When you’re in the military, you’ll be issued a wide range of gear and equipment, but those items aren’t your limits. You can often bring other items to make your operations more efficient or improve your quality of life while you’re away from home. Keep reading to learn more about the need for high-quality gear out in the field and what should be some of your first choices for building your personal field arsenal.

Why Service Members Need High-Quality Gear for Their Operations

When choosing gear or items to take with you out in the field, it’s important to make sure they have the quality necessary to withstand military operations. The military often involves engaging in operations in rigorous environments or being exposed to harsh elements. You don’t want to choose something fragile or poorly made that will fall apart at the first sign of trouble.

Instead, look for items that are made from high-quality materials or those that are tried and tested by other service members. You can easily find reviews for different products online to ensure what you’re getting has the durability to survive your operations and the features necessary to assist you in your work.

10 Must-Haves for All Service Members for Their Field Operations

The standard-issued gear from the military is great, but it doesn’t always cut it. Many service members choose to supplement their kits to make their lives easier or to be more efficient in their operations. We’ve collected some of the best items you should consider getting to enhance your work. While not every suggestion will apply to your unique applications, you can still use this list for inspiration, and you’re sure to find a gem or two for your upcoming field operation.

1. Multitools

Many service members add a multitool to their field kit, though there’s a lot of debate over which is the best. Regardless of what brand you choose, multitools can help you complete a wide range of tasks, including opening cans and MREs or maintaining equipment.

Since there is a wide range of multitools available, make sure to do your research. You don’t want to pick one that will just fall apart the first time you bring it out in the field. You can find recommendations online, but you can also talk to some of your fellow service members to learn what is popular among those in your unit.

2. First Aid Kits

It goes without saying that a first aid kit or medical bag is a must-have for any field operation. Medics will be on the field with you, but you’ll want to have your own set of supplies to handle smaller issues, such as scrapes, bumps, or cuts. You can find premade kits or make your own with a high-quality bag and the right selection of supplies.

When you’re stocking your first-aid kit, make sure you stock up on:

●Various gauze sizes

●Disposable sterile gloves

●Bandages

●Tweezers

●Antibiotic ointment

●Tourniquets

●Over-the-counter pain medications

You may never use your first aid kit, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Notebooks and Notebook Covers

When you’re in the military, it probably feels like you’re always taking notes, even when you’re out in the field. Many of these notes include critical information you’ll need to reference at different times in your operations, so it’s important to have an effective way to take notes and carry them with you.

When looking at notebooks and other admin accessories, make sure you choose something that can withstand the rigors of your military operations. A flimsy notebook or low-quality cover won’t do you much good for long. Instead, you can choose products made specifically for our service members, meaning they’ll be far more likely to hold up in your tougher operations.

4. Boots and Socks

When you join the military, you’ll be issued some standard boots, which are fine to start with. But, as footwear does, they’ll eventually be worn down over time, and you’ll need to replace them. When you’re choosing shoes, make sure they’re comfortable and capable of protecting your feet. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, exercising, and general moving, so your next pair of boots must be capable of withstanding the rigors of frequent, heavy-duty use.

On the same note as shoes, you’ll also want to bring some high-quality wool socks, usually multiple pairs. Good socks will help prevent blisters and provide a little extra ankle support while you’re engaged in your operations.

5. Durable Watch

If you don’t already have a watch, you should get one immediately. You’ll always need a way to tell time as the military prides itself on punctuality. You don’t want to just choose any old watch or a luxury watch. Instead, look for something durable enough to withstand your operations.

Once you find a good watch, you also want to find a good watch band. You can find watch bands to match the camos and colors specified in your specific branch’s regulations. If you look for watch bands made from high-quality materials, they’ll be more likely to hold up against the demands of your military applications.

6. Small Stoves

If you’re out in the field for multiple days at a time, you’ll start to miss a nice, warm meal. While you can’t cook in the field as you would in the kitchen, you can still get some decent meals using a small stove. You can even use these stoves as a source of additional warmth if you’re stuck in a cold environment.

However, you’ll want to keep in mind that not all missions will allow you to take small camping stoves with you. While you can take them with you to some deployments in inhospitable environments, some missions will have strict packing requirements you must follow.

7. Shaving Kits

The military has strict requirements and requires service members to keep a clean-shaven face. If your facial hair grows quickly and you’re stuck out on a mission, you could fail to meet regulations as your hair grows.

Rather than hoping your command will let it slide, consider adding a shaving kit to your arsenal. You can find kits specifically designed for shaving or toiletry bags that leave plenty of room for your shaving products and supplies. Having your shaving essentials on hand will make it easier to keep up with your appearance while you’re away from home for long periods.

8. Sewing Kits

You never know when your uniform or equipment might rip or tear when you’re on the go, especially if you’re engaged in tough missions or operations. You should keep a sewing kit in your arsenal to ensure you can address these issues before they become a bigger problem. Even a small tear can evolve into a bigger issue if the seams start to fall apart. A good sewing kit will have the items you need to make quick, temporary repairs, including needles, thread, buttons, and small scissors.

9. Rain Covers

When you’re on a mission, you never know what kind of weather conditions you might run into. Rain and stormy weather can quickly compromise the integrity of your gear if it’s not protected. Don’t leave your gear vulnerable while you’re on a mission. Instead, use a rain cover, which is designed to cover your bags and keep the interior safe from the elements.

10. Flashlights or Headlamps

You won’t always have access to a consistent light source when you’re out in the field, especially once the sun goes down. But just because the sun’s down doesn’t mean your work stops or that you don’t have things to do.

Make sure you’re not stumbling through the darkness blind and pack a flashlight or headlamp. A flashlight can help you target light to a specific area, even if it’s not right in front of you. A headlamp is worn on the front of your head, freeing up space in your hands and shining light in the direction you’re looking. A flashlight or headlamp is one of the most important things you can add to your arsenal when you’re preparing to head into the field.

The Different Bag Options for Storing Your Gear

Once you’ve collected your must-have field gear and helpful items, you’ll need an effective way to carry it all during your operations. You can choose from a wide range of bags and packs, such as:

●Assault packs: These packs are designed for specific applications in the military, and you’ll often assault packs on missions or operations that last between 24 to 72 hours, such as quick-strike or combat missions.

●Backpacks: You can take military backpacks with you out in the field, but you can also reuse them in various situations. Take them to work or on personal adventures once you’ve wrapped up your field operations.

●Rucksacks: You’ll use a rucksack if you need to carry a large amount of gear over long distances. These bags often have impressive storage capacities, and you’ll use them during specific training exercises or field missions.

●Bugout bags: When you’re preparing a bugout bag, it’s to prep for emergencies. You might pack a bugout bag to prepare for situations where you might need to leave quickly for multiple days at a time, such as combat operations or certain deployment situations.

●Organizers: If you’re carrying a large bag but want to keep some of your supplies organized and easily accessible, consider using an organizer. These smaller bags or pouches can fit in many bags and allow you to keep some of your gear separate from the rest of your supplies.

Choose MLC to Find the Bags and Accessories You Need for Your Operations

If you’re looking for a good place to get the gear and bags you need for your next field mission or military operation, consider choosing Military Luggage Company. We offer a comprehensive selection of bags, packs, cases, and other accessories to help you be successful in your operations. We personally vet each of our products to ensure they can withstand the rigors of various military applications.

You can get started by browsing our complete selection or sorting by color so you can find the specific color and camo match for your branch of the military. You can also contact us with any of your questions!