Army Deployment EDC
This is my current army deployment EDC. I’m overseas and this is all of the gear that makes up my deployment everyday carry. My EDC is constantly changing and this is my current setup for 2019. I linked most of the gear down below if you want to check it out.
Some info about my current situation
I am in the Army National Guard out of Illinois and I am 15H (helicopter hydraulics repairer). The country I am in is safe and is not considered a combat zone so you will notice my gear isn’t what you might think for a deployment. I work at an airfield every day and these are the items that I found to be the most useful for my situation.
Some of you might disagree with these items and that’s okay, this is what I have personally found has worked for me.
Spartan Blades Phrike
The Spartan Blades Phrike is a fixed blade knife that I have been carrying in a scout carry setup. I had the option of a nylon sheath or a Kydex sheath when I purchased this knife and I chose the Kydex sheath.
It is an awesome fixed blade that is made with S35VN steel and is cryo freezed to reach the perfect hardness for that steel. I also chose the olive drab green G10 grips with the black blade. It has a 4.25″ blade length and is the perfect size for an EDC fixed blade.
Blade-Tech Tek-Lok
The Blade-Tech Tek-Lok is a piece of gear that everyone should have. I always heard about how great they are but never picked one up until recently. It is a great way to mount stuff onto your belt or even molle webbing.
I use it to attach my fixed blade sheath on my belt and it is very secured on there. Before using the Tek-Lok I would feel my knife shift around and bounce when walking but now it doesn’t move at all.
ABKT Folder Knife
This knife is actually pretty decent for the price. It’s a lightweight folder that comes with D2 steel that has a black stonewash. It is a very good looking knife and has tan G10 handles on it. When it comes to a folding knife there are so many good options out there but this is just the one I happen to use. I actually received this knife in a subscription box and decided to take it on my deployment to test it out. Its nothing fancy but it works for me and my uses.
Actually, I have carried the Spyderco Para 3, Spyderco Paramilitary 2, and the Benchmade Adamas since I have been here but the ABKT folder is what I have had on me most of the time.
Streamlight Protac 1L
I have been a big fan of Streamlight for a long time and I really love this little flashlight. It is small and comes with a simple nylon belt pouch to carry it in. Also, it has three modes (high/strobe/low) and can be cycled through them with a single button on the back of the flashlight.
The Protac 1L uses one single CR123 battery that outputs 110 lumens on high and 12 lumens on low. The battery life will last 1 hr & 45 min on the high setting and 14 hrs on the low setting. It is a great little light that is perfect for EDC.
Citizen Military Watch
This watch is simple and has a very clean design. It has a classic look with the dark green canvas strap and the black watch face. This watch is powered by light. It uses Eco-Drive which means you will never need batteries which is a huge factor.
The face of the watch is very streamlined. The numbers on the dial are large and it has luminous hands and markers making it very easy to see. It has an analog day/date and there is also a 12/24 hour time feature. The watch is comfortable to wear and is very rugged. It is water resistant and also has a calendar built into it. It is a great EDC watch in my opinion and is perfect especially for people in the military.
Brass Zippo
So I actually have a fake zippo with me on this deployment. I have a real one back home but I didn’t bring it with me because I thought it might get confiscated by customs. I bought this fake one from one of the locals at the market.
It works great and was cheap so I said why not and bought it. Some people might not need a lighter with them but even if your not a smoker, a lighter is still something you might want to carry on you or at least throw one in your bag.
Saphire WiFi Box
In the middle east, internet access isn’t as simple as it is back in the U.S. The Sapphire WiFi box is how I still get to connect with the rest of the world. I can take it with me where ever I go and still can connect my phone and laptop to WiFi. I also use this to connect to my PS4 and play online games and it works well.
Sometimes the internet is a little slow when streaming videos but normally it works great. Also, the prices are pretty good especially in the country that I am currently in. The Internet is a must in today’s world and while being deployed it helps keep my sanity.
Leatherman M.U.T.
A good multi-tool is necessary in my opinion for anyone in the military while deployed, especially a mechanic. I am partial to Leatherman’s and believe that they make a better multitool compared to other brands.
I have the Leatherman M.U.T. which is designed more as an AR-15/M4 multi-tool but it works great for my needs as a mechanic. It is rugged and durable and it looks really cool too because everyone knows how important that is.
R.A.E. Gear Holster
The R.A.E. Gear holster is a nice piece of gear that makes it easier to carry my leatherman. My multi-tool came with a nylon sheath, which is good, but when carrying it on my belt it had a lot of play. It would shift up and down and wasn’t very secure in one place.
The nylon sheath is better for attaching on a battle belt of a plate carrier rather than a normal belt. The R.A.E. Gear holster solved this problem. It is a steel sheath for my multi-tool and made specifically for my model leatherman. Also, it keeps my multi-tool closer to my body and doesn’t stick out as much.
Popov Leather Wallet
I don’t carry cash on me anymore and find that a big wallet is often cumbersome and most people with a large wallet carry a bunch of stuff they really don’t need. The Popov Leather wallet is a minimalist design and lets me carry my ID cards and credit cards comfortably.
It is very simple and looks really good in my opinion. Since most guys carry their wallet in their back pocket a slimmer leather wallet tends to be a better option because it is more comfortable. This wallet is excellent for someone who wants a simple and clean looking wallet.
Gil-Tek RUK
The final item on my deployment EDC list is the Gil-Tek RUK (Rapid Utility Knife). This is just a razor blade that can easily be carried on a key chain. It is small and lightweight and it doesn’t look intimidating. With this, I always have a blade on me even in places I’m technically not supposed to. People will see it and have no idea what it is.
The Gil-Tek RUK is a smart way to have a blade on you if even if you forgot your knife that day. This item is probably more of an EDC item for civilians. I can see how it would come in more use for regular everyday use for someone who might not want to carry a large or even small pocket knife.
Wiley X Valor
One item that I almost forgot to include in this list is my eye protection. It is very sunny and dusty here so a good set of eye protection is a must. I was issued some eye pro before I came here but I wanted some that looked cooler. I have been wearing the Wiley X Valors for my entire deployment so far.
They are scratched and beat up a little but I can still see good out of them and still protect my eyes. The Wiley X Valors don’t offer the same amount of protection as my issued ones do but they look way better in my opinion. They come with a clear lens as well that is very easy to change.
What do you guys think?
What does everyone think of my deployment EDC? Like I mentioned early I am constantly changing my gear and rotating in different items and this is what my current setup looks like.
What does everyone else carry for a deployment? Let me know in the comments down below and thanks for reading.
Great gear and lots of good information. Been following your page on insta for a good while now!