In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit? +Pics

[leonidas]

Hey guys,

My unit and I just got to Afghanistan not too long ago. I'm in a PSD/CON OPs section. Some of my guys were not issued adequate or incomplete weapons cleaning kits. The supply section is out and told them they are SOL. So we do share but everyone should have the proper gear in my opinion. If anyone has a cleaning kit that they don't need for a M4, M9, or 240B, just PM me and I can give you my address. And if anyone has some high-speed M9 holsters that they would give up or quality mag pouches (M4 or M9) they would definitely get used. The M9 holsters we were issued are terrible, it takes about 10 seconds to draw your pistol. I know a lot of people on here know how much quality gear is appreciated.

Anything will help. Thanks in advance.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Another case of a piss poor unit commander not getting what the troops need before they left.
PM me your address and I will send a message to a friend in upstate NY who manufactures the stuff you are asking for. They own a litte company called Otis or something, but I can't quite remember teh exact name.

 

[Alaskaman11]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

That's a damn shame, you guys should have everything under the sun that you need and much of what you want. This crap of making due is a nogo!

 

[shootist2004]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

we just gave $400,000,000 to Hamas but we dont have money for cleaning kits........sounds about right...............

 

[leonidas]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Yeah I spent a couple hundred dollars on quality gear before coming, e.i. Otis cleaning kit, Safariland hoster, Vickers sling, etc. I just don't want to tell my guys they have to go spend a bunch of money on good gear because the man has his monetary priorities in the wrong places some times. I'm trying not to bitch too much though, I remember my first deployment in Iraq in '03.

 

[UKDslayer]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist2004</div><div class="ubbcode-body">we just gave $400,000,000 to Hamas but we dont have money for cleaning kits........sounds about right...............
</div></div>

"We" didn't, Hillary did...

 

[Kells81]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

You try the PX? Pheonix had a bunch of Otis kits when I was there the other day. I am not sure where you are at here but I have been to 3x PX's here in country and all 3 were stocked way better than the ones I went to in Iraq short of the liberty PX>

Not the free solution but its the right now solution. I have been waiting for a box since I got here I am told mail takes almost 2 weeks depending on location..

 

[KYS]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

PM me your address to send the cleaning kits. My shop that I use can ask Otis for cleaning kits for our CCDW instructors. They usually send a few for free. PM me and we can talk numbers.


Its the least we can do for you all. But I agree, we can spend million on a tank but not $30.00 a soldier for a decent cleaning kit.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

I have an older, LIKE NEW M9 holster - say the word and I'll send it and some cleaning supplies.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

I sent Otis an e-mail yesterday reminding them that they squared my old unit up when we went. They sent enough stuff to outfit the company along with the right paper advertising to hand to the supply chain and the Command group. After that we had cases of the stuff to refit and one per Soldier that was ordered through the system or direct from Otis. For Otis it is a win win situation because sending stuff out always gets an order for enough to fit the unit

 

[KYS]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Ive got him 5 Otis cleaning kits coming. I talked with my local shop. They owed me a favor and threw in one for free. I am sending them out tomorrow via USPS!!

 

[Victory]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Thanks for supporting the guys in the field KY.

I am sure they will appreciate it.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

I have one New Unused Otis kit to give to someone, but since it says'SNIPER' on it I wil not hand it to anyone but a guy who has earned his Hog's Tooth. I have held onto it since OEF VII for that very reason

 

[leonidas]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Thanks for helping out guys. It will be like christmas when those kits show up, we definitely will use them!

Worked on getting a bug out bag ready for my truck today. Supplies are limited, but if anyone has any good ideas as for items to add let me know. So far I have:

1 Extra radio that gets changed out everyday
1 Frag Grenade
2 Smoke Grenades
1 Stun Grenade
1 LZ Signal Panel
3 Loaded rifle mags
2 Loaded pistol mags
3 Chem sticks
1 extra flashlight
Extra flashlight batteries
1 Map
3 IR strobes + Batteries
1 Extra Tourniquet, working on more medical supplies

Thats all I can remember for now.

Well, I thank you all that are helping me out with the cleaning kits. Here are some pictures from weapons zero confirmation range day.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

That looks like a pretty good bugout bag. I always broke it down like this:

1. What do I need to handle a medical emergency and there's no medic?
2. What do I need to ensure good coms?
3. What will get us back to base if the SHTF?
4. What will I need to fight if we're pinned down?

You've got #4 pretty much covered, so long as you've got a basic maintenance kit for your crew served guns and SAW.

I addressed #1 by looking at my own med skill. I always had three or four tourniquets and extra coagulant. If you've done CLS or TCCC, then you should have an IV kit. I only carried an extra bag or two of saline. Leave the blood volumizers to the medics. I had a splint as well, but it never left its wrapper. Also, I kept a few of those nasty oral rehydration salts, just in case someone had heat issues.

