Guardian and sanick

[Guardian7347]

It really is an amazing thing to experience(in hindsight, of course). When that training takes over, and you behave purely on "battle instinct". Like Sanick said, it's muscle memory. Your actions performed as you were trained to perform.

Ever felt disconnected Sanick? Like you're just watching from the inside?

[Sanick]

Ya... It was almost one of those first person shooter games at first... Everything got real slow. Then after a few seconds of movement, and a few actions it came back in a rush and i was back in control. It was an incredible experience, but also very frightening.

[Nostalgic]

Training must be hard. It sounds robotic, like something happens and you do what is needed without much thought.

Guardian, I remember our debate about guns lol, good topic that one was. Do you both use other weapons and are trained in close combat fighting?

[Sanick]

I'm the Armored for my unit (aka weaponsmith) I own lots of weapons, and on the military side, im the man on the turret with the .50 cal. However i am proficent with all the Machine guns, Rifles, and Explosive ordance weapons (javalin anti tank, AT-4, and M203 gernade launcher)

I've also trained in Ju jitsu for a few years, and a basic Tae Kwon Do class. Im also a class 3 Combatives Instructor for the Army

[Nostalgic]

Sounds like your a good guy to have in the team.

[misha666]

I'm the Armored for my unit (aka weaponsmith) I own lots of weapons, and on the military side, im the man on the turret with the .50 cal. However i am proficent with all the Machine guns, Rifles, and Explosive ordance weapons (javalin anti tank, AT-4, and M203 gernade launcher)

I've also trained in Ju jitsu for a few years, and a basic Tae Kwon Do class. Im also a class 3 Combatives Instructor for the Army

Sanick do u ever name your wepons?

[Sanick]

Sure do, The weapon I am currently using is Billy Jean

My Favorite rifle back home is Sara

@nostalgic- Everyone has something that makes them a valuable part of the team. I've got a buddy here who can do some serious work with a knife, very quickly.

Granted we rarely shoot at anything, and i've only been in close quarters combat once.

[SharA2]

Have any of the locals ever gifted you with something special?

Do you ever interact with the children there?

[Sanick]

During a meet and great, one of the locals offered me one of his Camels. Mind you, Camels here in Iraq, are damn near worth their weight in gold.

The Children are the best. I've handed out candy, countless hi-fives, recieved a few hugs. A kid here still has one of my name tags... lol sneaky little bastard got it off of my camelback

[Nostalgic]

Did you accept or refuse the camel?

[Guardian7347]

lol .50 cal gunner sporting a camel! Where would you mount Ma deuce on that thing?

[Sanick]

I wasnt always the gunner... I've done alot of dismount patrols, and even more PSD missions.

Yes, i refused the camel

[Jeff_in_Time]

Man, you got offered a camel, wtf. Freaking cool.

Have either of you had to carry a wounded comrade off to safety?

[Sanick]

Ya...I've given a few IVs and couple torniquets (spelling?) before. Thats always the worst though, when someone gets hurt

[Guardian7347]

I've had to do one tourniquet, mid thigh through and through. Whoever is able to get there first, or is available to do it is the one to dress the wound.

[Cassidylynn]

Hope this is your last one Guardian *pokes* even though you love it. You can do so much good right in the states too.

When do you get your leave while there to come back home for visits?

[misha666]

Sanick plzzzzzzzzzz post more pix of u so we can match you on the DM hollywood thread.

[Strider]

First of all, I want to say thank you to both of you for protection our country, considering the shape its in. Thank you for being so brave and fighting so hard to keep us safe on a daily basis.

Second, I wanted to say that a Friend and I both decided on joining the ARMY when we get out of high-school, not because we wanted to be cool, or shoot people or anything like that, but because we want to help people and protect the people we love so dearly. This country is our home, it means the world. So I wanted to ask is there anything we should be prepared for, or be ready for when we're sent to boot-camp and training?

My father was part of the 10th mountain division in the 2/87th betalion as an excellent marksmen and fought a couple tours in Desert Storm and in Somalia; I remember he would have flash backs and sleepwalk, and at first it scared me and then I thought about what he went through over there. I also remember that he always slouched, and my mom always told me that he stood like that because he didn't want to stand up straight anymore. Are they that harsh on posture?

[Sanick]

FIrst off, get in shape. Go run, start doing pushups and sit ups. You need to be able to run 2 miles in 15 mins or less, 50 pushups, and 60 sit-ups at LEAST!

