to tie something down or an MRE package. The soldiers all carry these and I felt annoying after asking them time and time again to use theirs. -A Small backpack. This can be used for many things. I found that when I went out on small overnight patrols, it was very helpful having a small backpack. You will be expected to transport your own possessions, so the back pack you bring needs to be big enough to fit a few MRE packages, water bottles and your sleeping bag (which you will be carrying on small patrols) but small enough that you can hike 10 miles with it without it becoming a burden. -Medicine: All COPs have medicine and a medic or a Physicians Assistant, so you will never be sick and not have someone to help you. However, if they tend to be low maintenance (meaning, if you go to them with a cold, they will just give you Sudafed) so if you are a med-head like me, come prepared. The dust over there is very bad and can cause severe allergies which really dampens your mood and distracts you from your work. Muscinex, Sudafed (the kind you get BEHIND the pharmacy counter) for nasal decongestion, and Nyquil are helpful. Also, this is a bit gross, but also if you already have digestive problems maybe some type of herbal laxative tea or fiber supplements. Easting MREs for days on end can really cause your stomach to get clogged up (some