Packing List (Part One)
If you’re going to Ranger School then you already understand the importance of the packing list. While it’s never a good idea to pack only the bare minimum, you also don’t need to break the bank buying tons and tons of extra stuff. Not all items need to be brand new, but there are definitely some items you won’t be able to buy used. Some items you have no idea the importance of until it’s too late! So let’s go through it line by line based on the current Ranger School packing list posted on the Fort Benning website.
Part One covers all the mandatory items on the list. See Packing List (Part Two) for details on the optional items list.
“LINE 10: Students must bring 5 copies of their orders, 2 copies of: DD-93/SGLI, ERB/ORB, signed Commanders letter, signed packing list and ABN Certificate (if applicable), 1 copy of completed Ranger Physical (females need pregnancy test)”
Once you complete all your in-processing on Day 0, none of this paperwork will matter anymore. Tuck it away safe and relatively dry somewhere deep in your duffel bag. You won’t be needing it.
Don’t sweat it if you can’t find your Airborne certificate. If anything, it’s a blessing in disguise. Jumping during Ranger School is cool and all, but chilling and napping with the rest of the dirty legs will sound ten times better when you’re already sleep deprived and hungry. Plus, the last thing you want to do is risk injury that could put you in a medical recycle situation, or worse, medically dropped.
“LINE 11: ID Card”
This is a no-brainer. Keep it safe in your breast pocket at all times. Make yourself a “Ranger Purse” (aka the MRE beverage bag) to store it in, because believe me, weeks and weeks of constant sweat, dirt, and the elements will destroy your ID.
If you get prickly heat, especially during the summer months, the ID card is a useful life hack to have your buddy scrape the calcified salt off your back and shoulders.
“LINE 12: Boots, Cold Weather”
This is an expensive purchase if you don’t already have a pair, but you can typically buy these cheaper at military surplus stores. Rangers get dropped all the time during RAP for having the wrong winter boots, so be extra careful what you buy.
NO need to splurge on anything fancy… especially if you’re going to be a summer Ranger. It’s just a required packing list item. I bought the cheapest ones I could find (they were two sizes too big) and I never used them.
“LINE 13-16: Cold Weather Drawers, Undershirt, etc.”
Doesn’t matter if the tops and bottoms even match (tan vs. green), just have them.
Make sure at least one set is something that actually fits you. Cold weather comfort items go a long way when you’re allowed to wear it. They make for quick, comfy pajamas when you get to sleep in the bays too.
“LINE 17: Eye Protection APEL (Clear Lens only)”
DO NOT bring your cool-guy Oakley SI clear lens eye pro. They will get absolutely destroyed, or more likely, lost in the dark when you fumble around doing patrol base operations.
The 2 pair required on the packing list is not enough for the entirety of Ranger School. And I don’t mean just extra clear lens inserts. You need entire backups (at least 4). There will be long night movements during some of your FTXs- you’re going to take off your foggy eye pro for just three seconds- and they will mysteriously disappear. No joke.
“LINE 18: Gloves, Leather, Blk with Inserts or Gloves, Cold, Foliage Green”
Pack the CIF ones, but then also pack some warm civilian gloves and tactical ones too- see “Packing List (Part Two)”.
“LINE 19: Camelback”
Obviously pack one that’s clean because you will be drinking out of it a LOT.
“LINE 20: Facemask / Balaclava”
I have never heard of anyone actually using this during Ranger School. If you weren’t issued it, I would just buy the cheapest one to satisfy the packing list requirement.
“LINE 23-25: OCP Cap, Trousers, Coat”
Do yourself a favor and have all your name and US Army tapes sewn on (to include your trousers; above the right or left butt pocket); Velcro WILL NOT last out there!
Time and energy to do laundry will be few and far between. Other people’s stuff will inevitably get mixed up with yours, which is why having your name tapes sewn or Sharpie’d on all your items is important.
PRO TIP: Have a throw-away set of uniforms to wear for Malvesti. Once you complete that obstacle course you will be completely covered in red silt, and there’s no point (or time) in cleaning all that, so just chuck them.
“LINE 26: Black Tape, friction or electrical”
Electrical tape will come in handy in more ways than one. It is way more compact and convenient than a regular roll of duct tape (100-mile tape). When you’re on the move, or in a bind, you want something that is easily accessible on your FLC or in your pocket.
