Packing Without A Suitcase

Living across the country from my wife, I have become an expert at living out of a suitcase. I have perfected packing five days of clothes, 2 pairs of shoes, and a bottle of wine into the smallest space possible. There are no suitcases on this trip though. I get one ruck sack and one army size duffle bag on the plane.

I set out this week to determine just how much stuff I am taking to Afghanistan. I wanted to know what exactly I will attempt to survive on for 9 months. Here's what it came down to.

• 130 Lbs combat gear
• 5 Sets of various uniforms and accessories
• 20 T Shirts
• 5 Pairs of boots--1 additional pair of shoes
• 25 Pairs of socks
• 80 batteries of various sizes
• 7 Tubes of toothpaste
• 18 Razors--4 separate hygiene kits
• 1 Laptop

I have spent the last week trying to figure out how to make all of this fit into two bags. It has been a process that has been aborted and restarted no less than 5 times. My bags are literally busting at the seams. It is remarkable to think about how much goes into making this deployment happen for just one soldier, then multiply it by the number of soldiers in my unit, and go up to the big army level...it's astonishing!

So packing is coming to an end. I am moving personal belongings into a storage facility nearby today. In the span of 96 hours I will have gone from living in a comfortably furnished barracks room with full amenities to living out of a ruck sack in a tent for nine months. I am taking along a few photographs and reminders of home...that is, if I can find a spot for them!

Until next time...

Chris