Goat-
Make sure you get at least 2 sets each of bits for wood and metal - they cut differently and using wood bits on metal will ruin them, as will using metal bits on wood - always lube while metal cutting - to preserve the bits (light machine oil is best) DON'T CHEAP OUT ON THE BITS, or saw blades (reciprocating saws are your friend!) or carbide cutting wheels. Just my .02 from about 7 years in commercial construction and a lifetime of woodworking.

Had these PMed to me.. didn't see these posted:


-British Standard Whitworth wrenches. It’s a common fastener used up until the mid 70's on British vehicles and machinery, I've been told The Aussies still use it on the Rovers the produce under license.

- Metal Devil saw blades (http://www.metaldevil.com). They last many times longer than the abrasive steal cutting blades for circular saws, and I have never had one grenade because the metal doesn't get hot and pinch the blade.

- Ratchet straps; Holding, pulling, securing, or what ever else you can think of.

- Hi-lift jack and Jack-Mate . Besides used for changing big tires, they can be used for clamping, spreading, and as a big come along. http://www.jackmate.com/jm8000.php
http://www.hi-lift.com

-Milwaukee 28v cordless tools. Powerful, bomb proof, US made, long battery life, no heavier than my old 18v set, and a battery charge indicator. They have an SDS hammer drill, 1/2 impact, and some other heavy duty items in their line up. I picked up a second drill and 1/2 impact on eBay for 90 bucks each.

Just my 3rd post here including the intro and do not want to over step my bounds.

I like to carry a 10 or 20 lbs CO2 bottle with regulator and coiled flex hose with Quick Disconnect. 1/2 Drive impact wrench + air chuck. This is great for inflating tires after airing down for off road operations. This set up works well for nailguns or any other air powered tool.

Have you gents seen or used liquid electricle tape? I have found it very helpful in field electricle repairs or replacing wire insulation if a small short has occured as a temporary repair.


(edit add)I use this when off roading

Electrical...
 

Major issues when either setting up the Team House / Fire Base can be solved by pre-fabbing the electrical system. The PDSS should answer most questions for what needs upgrade or built from scratch. If nothing else, have some US Standard wire, switches, sockets, breaker box, etc. Also if you don't have an electricaly inclined team mate a couple of books on the subject along with any TM's that you can find for generator sets (5-10k at least). Other expendable stuff that helps out like wing nuts, electrical tape, breakers, zip-ties, and wire wall staples. Some things that would have helped tremendously on my last trip. Just my .02, have a good un'

Great thread.

What's the rep on Hilti tools? I've heard from one charlie I know that they're great/awesome, etc, but never used them myself. They're also very expensive.

I don't like DeWalt too much, their batteries seem to go to shit fast. Was thinking of buying some Makita or Ryobi power tools, but if Hilti is better I'll look into it.

Hilti = heavy construction. Think parking garages, sky scrappers, piers, etc.

x/S

Bench Grinder.

4" hand grinder with steel cutting discs and abrasive flap pads.

All- thread, various sizes, in lengths with associated hardware.

Cheater Pipes/Breaker Bars, 2" Dia- 3' Length.

Spud/Tanker/Pinch Bar.

Post hole diggers.

Cable Puller/Hand Winch/Come Along with snatch block pulleys, chain and hooks.

Sledge Hammer.

Rope.

Rigging TM 5-725

Fluke Multi-Meter

To add to previous replies in regards to drill bits......

I am personally bringing a "Drill Doctor" on my next trip to keep up with the demand for sharp bits. Thing works great, have been using it for a while now and love it.

Sharp bits in the sand box seem to be few and far between

Thought I add this:
http://www.goweld.com/

Special Operations Construction (SOC)
 

TO - Theater of Operation Construction has been changed to Special Operations Construction (SOC) for anyone that has been out of it or under a rock like me.

Also you can contact 18C Committee or get on their AKO site and download the NEW SOC handbook.

Great suggestion. I'm adding that to my dsor. Just spent some time with the Guy's from rescue 1 in the fdny and they had quite a few of those on the rig. Another cool tool they showed me was the hydra ram. Basically its a hydraulic operated halligan tool. Would work great for opening pesky locked doors and closets if you want to minimize damage to whatever is on the inside.