Electrical tape is best for wrapping your MRE trash. You will pack your MRE trash while patrolling, and there’s nothing worse than leaking leftover MRE juices into your ruck sack. Besides dealing with the obvious mess and smell, the ants in Georgia will make a party out of it which will 100% ruin your day. You can avoid all that by tightly packing and rolling your trash into the main MRE bag, and then taping the hell out of it to prevent spillage. Needless to say, it helps to have plenty of backup rolls. You’ll be thankful you did.
“LINE 27: Boots, Hot Weather Desert”
What boots and how many you decide to pack will literally make or break your experience during RAP week and the rest of Ranger School.
You’ve probably heard it time and time again: absolutely do not show up with brand new boots that haven’t been broken in yet.
The packing list requires 2 pairs, but that’s insane if you think that’s going to be enough. Just during RAP week alone you will go through boots like socks. I personally packed 4 pairs of boots. I alternated between two good pairs of light summer boots. I would wear one while the other dried out on top of my wall locker.
The third pair were old boots that I wore just for Malvesti. Like the throw-away uniform mentioned in LINES 23-25, forget about salvaging your stuff after Malvesti.
The fourth pair of boots were my heavy summer boots, which served as my emergency backup. Once RAP week and Darby was over, this pair became part of my Mountains phase boot rotation.
My reasoning for 2 light boots and 1 heavy was primarily due to weather. I completed RAP twice and Darby three times- all during the hot Georgia summer. Light summer boots like the Oakley Light Assault are perfect for that kind of weather. They took virtually no time to break in. They were lightweight, comfortable, and dried faster than any other boots I had ever owned.
For my 1 pair of heavy summer boots I went with the Garmont T8 Bifida. They have a thicker sole and generally more padding/support which is great for the rough terrain in Mountains phase. Oakleys are great for patrolling too, but you probably would prefer not to feel every jagged piece of rock you step on as you trek through the mountains of Dahlonega. However, they do take a lot longer to dry, so you can weigh the pros and cons of that yourself. Garmont also has a lighter version called the T8 NFS. Both break in easily and are all-round great boots.
IF YOU DO go with Garmonts, the one thing I would do is switch out the soft, flat laces on the Garmont boots with the sturdier, thinner laces similar to that on the Oakleys or standard issue boots. The soft flat laces will get repeatedly caught on thorns and get ripped to shreds. It’s also just easier to tie your laces tight with the other kind.
DISCLAIMER: Bear in mind, these boots are what I went through the school house with. I swear by them because I did two tours of Ranger and came out with no blisters on my feet, which was an incredible feat in itself (lol, get it?). So if you’re trying to buy something other than the basic training issued boots, this is a great place to start. If you already have a brand preference, then the worst thing you can do is change it up before attending Ranger. Stick with what you know. Especially if it’s been working well for you already.
“LINE 28: Shoes, Running”
You’re literally only going to use these for the RPFT on Day 1. Don’t bring your nice running shoes, because they’re just going to be shoved around and squeezed into a duffel bag for 60+ days. Pack an older pair that won’t destroy your feet or ankles during the 5 mile run. Just don’t throw it away afterwards because it is still part of the packing list, and you will want to wear them for your Darby pass.
“LINE 29: PT Uniform, Jacket, Pants, Long Sleeve Shirt, Short Sleeve Shirt, Shorts”
This is also only required for the RPFT on Day 1 so don’t overthink it.
PRO TIP: If you have a smaller frame like me, pack a more form fitting short sleeve shirt and shorts to appear bigger. Don’t create the illusion to the RI grading your push-ups that you’re anything but an infantry stud. I didn’t wear my glasses during the RPFT for the exact same reason. Perception is everything.
“LINE 30: Name-Tape, Cloth (sew on) for equipment”
Unless you’re fresh out of IBOLC or ABOLC, you’re going to have to sew your name tapes on your gear after getting issued at CIF.
My advice is to figure out how to sew BEFORE showing up to Ranger. Otherwise you’ll be in a world of hurt. You don’t have to be an expert either, just get it done fast and secure so you only have to do it once.
