35 Things Every Service Member Needs for the Field as Told by Real Service Members

This post is in partnership with Gillette’s new SkinGuard razor –  new at Walmart today.

Your service member is headed out into the field and it looks like the entire military gear issuing office is located in your living room. No matter what their training mission might be, they will want to prepare and pack a few things for the field that will make things a little bit easier while they are “work camping.” These are things that have been suggested by actual service members who have been in the field for countless hours, days, weeks, and even months. They have found comfort and use in these lesser-known/not-on-your-gear list items while on a training mission.

Hygiene Items

Good Razors

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

Nothing is worse than being in the field, already exhausted and tired, and having to use a crappy old razor to try and shave your face, or find out that your electric razor’s batteries are dead. A good, reliable razor is something that every service member can depend on even when they have to shave out in the wilderness.

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

Gillette’s new SkinGuard razors help protect against razor burn for guys with sensitive skin – especially when shaving cream is at a premium in the outdoors. In between the blades is the SkinGuard which helps to prevent pulling and tugging like traditional razors, and minimizes irritation. SkinGuard cuts hair at the skin-level which means razor burn, bumps and irritation can be a thing of the past..

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

If your service member has sensitive skin, he may want to add the Gillette PURE Shave Gel and Cream to his morning routine. No matter if they are in the field, getting ready for the field, or just getting ready for work, a razor paired with a shave gel that protects them from knicks, cuts, and razor bumps is key. When they have to shave every single day, their skin gets irritated quickly but with PURE their sensitive skin can be protected.

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

PURE is made without dyes, parabens, alcohol, or sulfates meaning it’s perfect for those most sensitive of skin or for those who shave often and have irritated skin. Paired with the SkinGuard razors, these two items together make shaving in the field comfortable and smooth.

One service member says, “Shaving with just water while out in the field is rough. It hurts and can make for a painful day with sun, sand, and wind blowing stuff at you. This razor actually works, and the shave gel is easy to rinse off when I’m done. I don’t even feel like I need aftershave, which is helpful in the field- less stuff to pack in my pack.”

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

A good razor with a shave gel that protects throughout the day is key for a service member who is shaving in the field or even for everyday use. Both are available now at Wal-Mart.

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

SHOP:
SkinGuard Razors | PURE Shave Gel and Cream
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Other Hygiene Items

Your service member may be a tough military guy or girl, but when push comes to shove no one really likes to be dirty and stinky for days on end. Here are some other must-have hygiene items they might want to add to their packs:

  • Baby wipes
  • Cooling wipes
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Travel charcoal toothpaste
  • Toilet paper (trust us, they will want a roll)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Foot powder
  • Travel size deodorant
  • Ibuprofen
  • Hair conditioner (helps to remove camo paint)

Convieniece Items

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

There are some things that are necessary (see: gear list and hygiene kit) but there are other things that veteran service members mentioned that not everyone will think of when packing for the field. Here is a list of items that they might want to add to their pack to make life a little more bearable while out in the desert/forest/mountains/all of the above:

  • Biodegradable utensils- some MRE’s are missing utensils or you just need some extras for mixing your food. Biodegradable ones make them easy to toss without affecting the environment
  • Extra socks (always pack two more pairs than you think you will need)
  • Extra shirts
  • Headlamp (preferably one with multiple color settings like red and white)
  • Extra mesh bag to hold dirty clothes
  • Tabasco sauce (to spice things up when you get a gross MRE)
  • Candy (not every MRE gets the M&Ms or Skittles- have them pack their own for a little morale boost every once in awhile).
  • Gummy bears/gummy worms (they don’t melt as easily)
  • Lighter (you will need it even if you aren’t a smoker)
  • Gun tape or 50/50 cord
  • Small knife
  • Disposable heating packets for the winter
  • Jetboil
  • Instant coffee
  • Caffeine gum
  • Sunglasses- summer or winter, you will need them
  • Drink flavor packets

Tips for Field Exercises

So they’ve got their pack ready to go with all the essentials plus a few extra. But what about their actual stay in the field? Here are some tips that some service members suggested:

  • Don’t burn poison ivy or poison oak- the oil gets into the air, which you can breathe
  • Pack your pack the same way every single time so you know where everything is located which comes in especially handy in the dark
  • Waterproof everything- put all your things in plastic bags (phones, hygiene kit items, extra food items, socks, shirts, etc). “Nothing is worse than wet stuff” says a veteran Major in the United States Marine Corps.
  • Bring a notebook, pen, or pencils everywhere you go
  • Add carabiners to your flak
  • Hair conditioner works great for removing cami paint after you’re out of the field

As the military spouse you may not be the one going into the field, but you can bet your bottom dollar you will probably be helping your service member prepare for the field. Make your Wal-Mart runs with this list in hand even if they don’t ask for these specific items. Chances are they will thank you when they come home for having some of these things on hand.

WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on Meals That Motivate You to Cook While You’re Spouse is Gone

35 Things Every Service Member Needs For The Field As Told By Real Service Members

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Daily Mom Military
Daily Mom Militaryhttps://dailymom.com/category/for-military-life/
Daily Mom Military is a resource dedicated to serving the unique needs of military moms. Through our website, we provide comprehensive advice for all things concerning military lives and families. Our mission is to equip these incredible women with the necessary tools, resources, and community to navigate the challenges of military life. We understand the unique struggles and triumphs that come with being a military mom and strive to be a one-stop-shop for advice, tips, and support.

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