VSO update.....
 

Anyone have any update to this thread in regards to VSO in Afghanistan?

I know trips vary, but for some of us..........we have not been involved in that just yet. Looking to start early and get the things that we need for the specific mission.

Thanks.

IMO is depends on where you will be. How close you are to a major city, the people support in the area, ETC ETC ETC. This drives our DSORs. We all know this. IF we think we can't get it around our VSP we WISH FOR it on the DSOR list. Time of the year you will be there too drivers it.

Good 5Kw Generator and power tools from hell if your building a new VSP site.
30+ breaker panel for your main Generator panel, plus at least 8-10 breaker panels with 6-8 slots for individual rooms and OPSCEN. Some times all you have are tents so this drive this too. If your not sure request enough to set up your base line OPS and living. You can buy locally sometimes too but typically it is all 220V. With a military Generator you can run 110V and 220V with your Hertz at 50Hz or 55Hz. So you can run both, yes long term it can mess things up. But a Dyncorp guy taught me this, it works.

Screws of different sizes, 1 1/2", 2", 2/12", 3" 4' ETC. Boxes (I'm saying boxes) of 16d nails and good hammers if you don't have 1:1 per man from your carpenters tool kit. Buy good ones. We all know how well Chinese nails & screws are!! Tool belts, at least 4 belts. Both Charlies and two for others to help out.

Good welder if not a whole welder unit then at least get your gloves, bib, Auto-Darkening welding helmet, etc. If you are far away from a city I would get welding rods to start out with.

When I'm planning a new VSP I plan on making a shower/latrine trailer. So get a pipe cutter (for both Plastic Pipe and Tube Cutter) and a Ratcheting Cutter. Since most of your piping is metal (Steel) it is great to plan for them and/or get a pipe bender that can do 0 to 90 degrees bends. Get 3 piping threading tool set (I say more than 6 piece set). Just like buying drill bit sets, more the better. Northern Tools is a great place if you have one in town. Grainger tools too. Get lower water pressure shower heads, they pay off!!!

One thing I wish I had last trip was a hole cutter set, something along the lines of a 10 to 15 piece set )1/2" to 4"). If your thinking your going to do a lot of work then I say put down two sets. Cutting through SEALANDS, they go quick and you can't find good ones in Kabul or Kandahar.

If your there during the winter time put MATTRACKS down for your Razors. They are MONEY!!! But Most Commands don't like them due to there cost $10,000!! Ouch!! Yeah I know. But if they want you out during the winter months your MRAPS can't move for shit. Having two RZRs with these give you some mounted direct fire weapons and medical platform. Something for the LOJ, having something from your Bn Med can help too.

During the winter time leg gators are money!! Especially if your in the mountains and at altitude.

Air Compressor and 3000 PSI pressure washer for you vehicles and weapons. You can get these in country both gas and electrical powered, but most are Chinese made.

MPro 7 cleaning supplies. Enough said.

*********** Medical **********

Hand Pump water filters, like a MSR Sweetwater or miniworks plus two additional ceramic replacement filters. Dismounted patrols.

Our Medic DSORed a Portable oxygen concentrator, not sure if he got it. Will post update.

Cooking thermometers helps too.

If you have the DOG security system, get the add on devises from S4 Tech. I got their DOG Dual Sensor Kit and Thermal Camera Kit. Just email them and they will work with you and your needs. CJSOTF-A has many of these systems, check to see if your VSP has them.

while not a Charlie but some good stuff to have

second on gaiters wish I had some will for next trip


Team gear

PVC cutter or hack saw with extra blades
PVC glue
oil and fuel filters for your 5k
oil for 5k
extra battery for cordless drills/saw kits
corded drill/skill saw
50ft water hose
pressure washer
drill bits
dremmel
bolt cutters
metal snips


Personal gear
Kindle Fire or similar
extra Ipod shuffle
extra eye pro/sunglasses


Ill post more once I make it stateside and gather all my notes and thoughts really like this thread lots of stuff to think about