PRO TIP: Sewing with thread sucks, and it typically won’t last through Darby, Mountains, or Florida. That’s why I used waxless dental floss instead. It is way more durable. The same goes for repairing any blow-outs in the crotch of your pants.
“LINE 31: Eye glasses (military issue, if required) each with retainer bands”
If you’re prescribed them, absolutely pack them. However, if you’re not absolutely blind without them, I would wear them as little as possible. I only wore mine during the classroom portions so I can read what was on the 20-boards, but other than that I tried my hardest not to give the RI a reason to think that I looked nerdy.
DISCLAIMER: Plenty of people with glasses do just fine at Ranger School. Wearing them is not indicative of how you will be graded or how successful you will be. My decision not to wear them was a purely personal one. I’ve seen dudes with the Erkel-looking Go-Faster goggles get their GOs and graduate, so don’t let your eyesight (or lack thereof) determine your level of success.
“LINE 32: ID Tags with Breakaway Chain”
I prefer wearing my ID tags around one of my belt loops and tucked into a butt pocket like a normal person, but at Ranger School they will more than likely make you wear it around your neck. If you have a hairy chest, you understand how uncomfortable that can be. You’ll just have to get used it.
“LINE 33: Civilian clothes consisting of 1 Collared Shirt, 1 pair of Pants, 1 Jacket”
I never understood the guys who would pack their Patagonia, Arcteryx, and other cool guy swag. Just pack the lightest, most compact clothes possible. You’re literally only wearing your civilians while on Darby pass and pre-graduation pass.
“LINE 34: Neck Gator Brown / Tan”
The neck gator is a godsend during the winter. The standard issue one is ideal because it is breathable and not bulky. Just remember to always store it in something waterproofed while on your FTXs (see Make Life Easier - Comfort Items).
“LINE 35: Duffel Bag (Army issue only)”
Do yourself a huge favor and DO NOT use the old Army duffel bags. If you weren’t issued the new ones with the zipper then it is well worth your money to buy them. You are going to be constantly getting stuff in and out of your duffel bag, and there’s nothing worse than having to dump the contents because the one thing you need is at the bottom of your duffel. The zipper allows easy access to all corners of your bag, especially since everything you do at Ranger School has a ridiculous time hack attached to it.
Your duffel bags will be stored and transported on box trucks throughout the course along with everyone else’s stuff. Ensure you mark it with something that catches the eye easily (see Marking Your Stuff). And I don’t just mean one piece of tape with your name on it either. I had to learn that the hard way. So the second time going through Ranger School my bags were marked all over with white duct tape. Every strap and handle had two evenly spaced out loops of white tape that stuck out like a candy cane amongst everyone else’s bags. I remember one guy had purple and orange Jonas Brothers tape wrapped around his stuff. It was hilarious, but extremely effective since no one else had their bags marked like that. Needless to say he was always one of the people to find his bags first.
“LINE 36: Socks, white/black (calf or above ankle only)”
For the RPFT and your Darby and pre-graduation passes. No logos, obviously.
“LINE 37: Mouthpiece”
The main reason this is on the packing list is because you will do some form of combatives training during RAP week. My first RAP had us doing bayonet/knife combatives, which did not require a mouth guard at all. However my second RAP required it because we actually grappled and did hand-to-hand combatives- but that was it.
No need to buy anything expensive. Yes, the cheap ones aren’t the most comfortable to wear, but it’s going to get forgotten about within your duffel bag after RAP anyway.
“LINE 38: Magazine, M4”
DO NOT pack your P-mags to Ranger School. Magazines get consolidated, redistributed, one-for-one swapped, and frequently lost throughout every FTX. You will eventually give up trying to get your mags back (see Make Life Easier - Marking Your Stuff).
Raid your company supply or your local surplus store and bring more than the minimum requirement. You will most likely be short one or two mags by the end of Darby, and you don’t want to have less than the required amount for your Mountains layout. That will become a negative spot report. Sure, you can refit with more during your Darby pass, but why waste time with that when you can be doing other things like stuffing your face with food?
“LINE 39: Adapter, Firing, (M4 yellow)”
Ensure the little ring is still attached to the one you bring to school. It will make life easier, which will quickly become the name of the game for the rest of the course (see Make Life Easier).