Second, Basic is a mental game. Just keep going! Dont stop for anything, the real army isnt like basic at all.

Dont volunteer for things, and listen closesly. If you pay attention to your Drill Sgt. He will teach you good shit, and that keeps you alive.

@mish, haha i will post somemore if i can find any of me

[Guardian7347]

FIrst off, get in shape. Go run, start doing pushups and sit ups. You need to be able to run 2 miles in 15 mins or less, 50 pushups, and 60 sit-ups at LEAST!

Second, Basic is a mental game. Just keep going! Dont stop for anything, the real army isnt like basic at all.

Dont volunteer for things, and listen closesly. If you pay attention to your Drill Sgt. He will teach you good shit, and that keeps you alive.

@mish, haha i will post somemore if i can find any of me

That pretty much sums it up really, but one thing I want to stress some more.

Basic really is 90 mental/10 physical. It's all about making you mentally tougher and stronger. Your drill sergeants know more about you than you think they do, and they can tell if you really want to be there or not. If you don't, they will get rid of you. If you really want to be there, and you really want to make it through, his job is to see to it that you make it. He will not let you down. As long as you have the heart to keep going, he will get you to where you need to be. Lastly, and I know this part will seem hard at the time, but enjoy basic training, you'll miss it once it's over. Remember that this is an experience less than one percent of Americans ever have, that makes you elite already. Stand tall and take pride.

[Guardian7347]

Hope this is your last one Guardian *pokes* even though you love it. You can do so much good right in the states too.

When do you get your leave while there to come back home for visits?

I fear this may be my last tour, unless we do something with Iran or Korea soon. I realize I can do good in the states, but over there is where I belong right now. A soldier without a mission is a sad individual indeed.

Don't know yet on the leave. They usually send out a sheet with leave dates, and everyone fills out when they would like to go. Usually it's done from the lowest ranking people up, so by the time it gets to me, most of the choice time spots are taken. I try to be home for the 4th of July though, if I can. It's a big deal in our family. We have a lot of celebration and explosives. Not to mention being a deployed soldier home on leave around then is very advantageous for the single and the drinker! lol

[Sanick]

Hope this is your last one Guardian *pokes* even though you love it. You can do so much good right in the states too.

When do you get your leave while there to come back home for visits?

I fear this may be my last tour, unless we do something with Iran or Korea soon. I realize I can do good in the states, but over there is where I belong right now. A soldier without a mission is a sad individual indeed.

Don't know yet on the leave. They usually send out a sheet with leave dates, and everyone fills out when they would like to go. Usually it's done from the lowest ranking people up, so by the time it gets to me, most of the choice time spots are taken. I try to be home for the 4th of July though, if I can. It's a big deal in our family. We have a lot of celebration and explosives. Not to mention being a deployed soldier home on leave around then is very advantageous for the single and the drinker! lol

Haha i never thought about taking leave on the 4th of july before... lol I always find myself missing the deployed life when im back home, it really is difficult not having a mission

What is your rank guardian, if you doing mind me asking?

[Guardian7347]

Hope this is your last one Guardian *pokes* even though you love it. You can do so much good right in the states too.

When do you get your leave while there to come back home for visits?

I fear this may be my last tour, unless we do something with Iran or Korea soon. I realize I can do good in the states, but over there is where I belong right now. A soldier without a mission is a sad individual indeed.

Don't know yet on the leave. They usually send out a sheet with leave dates, and everyone fills out when they would like to go. Usually it's done from the lowest ranking people up, so by the time it gets to me, most of the choice time spots are taken. I try to be home for the 4th of July though, if I can. It's a big deal in our family. We have a lot of celebration and explosives. Not to mention being a deployed soldier home on leave around then is very advantageous for the single and the drinker! lol

Haha i never thought about taking leave on the 4th of july before... lol I always find myself missing the deployed life when im back home, it really is difficult not having a mission

What is your rank guardian, if you doing mind me asking?

Not at all battle, I'm E-5. Since we're asking, how about yourself?

Yeah, 4th is where it's at. People are loving on you then. It's strange how people behave with soldiers. Veteran's day, Memorial day, and the 4th of July people are loving on you like you're the greatest thing ever. Everywhere in-between, it's kind of "eh, thanks for your service." I don't care either way, I just can't help but wonder "do they forget about the sacrifices that have been made for them in-between military holidays?" Not all people obviously, but a lot.

