Martin Savidge: Packing for war

By Martin Savidge
CNN

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NORTHERN KUWAIT (CNN) -- The Marines were kind enough to drop me an e-mail with a list of what they think I might need when we eventually join them at the front.

The real term is "embedding." That's when a journalist lives with the troops as they do the thing they do.

The list makes interesting reading -- a mixture of the "same-old" helmet, body armor, sleeping bag and the new: the NBC (nuclear-biological-chemical) suit; the Atropine injectors, etc.

Of course, you have to have clothes. But the chem suits should make that load a little lighter.

My guess is we'll be wearing the chem suits a lot. All you need underneath is a T-shirt and running shorts ("skivvies"). So the daily question at the closet door -- "What am I going to wear today?" -- has been pretty much answered.

The Marines suggested plenty more items that make for a rather interesting shopping list.

For instance, a razor. Nothing weird about that, right? Well, yes and no. One needs to be clean-shaven these days, not just to look neat but also to allow for a good seal of the gas mask. (Got it.)

Baby wipes for bathing. (Check.)

A bottle of hand sanitizer. It's unclear whether the manufacturer lists anthrax as one of the bugs it handles. (Check.)

Laundry detergent. (Check.)

Trash bags, two. (Check.)

Well heck. I might as well just copy the list here.

Items in backpack
•	Trousers/Shirt, one set		•	Field mirror, one
•	Belt (as applies), one		•	Nail clippers, one
•	Undershirts, three		•	Extra eyeglasses, one
•	Underwear, three pairs		•	Gloves, one
•	Socks, cushioned sole, five pairs		•	Sleeping bag (w/ bivy sack), one
•	Long underwear, one pair		•	Entrenching tool (shovel), one
•	Knit watch cap, one		•	CamelBak, one
•	Towel, small, one		•	Funnel (for water)
•	Bath sponge, one		•	Sleeping pad, Isopore mat
•	Soap, antibacterial, one bar		•	Ear plugs, with case, one
•	Shaving cream, one can		•	Extra boot laces, one
•	Razor, one		•	Sunscreen, one
•	Disposable blades, 10		•	Insect repellent, one
•	Baby wipes, one package		•	Goggles/sunglasses, one
•	Hand sanitizer, one bottle		•	Gore-Tex jacket/trousers
•	Laundry detergent bottle, one		•	Two-man shelters (tent)
•	Waterproof bag, one		•	Prescription meds, 90 days
•	Trash bags, two		•	Doxycycline, Cipro, one
•	Shower shoes (aka "flip-flops")		•	Toilet paper, two rolls
•	Sewing kit, one		•	Neck scarf, bandana, one
•	Foot powder, one		•	Small day pack, one
•	Toothpaste, toothbrush, one

Items to be worn
•	Kevlar helmet (chin strap), one		•	MOPP suit (gloves in right pocket)
•	Undershirt, one		•	NBC booties, over field boots, one
•	Skivvies, one pair		•	M-40 Series field mask, filter
•	PT shorts, one		•	NBC meds: Atropine and 2PamCl
•	ID (left breast pocket), one set		•	M291 chemical decontamination kit
•	Socks, cushioned sole, one pair		•	Armor: body, upper torso, one
•	Boots (mark left w/ blood type)		•	Canteens w/ covers, NBC caps, two

First aid kit, one, contents:
•	Bandage, adhesive, 18		•	Chap stick, one
•	Bandage, gauze, one		•	Povidine-iodine solution, one
•	Bandage, muslin, one		•	Eye dressing, one
•	Bottle, snap-on, three		•	Bottle, water-purification tablets
•	Dressing, first aid, field, two		•	Wristwatch, one
•	Instruction card, one		•	Desert floppy cover (hat), one

And another thing ...

Now, on top of this we will have to carry camera gear and broadcasting equipment. Which brings me to the next mention on the list.

"Only bring what you can carry. Marines are light infantry and you must be prepared to go foot-mobile, carrying all of your equipment. (Check.)

For latest developments, see CNN.com's Iraq Tracker.

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