“LINE 40: Belt, tan 499 or Brown non-elastic (Rigger)”
To be honest my second pair for the packing list was two sizes too big for me because I didn’t want to spend more money on something new. I have never seen a rigger belt fail- I’m convinced they are designed to last through two nuclear holocausts. So I wouldn’t worry too much about the quality of your backup belt. Just make sure your primary is something sturdy and comfortable.
PRO TIP: Plus points if you dramatically whip off your belt to use as a hasty tourniquet during AOO (actions on the objective). RIs love that sort of thing, and it could help you if you’re being graded.
“LINE 41: T-shirts, S/S; Tan 499; loose fitting”
Loose fitting is key here. If you like the way your arms and shoulders look with your form fitting t-shirt- awesome… save it for Air Assault School. At Ranger School comfort is everything. You don’t ever want your sleeves cutting into your armpit and causing a rash or chafing.
The packing list says 8, but I would pack 12 or more. Whatever space you have available, more shirts and socks will never be a bad thing.
“LINE 42: Socks, cushion sole wool blend”
This will singlehandedly make or break your experience at Ranger School. If you come from an Infantry background you don’t need me to tell you the importance of good socks. I spent a small fortune on socks alone, and would do it all over again because it makes such a huge difference.
The thickness of the socks you buy will depend on whether you’re a winter or summer Ranger. Whatever the thickness may be, you can’t go wrong with Darn Tough socks. These socks are so durable there’s literally a lifetime warranty on them. They are a little on the pricier side, but you will thank yourself later when other people’s feet are blistered and looking like hamburger meat compared to yours. These come in tan, green, and black. Try the different variations first before committing to buying all of one type.
I didn’t exclusively pack Darn Toughs for Ranger School. Like with everything else, I was trying to reduce the amount of spending I had to do for this packing list, so I actually bought some FoxRivers as well. FoxRivers are more affordable, but still pretty quality socks. They aren’t terrible to wear when wet, just like the Darn Toughs, and dry out just about as quickly.
Whatever brand you decide to go with, just ensure they are thick soled. The amount of walking you will be doing with weight on your back is going to quickly add up. Protect your feet at all costs! Thicker socks will also keep sand and grit from permeating through and getting in between your toes (see Make Life Easier - Foot Care).
“LINE 43: Watch cap; black micro fleece”
This is another crucial item for you potential winter Rangers. It seems RIs won’t let you wear poly pro until your lips go blue, but the first thing they will let you wear is your fleece cap. Make sure it stays dry, and make sure it fits (see Make Life Easier - Comfort Items). I would even go one size bigger so it covers past your ears and eyes. As long as it’s snug around your head you’re going to be warm. It also wouldn’t hurt to pack extra.
“LINE 44: Weapons Cleaning Kit”
The required items in your cleaning kit are the bare minimum, and quite frankly, will not get the job done for all intents and purposes. You will be cleaning weapons a lot throughout the course, but the most crucial times are during patrol base operations when you’re tired, hungry, and generally fed up with everything. That’s why you need additional cleaning items that can facilitate a quick clean that will generally please even the saltiest of RIs.
The first item is a rag. This is immensely helpful when it comes to cleaning your belt-fed weapons such as your M249 and M240. Wipe it down and be done with it. Cut up an old shirt or one of your many additional tan t-shirts and add it to your kit.
The simple barber brush is indispensable when it comes to Lvl 1 weapons cleaning (dust and rust). The tooth brush that comes with the standard kit is all right, but it can’t get into the nooks and crannies like the brush can (see Make Life Easier). Any brand will do too. It’s cheap, small, and doesn’t weigh a thing so there’s no reason not to have one.
My dumbest mistake and biggest frustration was that I decided to buy the cheaper quality Q-tips to save money. Q-tips are going to be your primary means of Lvl 2 weapons cleaning, so you want to go with the white handled ones, not the colorful plastic ones. The plastic ones crumple when you apply too much pressure, which makes cleaning an absolute pain in the ass. The white ones are also better because you can actually bend the handle to get around tough corners such as the star chamber of your M4. Bottom line: Just spend the extra few bucks. Buy the biggest box, and buy the sturdier brand of Q-tips.