[Sanick]

Not at all battle, I'm E-5. Since we're asking, how about yourself?

"At ease!"
E-4... Hopefully i can get my 5 while i am out here this time around. Im eligible 4 months ago

Yeah, 4th is where it's at. People are loving on you then. It's strange how people behave with soldiers. Veteran's day, Memorial day, and the 4th of July people are loving on you like you're the greatest thing ever. Everywhere in-between, it's kind of "eh, thanks for your service." I don't care either way, I just can't help but wonder "do they forget about the sacrifices that have been made for them in-between military holidays?" Not all people obviously, but a lot.

I know everyone gets really lovey on those days, i just never considered taking my leave on those days. If im still deployed next 4th, i might take my leave then, give that sucker a shot.

[Guardian7347]

Not at all battle, I'm E-5. Since we're asking, how about yourself?

"At ease!"
E-4... Hopefully i can get my 5 while i am out here this time around. Im eligible 4 months ago

Yeah, 4th is where it's at. People are loving on you then. It's strange how people behave with soldiers. Veteran's day, Memorial day, and the 4th of July people are loving on you like you're the greatest thing ever. Everywhere in-between, it's kind of "eh, thanks for your service." I don't care either way, I just can't help but wonder "do they forget about the sacrifices that have been made for them in-between military holidays?" Not all people obviously, but a lot.

I know everyone gets really lovey on those days, i just never considered taking my leave on those days. If im still deployed next 4th, i might take my leave then, give that sucker a shot.

lol Relax, relax. Just remember, on here we are the same rank. Good luck getting your 5. Shouldn't be a problem overseas, they're usually pretty good about that. You just need to keep bugging them to get it done. I'm working on getting my 6 here soon. I'm hoping to have that before we get in country. That would be nice.

[Sanick]

Im not worried about it. Its gonna happen, i know that much. I already have the responisibilties of an NCO. I actually got "promoted" to Cpl. from Spc. like a week ago. Yesterday was my first run as TC. it ROCKED haha...so much easier then being gunner.

WHat part of the country are you headed to if you can tell?

[Strider]

FIrst off, get in shape. Go run, start doing pushups and sit ups. You need to be able to run 2 miles in 15 mins or less, 50 pushups, and 60 sit-ups at LEAST!

Second, Basic is a mental game. Just keep going! Dont stop for anything, the real army isnt like basic at all.

Dont volunteer for things, and listen closesly. If you pay attention to your Drill Sgt. He will teach you good shit, and that keeps you alive.

@mish, haha i will post somemore if i can find any of me

That pretty much sums it up really, but one thing I want to stress some more.

Basic really is 90 mental/10 physical. It's all about making you mentally tougher and stronger. Your drill sergeants know more about you than you think they do, and they can tell if you really want to be there or not. If you don't, they will get rid of you. If you really want to be there, and you really want to make it through, his job is to see to it that you make it. He will not let you down. As long as you have the heart to keep going, he will get you to where you need to be. Lastly, and I know this part will seem hard at the time, but enjoy basic training, you'll miss it once it's over. Remember that this is an experience less than one percent of Americans ever have, that makes you elite already. Stand tall and take pride.

Thank you both, that's good to know. 2 miles in fifteen minutes, in boots right? I better start working on that one... I think I could do it though.

And my friend wants to know if they're sexist (go easier on the females than males) and if there is a height limit?

[Guardian7347]

Im not worried about it. Its gonna happen, i know that much. I already have the responisibilties of an NCO. I actually got "promoted" to Cpl. from Spc. like a week ago. Yesterday was my first run as TC. it ROCKED haha...so much easier then being gunner.

WHat part of the country are you headed to if you can tell?

I figured you would at least get your cpl while there. That's cool. The only thing I don't like about that is, like you said, you have the responsibilities of an NCO, and you get the respect, but you don't get the pay. I know, it's not about the money, but it helps.

Julian-Dubbs. From there we're being shot-gunned out to a bunch of bases across the country. One battery to each major RSC.

[Guardian7347]

FIrst off, get in shape. Go run, start doing pushups and sit ups. You need to be able to run 2 miles in 15 mins or less, 50 pushups, and 60 sit-ups at LEAST!

