🎖 Essential Gear, Documents, and Prep for Military Travel & Homecoming

📄 Essential Documents

• Military ID (CAC card) and dependent IDs
• Leave authorization paperwork (DA Form 31)
• Travel orders (if applicable)
• Medical records (including vaccination records)
• Power of Attorney documents
• Vehicle registration and insurance (if driving)
• Passport (for international travel)
• Emergency contact list

👕 Uniforms & Military Gear

• Service uniforms (appropriate for season)
• PT uniform (2 sets)
• Dress uniform (if needed for events)
• Duty boots (polished if required)
• Dress shoes (polished)
• Cover/hat
• Rank insignia and name tapes
• Gloves (dress and utility)

🎒 Tactical Gear (For Return)

• Tactical vest/plate carrier
• Helmet (if required)
• Eye protection (sunglasses/goggles)
• Ear protection
• Knee/elbow pads
• CamelBak or hydration system
• Tactical watch
• Multi-tool

👕 Civilian Clothing

• Weather-appropriate casual wear (7 days)
• Dress clothes (for special occasions)
• Comfortable shoes/sneakers
• Swimwear (if applicable)
• Undergarments (10 sets)
• Socks (10 pairs - moisture wicking)
• Sleepwear
• Jacket/outerwear for climate

🛌 Personal Care & Hygiene

• Toiletry kit (TSA compliant if flying)
• Prescription medications (30-day supply)
• Shaving kit (electric razor if preferred)
• Hair care products
• Nail clippers/file
• Towel and washcloth
• Laundry bag and detergent pods
• First aid kit

💻 Electronics & Communication

• Cell phone and charger
• Laptop/tablet (if allowed)
• Headphones/earbuds
• Portable charger/power bank
• International adapter (if traveling overseas)
• Pre-paid phone cards (for secure comms)
• Camera (optional)

💰 Financial Items

• ATM card/military star card
• Emergency cash ($200 in small bills)
• Travelers checks (if applicable)
• Credit card
• Checkbook

🎁 Homecoming Essentials (For Return)

• Gifts for family/friends
• Photos from deployment (to share)
• Personal mementos
• Letters/cards received

📦 Miscellaneous Items

• Duffel bag or luggage with ID tags
• Combination locks (2)
• Notebook and pens
• Reading material
• Deck of cards/travel games
• Water bottle
• Snacks for travel
• Sewing kit

✈️ Travel-Specific Items

• Printed itinerary
• Neck pillow/eye mask
• Travel-size toiletries
• Copies of important documents
• Comfortable travel clothes

⏲️ Pre-Leave Checklist

• 2 Weeks Out: Confirm leave dates with command
• 1 Week Out: Arrange transportation and lodging
• 5 Days Out: Gather all required documents
• 3 Days Out: Pack uniforms and tactical gear
• 1 Day Out: Charge all electronics, confirm travel
• Departure Day: Final uniform inspection, check IDs

🏠 Pre-Return Checklist

• 2 Weeks Out: Confirm return date with command
• 1 Week Out: Inspect all gear for serviceability
• 5 Days Out: Launder all uniforms
• 3 Days Out: Pack according to unit requirements
• 1 Day Out: Charge electronics, confirm travel
• Return Day: Final gear check, arrive early