[jester]

Yeah, gear was always a problem. And the turn ins were BS! Often they just said "So, take it and TRY to survey it later."

We always tried to have a seperate set of kit too. Unfortunatly it was considered a contraband item by the company and anything in excess was confinscated. When I went into the hospital, my 1st Sgt actualy took some items I purchased from a surplus store and from Brigade Quartermaster, to include two 16 ounce pilots flasks <they were handy for small ops and ops, and fit in a pocket or buttpack> my parachutists folding knife <useless but a cool mechanical gadget> some BLACK 1 liter canteens and a 2 quart <yeah I am big on water because WE NEVER HAD IT!> And my boonie and old style cleaning kit and pouch. Heaven forbid you have similiar gear to what was actualy issued that got taken and put in their stash in company supply, hell, even a couple of those British 58 pouches went there.

But, yeah, a spare set of gear that was cleaned, folded and locked away for inspections only was always handy.