Second, Basic is a mental game. Just keep going! Dont stop for anything, the real army isnt like basic at all.

Dont volunteer for things, and listen closesly. If you pay attention to your Drill Sgt. He will teach you good shit, and that keeps you alive.

@mish, haha i will post somemore if i can find any of me

That pretty much sums it up really, but one thing I want to stress some more.

Basic really is 90 mental/10 physical. It's all about making you mentally tougher and stronger. Your drill sergeants know more about you than you think they do, and they can tell if you really want to be there or not. If you don't, they will get rid of you. If you really want to be there, and you really want to make it through, his job is to see to it that you make it. He will not let you down. As long as you have the heart to keep going, he will get you to where you need to be. Lastly, and I know this part will seem hard at the time, but enjoy basic training, you'll miss it once it's over. Remember that this is an experience less than one percent of Americans ever have, that makes you elite already. Stand tall and take pride.

Thank you both, that's good to know. 2 miles in fifteen minutes, in boots right? I better start working on that one... I think I could do it though.

And my friend wants to know if they're sexist (go easier on the females than males) and if there is a height limit?

No, no running in boots. You'll be in running shoes for that. They don't want to destroy your feet, just make you tougher.
Yes, the females do have a different pt standard that's lower. This is part of my argument against the idea of letting women into combat arms. That's another topic though. And lastly, yes, there is a height limit, although I don't remember what it is. Your friend should be fine though, it's pretty low. You have to be a legal midget in order to be too short I believe.

[Strider]

Okay, that's a relief, somehow my cousin's boyrfriend, who's in the 10th mountain division told me we had to run in our boots for that.

Well either way, I'm going to make sure I can do pretty much anything the male soldiers can do; my friend was worried that I wouldn't be able to meet some of the requirements.
My friend wasn't worried about himself, he goes five-six, it was me he was making fun of when he asked about the height. I'm a wopping 5-1-1/2, hahaha.

And iI was wondering if they're was anything else we should be ready for?

[Bubbydoll]

Props to all the soldiers for serving and protecting all of us, you do a wonderful job and sometimes people can come off thankless about it. My dad was in the navy, my uncle and cousins are also in the navy and my grandfather was in the army. For my own personal opinion I do not think we should still have troops over there, if the United States and other countries do not want to pull out of places there yet, fine but I wish my country would pull out now and save some of our young men and women's lives. Peace to you both and hope you come home safe from your tours.

Thank you BD! I appreciate that.

I wish my country would pull out now and save some of our young men and women's lives.

Here's the catch though, and this is what everyone should keep in mind. We have a 100% VOLUNTEER military. That means every single person in the military, regardless of branch or rank, raised their right hand of their own free will, knowing full well the dangers inherent to this profession(especially those who've signed since 9/11), and said "I will fight". I can appreciate the desire to save as many lives as possible. I can get behind that idea 100%. But, and I know this sounds callous, if they die, they die. So long as we complete the mission and not pull out early or give up. We lose, and they die in vain if we do either of those two things, and that is not acceptable. At that point, their deaths become a tragedy, a wasted life. Don't rob the dead of their honor. Let us finish the job!

I forgot to check for a reply from you in this thread, sorry.

I agree with you on some of the points too, but I am sick of my country being such followers and just because others do not want to pull out yet, why can't we? I have some bitterness attached to this subject for personal reasons, previously mentioned by me on these forums before. So I come from a place of sorrow when discussing this. Wasn't meant to appear harsh on the United States or other countries. So many lives have been lost so far, be nice not to lose anymore servicemen and women, imo. Don't you feel the job should have already been finished? Is there some political gain to remain there? Makes me wonder, what do you think? Take care and be safe.

[Guardian7347]

ruck marches. If you can get a backpack and load it up with some weight(30-40lbs should do) and march for about 10 miles, that will give you a good head-start on everyone else. Eventually, you have to do between 12-15 miles with 50lbs. You also may want to start working on your uppper body strength. Like Sanick said, sit-ups and push-ups are big. There are different standards for males and females, but the more fit you are, the better off you'll be doing the obstacle courses. Pull-ups and dips are great exercises to help you build up your upper body.

[Strider]

ruck marches. If you can get a backpack and load it up with some weight(30-40lbs should do) and march for about 10 miles, that will give you a good head-start on everyone else. Eventually, you have to do between 12-15 miles with 50lbs. You also may want to start working on your uppper body strength. Like Sanick said, sit-ups and push-ups are big. There are different standards for males and females, but the more fit you are, the better off you'll be doing the obstacle courses. Pull-ups and dips are great exercises to help you build up your upper body.

