Ground Team gear

[whatevah]

with NESA and summer Hawk Mountain approaching, a question we'll be hearing is "what do I need?".

Well, the answer that's too-often given is "everything in the task book". The fact is, that's a general list of stuff, and certain areas will need specific items that will replace the recommended item, or need something not listed at all.

So, how about posting your gear list, and how it differs from the task book?

[arajca]

For those activities, if a member is accepted, they will be receiving a list of what ot bring and, equally important, what not to bring. I believe the HAWK and NESA websites also have the equipment lists.

[Greg]

I used about 40% of what they told me to bring for Hawk.  For a bivouac, I'll usually bring lots of water, a compass, flashlight, a couple Clif bars, a knife, orange vest, duct tape, paracord, and maybe some other stuff that I can't remember right now. 

[Horn229]

So, how about posting your gear list, and how it differs from the task book?

Ok,

Cellphone
Money
Notebook
Mountain Dew

[Schmidty06]

So, how about posting your gear list, and how it differs from the task book?

Ok,

Cellphone
Money
Notebook
Mountain Dew

Bing-o

[Nathan]

Yeah, I was told Hawk made you bring a lot of stuff just to make your pack heavier. I'm gonna be running the list through some people in my squadron to check and see what I REALLY need.

[SAR junkie]

Im going to Hawk this summer. There is alot of gear, but not nearly as much as the winter school needs.  And yes the website for Hawk does in fact have the equipment needed posted on it.

[Cadet Bonnett]

what gear do you need for ES. I'm new. But i am qualified.

[Pylon]

what gear do you need for ES. I'm new. But i am qualified.

The gear you need will vary wildly depending on many factors, including what duties in ES you plan on doing (Ground Team, Aircrew, UDF, ad nauseum...), where in the U.S. you are, what types of missions your unit usually receives, and your budget.

Just starting off as a GES (General Emergency Services) qualified member, which I am assuming you are based on your other posts, you won't need a ton of specialized gear.  The best indicator is to see what types of missions your unit regularly gets involved with and see what other members in your situation use.  As you find an area of ES you like and earn your ratings, you'll know better what tpye of gear you'll need for those duties.

[Cmdbuddy]

So, how about posting your gear list, and how it differs from the task book?

Ok,

Cellphone
Money
Notebook
Mountain Dew

Oo-rah.. or Hoo-Airp! 

Like everyone else has said, gear depends on your location.  Here, when I mainly do UDF in the ghettos of New Orleans, it may very well be practical to pack a handgun... just kidding, of course. 

When selecting your gear, make sure that you know how to use everything in your pack.  There's no use lugging it around if you don't need it.  Also, reevaluate your gear every so often.  If there's something in there that you've never touched, chances are that you won't need it. 

To me, the most important things to have are: water, food, and toilet paper... and not necessarily in that order.  Oh yea, and dry socks.  I hate my feet being wet. 

[fyrfitrmedic]

Yeah, I was told Hawk made you bring a lot of stuff just to make your pack heavier. I'm gonna be running the list through some people in my squadron to check and see what I REALLY need.

That's categorically untrue.

[Buzz]

Yeah, I was told Hawk made you bring a lot of stuff just to make your pack heavier. I'm gonna be running the list through some people in my squadron to check and see what I REALLY need.

I was once told "If you have a clear idea what you are coming here to do, you will know what you have to have.  Anything more that you want to carry is up to you."

[isuhawkeye]

Bumb

I was recently forwarded this link. 

It is a list comparing 20 different ground team equipment check lists from SAR agencies around the world.  Just thought you would like to see.
http://www.1srg.org/Contributed-Materials/PackLists/SAR_Equipment_List_Compilation.pdf