For #2, your unit SOPs will give you left and right limits for this. BLUF, make sure that you know the primary, secondary, and tertiary commo plans. This is a tricky one because it really falls under METT-TC. I always kept a cheap cell phone for an emergency if all other forms of commo went down. That was fine according to my METT-TC, but maybe not for yours. Some units are ok with that, some will go ape-shit.

For #3, you're most of the way there. Map, compass, and gps, with extra batteries. Just make sure you do lots of map familiarization so that you can orient yourself when you're out on missions. S-2 and the CA guys will love you if you can get 8 or 10 digit grids for spreadsheets.

Good luck, put your Joes first, and give 'em hell.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

By the way, I'd get a chest holster for that M9 if you're going to do a bunch of dismounted patrolling. Drop legs always chafed the shit out of me. Have you had it on any long rucks yet?

 

[shark0311]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 700+NXS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
1 Extra radio that gets changed out everyday
1 Frag Grenade
2 Smoke Grenades
1 Stun Grenade
1 LZ Signal Panel
3 Loaded rifle mags
2 Loaded pistol mags
3 Chem sticks
1 extra flashlight
Extra flashlight batteries
1 Map
3 IR strobes + Batteries
1 Extra Tourniquet, working on more medical supplies
</div></div>

I would recommend at least two quarts of water, iodine tablets or MIOX purifier, a garbage bag, sponge, an extra set of batteries for the radio, 1 stripped down MRE.

 

[shark0311]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For #3, you're most of the way there. Map, compass, and gps, with extra batteries. Just make sure you do lots of map familiarization so that you can orient yourself when you're out on missions. S-2 and the CA guys will love you if you can get 8 or 10 digit grids for spreadsheets.
</div></div>

These should be on your person at all times not in a ruck.

 

[hankpac]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

I am not trying to criticize your preparation before going, but suggesting a method for taking care of all that BEFORE you deploy.
Your team did not suddenly materialize, that is, there are veterans of your team who would jump at the chance to help your people BEFORE you leave. You have a history, and most of that is still alive.
The team I was on in 1968/69, Tiger Force, 1/327, 101st Airborne, is still operating today. We old guys meet the young guys at Week of the Eagle every other year (before deployment). This enables us to assess what they lack (almost nothing) and how we can help. Then we spend the following 9 months to a year raising funds, and donating equipment, seeking equipment donations, and getting it sent to them way before they ship out.
The saddest part of this, is that you guys left home without fixing things up, regardless of "command's" lack of provision. I lay that at the feet of the LT/TL, and Platoon SGT.
I realize these poor snuffies shouldn't have to buy their own stuff, and their paycheck goes short enough as it is without having to buy their own TA50, so that is where your vets come in.
As to your immediate need, you seem to have gotten a good response here, and I am glad.
You will be deployed again, I am sure, so tuck this suggestion into your rucksack, and consider it for next time.
PM me when you get home (or sooner) for how our young guys and us old guys got together.
Best wishes, and stay safe. Kick some ass.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shark0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For #3, you're most of the way there. Map, compass, and gps, with extra batteries. Just make sure you do lots of map familiarization so that you can orient yourself when you're out on missions. S-2 and the CA guys will love you if you can get 8 or 10 digit grids for spreadsheets.
</div></div>

These should be on your person at all times not in a ruck. </div></div>

I think he's intending to keep his bag on him if he dismounts, at least that's how I read it anyway. How available he keeps the navigation stuff obviously depends on his role and position in the patrol. The PL or mission commander should dictate that.

 

[shark0311]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I think he's intending to keep his bag on him if he dismounts, at least that's how I read it anyway. How available he keeps the navigation stuff obviously depends on his role and position in the patrol. The PL or mission commander should dictate that. </div></div>

All of this should have been SOP from the get go but map and compass are a line 1 item not line 3.

Line 1:

Cammies
Belt
Boots
Socks
knife
map
compass
protractor
gps (line 1 or line 2)
side arm
strobe
small survival kit (optional)

Line 2:
782 gear
ammo
water
First aid
smoke
HE

Line 3 (pack):
Mission essential equipment (not in this case)
extraneous equipment for sustainability i.e. water & water gathering, chow, ammo, com., VS-17 panel, etc.

Everyone in the squad/team should have the same basic items located in the same places on their bodies/packs etc.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

I can honestly say I've never been on a mission where every guy had a map, protractor, compass, and GPS on him. Mileage varies greatly between units.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

ROFLMMFAO...sorry, can't help it, but DAYAM those uniforms are SHINY! WOOO HA HA HA aw man, I alologise, really I do

Really though, let us know when you receive all the inbound boxes so we can start sending those heavy boxes with stuff like biker magazines, coffee, beef jerky, you know, stuff you are just missin being out there. Awesome pics man.