Alright then. Thank you both very much, one last question. Are they really harsh on posture?

[Sanick]

I agree with you on some of the points too, but I am sick of my country being such followers and just because others do not want to pull out yet, why can't we? I have some bitterness attached to this subject for personal reasons, previously mentioned by me on these forums before. So I come from a place of sorrow when discussing this. Wasn't meant to appear harsh on the United States or other countries. So many lives have been lost so far, be nice not to lose anymore servicemen and women, imo. Don't you feel the job should have already been finished? Is there some political gain to remain there? Makes me wonder, what do you think? Take care and be safe.

We took the entire corrupted, and non-working government, that oppressed their people; removed it, and helped them set up their own democracy. That alone takes time. This country had NO infrastructure when we got here. No working schools, they had no real police force, no fire department, nothing. Those things take time to develope.

This subject is painful for alot of people, however the lives that were lost... Would you want them to die for nothing? Would their deaths mean anything if we just pulled out before this country was ready to be on its own against the terrorist, and radicals that still haunt them to this day?

If my death meant the freedom for a country, i'd gladly lay my life down for it.

The death toll, does suck yes. But did you know more American's die on the road per year, then soldiers die in combat in the middle east? In 1942, Both U.K and the U.S lost over 45,000 soldiers in ONE DAY. Compared to our 7,000 combined in 10 years? War SUCKS...I would love to see it come to an end, but at the same time, we cant just LEAVE when the job isnt finished. We cant just pack up and go, and watch all of our work, from all sorts of countries just... fall apart

[Guardian7347]

Very well said.

[Guardian7347]

ruck marches. If you can get a backpack and load it up with some weight(30-40lbs should do) and march for about 10 miles, that will give you a good head-start on everyone else. Eventually, you have to do between 12-15 miles with 50lbs. You also may want to start working on your uppper body strength. Like Sanick said, sit-ups and push-ups are big. There are different standards for males and females, but the more fit you are, the better off you'll be doing the obstacle courses. Pull-ups and dips are great exercises to help you build up your upper body.

Alright then. Thank you both very much, one last question. Are they really harsh on posture?

Oh YES! They will teach you to stand and sit tall.

[Strider]

Fantastic.

So, what was your favorite part of Basic Training?

[Bubbydoll]

I agree with you on some of the points too, but I am sick of my country being such followers and just because others do not want to pull out yet, why can't we? I have some bitterness attached to this subject for personal reasons, previously mentioned by me on these forums before. So I come from a place of sorrow when discussing this. Wasn't meant to appear harsh on the United States or other countries. So many lives have been lost so far, be nice not to lose anymore servicemen and women, imo. Don't you feel the job should have already been finished? Is there some political gain to remain there? Makes me wonder, what do you think? Take care and be safe.

We took the entire corrupted, and non-working government, that oppressed their people; removed it, and helped them set up their own democracy. That alone takes time. This country had NO infrastructure when we got here. No working schools, they had no real police force, no fire department, nothing. Those things take time to develope.

This subject is painful for alot of people, however the lives that were lost... Would you want them to die for nothing? Would their deaths mean anything if we just pulled out before this country was ready to be on its own against the terrorist, and radicals that still haunt them to this day?

If my death meant the freedom for a country, i'd gladly lay my life down for it.

The death toll, does suck yes. But did you know more American's die on the road per year, then soldiers die in combat in the middle east? In 1942, Both U.K and the U.S lost over 45,000 soldiers in ONE DAY. Compared to our 7,000 combined in 10 years? War SUCKS...I would love to see it come to an end, but at the same time, we cant just LEAVE when the job isnt finished. We cant just pack up and go, and watch all of our work, from all sorts of countries just... fall apart

Why did you have trouble quoting me, Sanick? Wasn't put in the forums quotes. Any how.

I live in a different country than you. I am fully aware of the good that was done over there for the citizens that live there, I wasn't discussing that point at all. I think the time that it has taken has gone on a little too long to be all they claim it is, imo. Some other reasons are happening now. I don't want them to die at all, or did you fluff over that point I clearly stated? I dislike when people try to justify one thing by quoting another as if it makes the original point moot. My opinion stands and will not be swayed, it is how I have felt for years, lots of my countrymen feel the same, lots do not. This could drag on for 5 more years, it has to end at some point, doesn't it? You are proud of the job you are doing and should be but your country should let you all finish it up now, not have people going in for another year of duty etc. We will not agree on this.