For some reason CLP is about as scarce and valuable as water in the Sahara during Ranger School. That tiny little bottle that comes with your weapons cleaning kit is cute, but won’t last you more than one day. Buy yourself a big bottle (ensure it has a removable cap that doesn’t leak) and make sure it isn’t the synthetic crap. You will periodically be able to request CLP during your FTX resupplies, but it will always be provided in a massive jug. That’s why it’s important to have that big bottle because refilling a squad’s worth of tiny CLP bottles just turns into a big mess.
“LINE 45: Whistle, OD (military issue)”
“Military issue” doesn’t mean anything here. Just make sure it’s black, brown, or dark green and not some Mickey Mouse lookin’ light up whistle from the Disney World gift shop.
Always dummy-cord your whistle (and lensatic compass). While it’s one of the few items you don’t have to actually tie down with a bowline knot (see Make Life Easier - Tie Downs), you still don’t want to lose it for any reason.
“LINE 46: Belt, reflective (High Vis. Yellow)”
Used for the RPFT and Land Nav.
“LINE 47: Combination Locks”
RAP week is all about meeting your time hacks. When you miss your time hacks, you get smoked. Don’t let fumbling with your lock combination be the reason for being the last one out of the barracks. When you’re in a bind, these locks are so much quicker to get open than your run-of-the-mill Master Locks with the spin dial.
Unlike the Master Locks, you can also change the combination with these. That way you don’t have to remember some arbitrary three-number combo that could further delay you when you’re in a hurry.
PRO TIP: Loop a small ring of 550 chord through your locks so they stay together within your duffel bag. This is important for when you dump your bags during the layout.
“LINE 48: Compass, Lensatic (military issue)”
“Military issue” implies that it contains tridium, which is the stuff that makes parts of your compass glow in the dark.
“LINE 49: Ear Plugs with Case”
Obviously this is to protect your hearing, however you’re only firing blanks during Ranger School. While the M240 is still pretty loud with blanks, you’re really not going to bother with ear plugs while on your FTXs.
My advice: Save money and put a pair of those cheap foam ones into a small plastic case to satisfy the layout.
“LINE 50: Extra Bootlaces”
You shouldn’t be arriving to Ranger School with brand new boots (see LINE 27), but if you do you probably won’t ever use these.
Boots, whether in good condition or not, will be extremely weathered by the time you hit Florida. So have at least one of your spares be laces that match the footwear you own.
One of my laces snapped halfway through the 10-day FTX in Florida and I didn’t pack a spare with me. However there is a way to rig your laces so that you can still keep your boots serviceable until you can replace them (see Everything Boots).
“LINE 51: Extra bite Valve and Bladder for hydration system”
Your Camelbak will be put through the wringer the entirety of Ranger School. Make sure you pack a spare bladder and bite valve that’s actually compatible with the hydration system you’re taking with you.
I recommend packing the standard issue Camelbak. If your bladder or bite valve breaks during the middle of an FTX, you won’t be able to get into your duffel bag to replace it until refit day. You can request a replacement via resupply, however the only ones you’ll receive is the standard issue bladder and bite valve.
“LINE 52: Batteries, AA and/or AAA cell (for flashlights)”
The headlamp is something you will use almost everyday so don’t underestimate the importance of having plenty of spare batteries.
The packing list requires 8 of each, but I would definitely pack more than what you need.
Pack what you need! If none of your headlamps take AAA batteries, then don’t bring AAAs to Ranger School. That’s just a waste of money and unnecessary extra weight.
“LINE 53: Headlamp”
Pack at least 3 headlamps for Ranger School. Spend the extra money for quality and strength on your primary headlamp, and then go a little cheaper for your two alternates.
What do I mean by strength? I mean the number of lumens the headlamp pushes out. The higher the better. Especially if you’re not super confident about doing Land Nav at night, the extra lumens will allow you to see further under red lens light.
MAKE SURE your headlamps have a red light setting. Avoid anything with blue and green light settings as well. There’s nothing more annoying than trying to cycle through all the colors to get the one you actually need.
I personally love the brand Princeton Tec because of how small the actual light is. Bulky headlamps store well in your cargo pockets and get caught in thorns and branches more easily. The elastic headband also adjusts and stretches really easy, while still retaining its elasticity (this is helpful when you have to wear it around your ACH at times).