Same Place as this(winter, OEF VII, January '07)?:

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Switch, have you seen the flame retardent ACUs yet? They glow a slight hue of pink, though I've got no idea why. I'm not even kidding. We always joked that if we got pinned down in a gravel parking lot, no one would ever find us. The same goes for certain old couches.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?134208-ACU-at-it-s-best

Scroll down the page and you'll see the pic.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Z,
I got tubs full of uniforms new, slightly used, and well used in ACU to include four sets(NIB) of the fire retardent ones. First time I saw those all I saw was the pink....didn't ask. Got BDU stuff, DCU stuff and some WInter Stuff. I have resisted selling it in Nashville Surplus shops until Panty 6 stops doing yard work. I want to use whatever I get to fund my garage and she seems to suck up any and all available funds to 'make the place look nice' on the outside. I am thinking maybe in the next week or two would be good too because most places are almost finished cleaning up and rebuilding from the flooding. I see it as an oppurtunity to assist a shop that may be in need of new, unflood damaged stock. Kind of a dual purpose deal that will work out for both sides

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

I was one of the last classes through Benning to get BDUs, but I still got at least another year of wearing them at my unit. I love the old woodland bdus. Still using for hunting and going to the range. The Army can take these ACUs and shove them. Haven't had any experience with the Multicams, but at least its a better pattern. Still, the BDUs somehow always fit me better anyway.

 

[John Roache]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Where are yall? Im over at Shank, if you are still short, i might could help! Yall should be getting the plate carriers if you have not already.... they are much better than the IOTV. Lighter, more mobile, and the best advantage... more air circulation!!! Roads are so narrow once you get off the hard ball, you will be dismounted A LOT! Every pound makes a difference!!
Good luck!

 

[stefan73]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

My bugout bag had,
Extra M4 mags/ammo
Extra M9 mags/ammo
Gerber mutlitool
Buck Nighthawk (knife fixed blade)
Pocket knife
Water purification tablets
water filtering straw
signal mirror
compass
protractor
maps
GPS (etrex)
penflares (10)
big signal flare
green laser
red laser
magnesium flint stick (firestarting)
sewing kit
whistle
poncho
550 cord (never leave home without it)
canteen and canteen cup
paper and pens/pencils
firefly's
2 small flashlights
extra batteries for fireflies, gps, lasers and flashlights

We all carried our IFAKs individual first aid kits and had large med kits in the vehicles so we were pretty squared away on that!



I'll be honest that this thread does aggrivate me (to say the least). I do not know the circumstances behind what all happened but being able to maintain weapons systems in a combat zone is top priority!! How a unit f''''d this up is beyond me! Commanders get relieved for stuff like that and with good cause!
My big issue is that the cleaning kits are available, you can get them and they are easier to get state side then overseas providing you make it known that you need them, request them in an ample amount of time and when you recieve them you track them and hold soldiers responsible for turning them back in (complete) so that the next soldier has a kit and not another deployment trophy! There are other options available to aquire cleaning kits prior to deployment but something like this is just abolsutly sorry/sad!!! So in my eyes your unit and its leadership failed its soldiers!
Just my .02

Do you have enough cleaning kits comming out already?
It will be a couple of weeks before I can get to my supplies since they will be in transit and are not do to be delivered for a little bit.

Sorry your having to fix this, you should be worried about patrols, missions and not having to worry about finding weapons cleaning kits for your guys!
Good luck and God Bless you guys over there!

Stefan

 

[stefan73]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Switch, have you seen the flame retardent ACUs yet? They glow a slight hue of pink, though I've got no idea why. I'm not even kidding. We always joked that if we got pinned down in a gravel parking lot, no one would ever find us. The same goes for certain old couches.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?134208-ACU-at-it-s-best

Scroll down the page and you'll see the pic. </div></div>
I slet in some gravel one time (only comfy place I could find to sleep in the rain). The ACU's work for commo'ing you in that condition.
I'm waiting for the multicams to be issued.

 

[KYS]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

I sent the cleaning kits out more then a week ago. Let me know when you all get those! Stay safe!

 

[Phantom F4E]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

Sir, I have a Safariland drop holster for the M92. My Marine SAW gunner son used it while at 29 Palms. While he said it was okay, but because of the open bottom a lot of sand/dust gets in. The sidearm gets absolutely covered in sand/dust. I will look of some type of epoxy to fill in the bottom. Can you still use the holster? Also are cleaning patches in need. I can hand make 5.56-7.62-9mm.

VPD LCpl Chris USMC
3/7 Lima Co
Deployed Afghanistan

3/7 Lima Co

 

[leonidas]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

KYshooter, got your package today, opened it up right in front of the other guys; and just as expected, their eyes popped like it was christmas. Thank you so much for helping us out!

Here's some pics from us using up some 7.62, making sure the 240s still work.

 

[KYS]

Re: In Afghanistan, Anyone have a cleaning kit?

We need a picture of those cleaning kits in action! Glad you all got them and there were no shipping troubles. I was worried to death something would get misplaced. Thats a long journey to you all!