AudiMan

This is a serious question - so no pointless answers or comments please

My nephew (20) is off to do his first tour in Afganistan shortly, so a question to anyone who's been, is there anything which I could get him to take with him which would come in handy that the Army doesnt really provide? or if what they do provide is poor quality ??decent pair of gloves etc.. that sort of thing??

Sensible comments please - remember he's off to fight for his country.

Thanks

Ian..

Moz_Rb5

iTrader: (2)

i've been away a few times if he hasn't got one an external hard drive full of films, music and **** is a good start

Moz_Rb5

iTrader: (2)

decent pair of boots, camel pack etc work wise, ask him i'm sure he'll tell you what he needs still

AudiMan

Thanks chap,
I was thinking work wise - but wanted it to be a surprise - as this would indicate I'd done a bit of research, a true indication that we are thinking of him.

Thanks again for the suggestions so far - its a good start.

Moz_Rb5

iTrader: (2)

theres endless things, it depends what he does as well, a medic will have different needs to a foot soldier, would benice as a suprise but i'd ask so he gets something he really wants / needs

don't want to end up getting him something he already has

David Lock

Moz - can you point OP to any forums used by Afghan vets and newbies as that would be a good place to ask?

Audiman. Safe trip for your nephew

dl

mark type ra

Not done afgan but did do two tours of Iraq op telic 1 & 3

Helmet cam would be a nice gift there was a lot of moments that I wish I could of got on tape.

Plus as said you can't go wrong with **** lol

AndyBaker

This is an interesting thread as my son is going out shortly too - and I for one am absolutely ****ting myself. He says "dad it's what I signed up for" but he can't remember the night I held him for the first time and watched him start school and first driving lesson and blah blah blah. Anyway good luck to all the lads and lasses that get the call. Andy

Moz_Rb5

iTrader: (2)

mmmmm don't go on any really, there's ***** but it's full of p*ss takers, i think if they see you're genuine though i'm sure they'd help

http://www.*****.co.uk/

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

Do they have Mozzies out there? or a dust guard for his face?

AudiMan

Thanks for all the replies, that gives me lots to work with - although the best gift i'm sure would be a "get home safe" card !!

Respect to those who have been, and are going !! and ultimate respect for those that didnt make it back

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

What would be a good gift for a medic. I know a medic who is going out in a few weeks and it would be nice to surprise her.

wrx300scooby

Sorry mate no suggestions from me, just hope that he and all our lads and lasses get home safe

CHRIS_D

I've been twice, going again in November.

The issued kit is pretty good now, there isn't too much to ask for tbh.

Who is he with, what is he doing and where is he likely to go?

I can advise once I know answers to the above.

toon71

2 of my friends have just come back and both have said how quiet it is out there ..one who is a foot soldier had been there 5 months until he shot his rifle ...both said how boring it was ..so i'm sure your son will be fine ..

IWatkins

GoPro and make some funny vids.

AudiMan

Chris,
Intelligence - thats probably all I should say on a public forum.

thanks
Ian..

CHRIS_D

Find out where he's going to be based, if you don't already know. There's an int section in bastion and there'll be guys on the ground and FOBs too.

If based in a MOB like bastion, kandahar, lash, gereshk etc then he won't want for much. I didnt. Typical stuff squaddies appreciate is haribo, sweets, savouries etc but tbh the EFI sells all this. There's a US PX at both Bsn and Khdr too. It was nice to not have to buy toiletries, but they're available in the EFI if needed. I got magazines, books etc and people sent me the latest films or music on a DVD or memory stick (assuming he'll have a personal laptop).

Lip balm, moisturiser, wet wipes, shower gel, erm that kind of stuff. Razors are expensive in the EFI.

If he's in a more austere location, ie a FOB or PB then they'll appreciate anything tbh.

Either way, if you send foodstuff etc, send nothing with short sell by dates (parcels can take upto 4 weeks) and chocolate will melt.

Before hand, laptop, iPad/ipod decent headphones, decent gloves and a rigger belt (look in survival aids). A decent sized but compact portable HD. Portable speakers. TV dongle if MOB based.

Mobile phones are banned. As is alcohol. If you send the latter and its found, HE will be in the ****. Utube clips are funny but its not professional and lads can get into trouble for it, I know!

I appreciated joke stuff too, ie a mate sent a load of train spotter magazines etc and some kiddies shampoo. It all got used though.

We once got sent some small doggy chews, they looked like smartie sized chocolate brownies. We put them in a bowl on our counter and one of our construction contractors came in and helped himself. I've not laughed so hard in ages watching his expression.