“LINE 54: Luminous tape 1”x6” strip”
This is to cut and sew cat eyes onto your CIF gear once you get issued them (assault pack and rucksack).
If you’re in IBOLC / ABOLC you still need to pack this even though you will have your own gear with cat eyes already sewn on (hopefully).
“LINE 55: Nylon cord (550 type)”
Having lots of this is crucial because all weapons and equipment will be tied down. While the RIs will provide a spool of 550, imagine the chaotic and tangled mess a bunch of rabid Ranger students create when they all try to get some of their own.
No RI is going to measure 100 ft of 550 cord for each student when conducting the layout, so don’t worry about measuring anything out. Just ensure you have lots of it. However lots of 550 cord can become very messy, no matter how you pack it, except for one technique I used that proved very useful (see Make Life Easier - Tie Downs).
“LINE 56-57: Pens and Pencils”
You can go cheap on these since you’ll most likely never go through all 10 of either. However I will ensure bringing at least a couple durable pens and pencils that can take an ass beating out in the field.
“LINE 58: Notebook, pocket size”
Only buy Rite in the Rain notebooks. Anything other than that is just going to eventually disintegrate into a mushy mess out there.
Pack a range of sizes of notebooks (see below in order, color immaterial).
The cargo pocket counts as a “pocket” so don’t feel like you need to buy 3 of the super tiny Rite in the Rains. Those will fill up really quick especially once you start the planning phase of your FTXs (OPORDs, etc).
I recommend buying at least one big notebook without the spiral binding (good for notes and letter writing)…
Two of the medium-sized ones with the spiral binding on top (good for OPORD briefs and copying essential info)…
And one or two of the small ones (good for times when you need to rip pages out to give to your battle buddies, i.e. sector sketches, resupply request, etc).
This will get you through Darby and possibly all the way to Florida. You will have opportunities to refit between phases, or you can go full hooah and buy all the writing materials you need up front. Just remember, ounces equal pounds. And also the cost aspect. Rite in the Rains aren’t cheap, but it is money well spent.
“LINE 59: Protractor”
Spend the extra money on at least one good protractor. The cheap ones have excess plastic on their scales, which makes it less accurate when marking distances during Land Nav. Ranger Joe’s at Fort Benning has their own brand that is good quality.
Some people prefer to buy the cheap ones and shave down the excess plastic themselves, but I wouldn’t trust myself to shave it down evenly or accurately at all.
“LINE 60-61: Razor, shaving (non-electric) and Razor Blades”
You could meet the packing list requirement by just buying 12 or more disposable razors, but I honestly wouldn’t. You will be expected to conduct hygiene in the patrol base during your FTXs, and a disposable razor is not a comfortable shave when mixed with dirt, grime, and leftover camo face paint.
“LINE 62: Sewing Kit”
The pocket-sized sewing kit is affordable and takes up little to no room. But for those of you who actually know how to sew, the string and needles in there are not worth a damn. That’s why I bought a separate needle that was bigger and easier to use to include into the sewing kit. I also packed wax-free non scented dental floss to use as string. It is way more durable and doesn’t turn into a tangled mess when you need to use it.
“LINE 63: Shaving Cream”
Just make sure you pack something that won’t explode in your duffel bag. The travel size ones are perfect for when you pack out for the FTX.
“LINE 64: Shower Shoes (any color)”
I packed the standard black flip flops from the PX Clothing Sales because they’re super light and pack flat. But if you prefer your Crocs or whatever, by all means, pack what you’re most comfortable in.
“LINE 65: Soap”
Bar soap in one of those cheap travel soap dishes works awesome. Liquid soap will inevitable cause a leaky mess inside your bags.
PRO TIP: Fashion an easy-peel duct tap securing flap on your soap dish to ensure it doesn’t open up inside your bags.
“LINE 66: Lotion 6-8 FL OZ”
If you actually plan on using lotion, there’s nothing better than O’Keefe’s Working Hands and/or Working Feet. It’s odorless and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
PRO TIP: Use the damn Working Hands preemptively!! Your fingertips will split after so many days of tie-downs, damp gloves, and other rigors of Ranger School. It will be painful to the point where tying your boots becomes an emotional event.