[Sanick]

It looks normal on mine? Maybe a glitch or somethin?

No one WANTS to do, but everyone who is over here, or has been over here volunteered. None of us are forced to sign on the doted line. We all know the dangers of war.

Im not justifying anything. Your opinion is, the war needs to end because the dying of soldiers needs to stop, and whatever it is behind the scenes you believe is going on is whats keeping us there.

My opinion is i would like to leave, and this war to be ended, but we cant leave something halfway done.

I'm not trying to sway you, im just revealing facts about this conflict, and past ones.

The war does indeed need to end, and fortunately it is coming to a close alot sooner then people think, I feel its too early, but we have alot of peace activists that feel other wise. I'm given an order i follow it. If i am told to come home i will.

My Country is finishing up in Iraq, however, our mission which is GLOBAL war on terrorism isnt finished. Terrorists are waging war on us in Afganistan, so we went there, and we are crushing them, slowly, but surely.

[Bubbydoll]

I didn't mean to come off harsh, I can get passionate at times and it is difficult to read my tone. I definitely respect men and women in the military, I come from a military family myself. My dad thinks as you and Guardian do, so I know that side very well. But what bothers me is if the lives of men and women are being traded for some political gain. When does your tour end, Sanick, I know Guardian's only just begun again for him? Take care.

[Sanick]

I've still got 315 days left

[lex]

you boys are beyond meaning.

Sanik I might not know you but I am very proud to know you like guard are there.

you always remember that you are wonderful an needed.


you boy make my heart have hope ;P

[Nostalgic]

They really make posture important? What are the reasons? My guess would be for impression?

There is so much uprising in the middle east at the moment. I don't know if the world has always been so depressing (war, natural disasters) or if I've just started watching the news more often

[Sanick]

Not so much posture, as it is with how you carry yourself in situations of Customs and Curtesies, and Drill and Ceremony

[Nostalgic]

Not so much posture, as it is with how you carry yourself in situations of Customs and Curtesies, and Drill and Ceremony

I love knowing the random stuff I see that's important but not so much as the fighting side. Do you have to be perfect in how you carry yourself?

[Sanick]

To an extent... you have to have the drill and ceremony, and customs and curtesies memorized. Who to salute, when to call at ease, how to stand at Parade rest, which side of the higher ranking person to stand on, who gets in a tactical vehicle first... How to march, what a colum from the right colum left means, how many inches from the person in front of you you are, the command to salute, cadences... its alot to remeber, but if you work on it, it comes naturally

[Nostalgic]

Why is all that so important?

[Guardian7347]

Fantastic.

So, what was your favorite part of Basic Training?

Come on...really? The ranges! lol

[Strider]

I should have figured. I shot an AK-47 once, it was pretty cool and the instructor said I did pretty well with it considering.

So what's your guys' favorite guns?

[Guardian7347]

Why is all that so important?

All those little things add up. One, it's respect. Respect for yourself and respect for those over you. When you respect your chain of command, you'll support your chain of command and you're more likely to carry out undesirable orders. When you respect yourself, you are a stronger person, and that makes you a better soldier. Two, discipline. Discipline is the driving force of any military. Discipline is what makes you stand your ground when you want to run like hell. Discipline is what makes you keep going when you want to quit. Discipline is why you stand tall when you want to fall down. Three, attention to detail. If you're always checking yourself to make sure you look right, and make sure you're buddy looks right, then when you get out into a combat zone, you're still checking yourself to make sure you have all your stuff on you and everything is right, and the same with your buddy. Don't get out there and find you forgot the DAGR(GPS device), or you're going to have a pretty shitty day, or you forgot to grab your other mag off your bed. ACH, NODS if your going to be out that late, IOTV with SAPIs in, knees and elbows, weapons, camelback...filled. Extra water. MRE's. Ammo. Are the trucks fueled, have you done your commo checks, PMCS'd the vehicles, everyone got strip maps and directions, and yes...did everyone go to the bathroom already? There's a lot of little things that can be overlooked, but learning attention to detail will help prevent that, or at least keep it to a minimum.