop watch)
I’m lifting this next section from a larger article that I did on Best Watches for SFAS. Self-plagiarizing if you will.
Lots of younger guys don’t wear watches and rely on their phones for timekeeping. This is pedestrian in my opinion, and not an option for SFAS. A watch is one of the three pieces of ‘jewelry’ that are appropriate for a proper man to wear. A watch, a wedding band, and a signet ring (to signal your membership in a secret society or such). The KIA/POW Memorial Bands are also acceptable, but only if you knew the memorialized or are otherwise connected. Anything else is just virtue signaling.
Everything that you do at SFAS is timed. Some timed events will happen without a watch, but most events require you to be a good time manager. A good time manager needs a good watch. Because so many guys don’t regularly wear a watch, they have questions about which is best for SFAS.
You have to be deliberate here, because you need some functionality, but many functions are unauthorized (altimeter, barometer, compass, pedometer, and of course GPS). I always recommend 3 key functions: a light, a timer, and a vibrating alarm. You need a light so you can check for time at night without pulling out a flashlight. You need a timer so you can time stuff…a countdown timer is ideal. You need an alarm so that you can reduce your cognitive load by outsourcing this mundane task. But a vibrating alarm is key; no need to announce to the world that you’re timing stuff.
A recent SFAS class had a whole team get IVWed for oversleeping…during Team Week. 20 days of performance wasted for the want of an alarm. I also recommend at my Land Nav Musters using the vibrating function to remind you to take in some calories. It’s also great for proper route management. Again, managing cognitive load.
So, I’ll recommend 3 watches. The first is a super affordable option, the Casio W735H. It’s not technically a G-Shock, but it’s pretty rugged. If you’re looking for an affordable option to fill-in for your tactical wrist computer then this a great choice. I think it’s on sale for less than $30 right now. If you want the confidence of a G-Shock, then the Casio GD350-1C is a solid choice. The world clock is cool for deployment, and it has all of the features I described above. It’s on sale for under $100 right now, and I’ve seen them on eBay for under $30. Buyer beware.
Some guys just don’t like the G-Shock styling so I’ll offer up this Timex Expedition. It looks a little more like a smartwatch (but none of the unauthorized features) and is still shock rated. It features a countdown timer and it vibrates.
So, get a watch (get two) and start using it during your prep so you can have the functionality all figured out before you get to Mackall.
For the record, I wear a Seiko Marinemaster Tuna Can in stainless. When I was deployed I wore a Nike Oregon (which someone stole in Afghanistan…fucking augmentees!) or my trusty Suunto X-Lander Aluminum that just recently shit the bed…I’m still in mourning. If anyone from Suunto is reading this, you could ease the pain of a disabled veteran with a little collaboration.
LAUNDRY BAG, Army Issue (Green or black from clothing and sales)
Just make sure that you write your name on it with permanent marker. It’s too easy to cut off a nametape. Write your name on all of your gear while you’re at it. Keep honest people honest. Yes, the list says clothing and sales…even Green Berets fuck stuff up once in a while.
DEODORANT
The list says deodorant, but I would suggest deodorant/anti-perspirant. If your feet start really falling apart, you can use this to keep your feet drier. Plus, nobody wants to smell your BO. I’ve seen guys take a hit on peer evals for having stank breath, so it stands to reason that nasty BO might have an impact too. You don’t need to smell like a French hooker, but it’s just common courtesy to remain inoffensive.
HYGIENE KIT BAG, SMALL
Notice the comma Small part here. I’ve seen guys unfurl these massive mobile surgery panels that rival field hospitals. First, they will likely make you dump the entire thing out during shakedown. Second, you have to haul that thing around with you. Third, you don’t look cool. Also, leave your aged buffalo leather swanky dopp kit at home. You’re not going on safari, you’re going to Selection. This TNF base camp bag is bombproof, just the right size, and will serve you for decades. Buy once, cry once.
MONEY, Cash (At least $75, but no more than $100)
Give all of those glittery singles back to your girlfriend. She knows what to do with them. Grab 4 x $20 and 2 x $10 dollar bills. Not too many to carry, but small enough to not require excessive change.
We’ll cover the rest if the list in future installments. Check back here soon.