“LINE 67: Soap Dish”
See LINE 65
“LINE 68: Tape, 100 MPH”
The basic Army supply brand of 100 MPH hour tape (the blueish green kind) is not good quality at all. You’re going to want to have something that will actually stay stuck and stay waterproof while you’re out there. Whether it’s your “Ranger Purse” (see Make Life Easier), your kit, or your planning products, you want tape that can take a beating.
Ranger Joe’s also sells the smaller rolls (they kind of look like sports tape), which are much easier to pack out on your FTXs. 1-2 should be enough, depending on how much you share with your battle buddies. That way you won’t always have an awkward, bulky roll of tape inside your ruck sack.
“LINE 69: Toothbrush”
Get yourself a sturdy toothbrush carrier.
If you’re gross, like me, you probably won’t have the time or energy to conduct oral hygiene twice a day while you’re out on FTX. At some point your mouth does get pretty gross, and you’ll want a quick and easy way to fix that while you’re laying in security trying to stay awake. These tiny disposable toothbrushes served that purpose perfectly:
“LINE 70: Toothpaste (large tubes)”
ONLY buy the kind with the caps that screw on and off. The other kinds will pop open and you’ll end up with toothpaste everywhere.
“LINE 71: Towels, large (green or brown)”
I find that micro fiber towels don’t absorb water very well. However it is lightweight and easier to pack. They also dry a lot faster, but depending on the humidity in Benning, for example, nothing ever really gets dry.
You’re not showering while out on FTX so might as well pack at least one normal towel for when you’re in the barracks. You can’t go wrong with the option of both.
“LINE 72: Towels, wash cloth (green or brown)”
I really only used these for weapons cleaning. If you prefer to use your wash cloths for actual hygiene purposes then cutting up an old tan t-shirt for your weapons cleaning rag also works well.
“LINE 73: Laundry soap”
Regular laundry detergent in the jugs are fine, but you have to duct tap the cap down and double bag it. If that thing leaks, you’re entire duffel bag is going to be an irreversible, soapy mess.
Tide Pods are a great alternative, or so you’d think. If you go with this option, you HAVE to make sure no moisture gets in them. I grabbed some pods to use one time with hands that were slightly wet and it turned the entire container to mush.
THE BEST option is actually something you can get at any PX. It’s a 3 in 1 detergent, softener, and dryer sheet. No mess, no worries, AND no bulky containers or bags. You can even field strip these and safeguard them in a Ziploc for ease of use.
“LINE 74: Wristwatch (non GPS or Internet capable”
Any watch will do. So long as it’s sturdy, comfortable, waterproof, and has a functioning back light feature.
I would definitely pack a cheaper one as a backup. Sometimes watch bands break or stop working for any number of reasons.
I used and abused my G-Shock watch throughout both tours of Ranger School. I also had a $25 PX watch that I eventually switched out after Florida phase. Both were great watches.
“LINE 75: Band, Helmet, Camouflage”
It doesn’t have to have your name sewn on their like some home station units require. It will get tied down to your dome piece either way.
“LINE 76: Alcohol Marker, permanent (4 pack multiple colors)”
The 4 pack has one black marker, which will last you through half of Darby if you’re lucky. Buy plenty of additional black map markers. Make sure they’re the permanent and superfine kind.
Map markers work incredibly well in the Rite in the Rain notebooks too. If you’re an officer you will also use them to write your OPORDs on your laminated products, so buying a pack of 10 isn’t overkill- it’s preparedness.
Ensure you MARK your markers somehow, because people will borrow and “accidentally” steal your shit all the time. I taped a thin ring of duct tape around all my markers to easily identify which ones were mine (see Make Life Easier - Marking Your Stuff).
Do not forget to buy a couple map marker erasers. You could use hand sanitizer and a rag, but that’s only effective for erasing a large area.
“LINE 77: Camouflage Stick, light green and loam (or like item)”
If you’ve ever had to use the camo stick to apply face paint, you know how difficult and awful they are. Do yourself a favor and buy the “like item”. Camo compacts are much easier to apply, less messy, and come with a mirror. It’s a no-brainer.
