Equipment

Ever wonder how much equipment it takes to deploy for 6 months?  This was not much fun to drag around.  Here's the equipment I brought with me: Lip balm, insect repellant, sunscreen, bath towels, wash cloths, nail clippers, permanent marker, laundry bag, t-shirts, undergarments, socks, AF PT uniforms, 2 pair of running shoes, 3 pairs of boots, cold weather inserts, shower shoes, ABU Blouse and trousers, ABU APECS Coat, belt with buckle, 2 patrol caps, 2 rolling duffle bags, 5 TSA approved pad locks, cold weather undershirts, long underwear, cold weather socks, ballistic eye-wear, fleece watch caps, name tapes, captain rank insignia, ABU fleece liner, 2 flashlights, leather work gloves, tactical gloves, cold weather gloves, web belt, hydration system, chemical warfare mask with filters, M4 Rifle, M9 Pistol, magazines and pouches, M9 Holster, M4 tactical sling, weapons carrying case, Airman Battle System - Ground, combat ear plugs, pillow, elbow pads, knee pads, advanced combat helmet, body armor, first aid kit, 6 month supply of medications, shaving kit, set of civilian clothes for travel, note-taking materials, notebook computer, Kindle, deployment folder, 2 sets of twin bed sheets, 2 reflective belts, airman's manual, 550 survival cord, face mask, weapons cleaning kit, auto-injector, iPhone, and a partidge in a pear tree.

Here's what the packing looked like before the bag

Here's what it look like after it was placed in bags

And this equipment was only part of my total baggage.  When I arrived at Manas AB, I got issued body armor, a kevlar helmet, chemical warfare gear, and a cold weather bag.  Also not shown in the picture is my M4 Rifle and M9 Pistol I had to bring.  All in all, I ended up dragging 2 rolling duffles, a gym bag, a gun case, 2 large bags, and the body armor and helmet.