Equipping for Ministry

1
Equipping for Ministry
188th INFANTRY BRIGADE

• 188th INF BDE RST
• CH Jonathan Fisher
• CH David Clark
• SFC Robert Taylor

2
Personal Hygiene

• As we are entering the 5th year of deployments to
  Iraq/Afghanistan, most of the FOBs are built up
• The PX will have most of your personal items for
  purchase have a months supply of personal
  toiletries on hand (you never know where youll
  end up)
• Housing has made leaps and bounds, take with you
  whatever makes you comfortable on your bed you
  will probably have one there.

3
Electronics

• Dust protection its a must!
• 220 Voltage converters
• Personal PC
• Power Strips
• Clock radio/alarm
• Coffee maker (you will probably be able to get a
  220 one in country)
• TV/DVD player etc can be purchased in country
  (220)
• Fridge (some places have them some dont)
• Fan
• Crock pot/microwave/hot plate

4
Living Area

• You will probably have a container room to live
  in. These rooms usually come with a bed,
  mattress, side table and closet.
• Much of what you need can be bought at the PX
  however, if you want any kind of specialty pillow
  or something you will have to bring it or have it
  sent! Depending on your PX, what they have to
  offer may be very limited.
• When you get on the ground, everyone will be
  selling their living space gear
• TVs, radios, tables, chairs etc
• Bring some cash to make these purchases

5
Personal Internet

• You can send emails and chat with AKO but if
  you want more than that your only options are
  personal internet and the MWR.
• Bandwidth is the issue its nice to get a lot of
  guys together to share and bring the price down
  but in the end, I found it was better to chalk up
  the price a good connection to good
  relationship
• All the equipment is usually on the ground when
  you get there.

6
Cell Phones

• The cell phones are sim card operated so buying a
  used one is doable.
• You have to buy minutes
• On mine, incoming calls were free
• There are websites that offer cheap international
  minutes
• Reception is sketchy but its really nice to
  have the phone

7
Chapel PA

• Fender Passport (or similar system)
• Emphasis on portability, ruggedness
• Mikes/Stand/Cords
• Good quality mikes that can take a beating
• Dedicated Extension Cords/Surge Protector/Voltage
  Converter
• Dedicated small cd player for Memorials

8
Music

• Worship Music (digital hymn player if you can get
  your hands on one)
• MP3s work great
• You can find accompaniment tracks at most
  Christian Bookstores
• If you use these rip them to your hard drive
  and use an MP3 player (CDs will get broken!)
• Instruments
• Some may be in country, but they will be old and
  used if you can bring them with you bring it
  on!
• Guitars, keyboards, bass, drums really anything
  you can get your hands on!
• Memorial Music use principle from above

9
Chapel Equipment

• Take a 90 day re-supply
• The chapel will probably have everything you need
  but be prepared anyway.
• Bring tools if you can. They are in short supply
  and if you have some with you, you can always
  improve your chapel/living space!
• Anything with color is appreciated! Bring
  banners, alter cloths etc.
• Build a weapons/kevlar rack
• Much of this can be gotten through supply

10
Supply Issues

• Digital Recorder
• Bible/Religious Software
• Digital Camera/Video Recorder
• Nice Communion Set
• Candles/Alter Cloths/Banners
• Video Projector/Screen
• Extension Cords/power strips

11
Ideas to make your Chapel a Better Place!!

• Create a religious library! Bring some bible
  study references with you.
• Make your chapel a place of quiet reflection,
  meditation and rest!
• Have a desk for Bible study, letter writing etc
• Have classes, Bible studies, seminars whatever
  you can to fill time.
• Movie night show movies that have meaning!
• Make friends with the mess hall refreshments
  are always welcome.

12
Office

• Pack some essential office supplies in your tuff
  box. I know that I had to go without for a couple
  months till the supply train caught up with us.
  Your unit may have it already, but if you need it
  now, youll want to have it with you when you go.

13
Gear

• Headlamp/flashlight
• Multi-tool (leatherman/gerber)
• Good knife
• Some kind of face scarf
• Power inverter for vehicle
• Anything that helps keep you cool
• Small radio for communication with your assistant