rivera

so, while i sit here, wasting away my time on the interwebs, charlie is in the bush.. getting stronger...

heh, who am i kidding?

but this vacation shit is getting pretty weak. i'm ready to go back to work.

so i started packing my gear for our thirty day field op, the last major training we get before we go carve out our new AO in trashcanistan.

flak and kevlar - check.
armor plates - check.
mag and grenade pouches - check.
drop pouch - check.
first aid kit (with tourniquets, heavy bandages, water purification tablets) - check.
two sets of desert MARPAT utilities - check.
boonie cover - check.
(6) pairs of skivie shirts - check.
(10) pairs of socks (five of them are white, but dont tell anybody) - check.
(5) pairs of skivie drawers - check.
issued coyote fleece - check.
issued neck gaiter and beanie - check.
gortex top and bottom - check.
black and green sleeping bags with compression and bivie sack - check.
camelback and two canteens with pouches and cup - check.
entrenching tool and pouch - check.
eye pro (goggles and glasses) - check.
issued coyote fleece gloves - check.
issued main pack - check.
issued woodland MARPAT tarp - check.
issued assault pack - check.
hygiene kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, razorblade with extra razors - check.
writing and note taking gear - check.
small red lens flashlight - check.

and then theres the shit they dont tell you to bring, but you will if you're smart, or an experienced salt dog like me.

personal cartridge belt - check.
personal compass and protractor - check.
map pens - check.
(24) AA batteries - check.
personal hand held GPS - check.
personal NVG attachments - check.
personal rifle sling - check.
personal rifle cleaning gear - check.
battle book with laminated, blank report forms - check.
personal binos - check.
personal nomex gloves - check.
fire starting kit - check.
emergency thermal blanket - check.
signal mirror - check.
(24) lithium 3 volt batteries for your PEQ-16 - check.
mutli tool leatherman - check.
150 feet of 550 cord - check.
roll of electrical tape - check.
small roll of duct tape - check.
cammie paint - check.
(2) personal coyote pouches to store all this extra shit that will get attached to your cartridge belt - check.
(2) 100 pack baby wipes - check.
(2) 8oz bottles of hand sanitizer - check.
foot powder - check.

and, uhhh... yeah. guess thats it.

this vacation better hurry up and get itself over with.