Regulations and Prohibitions for Soldiers Deploying Overseas

Military deployments, whether for a short or extended period, come with specific rules and restrictions intended to protect both the troops and the mission at hand. This article explores what items service members are allowed to take with them when they deploy overseas and which ones are prohibited. Additionally, we delve into the strict regulations that govern the items brought back from deployments.

Permitted Items During Deployment

During a deployment, soldiers are allowed to bring their basic issue of uniforms and field gear. These include items such as:

Field gear Weapons issued to them Personal hygiene and grooming items Items for communication, such as radios for listening to music A small number of civilian clothes (limited to a few outfits) PNT (Personal Night Training) gear for extended missions in low-light conditions

While deployment, soldiers can also carry items like:

A small radio Cassette tapes (like those used by the author) CD players DVD players

Although there are some allowances, the general rule is to limit personal items due to space and weight constraints, which are crucial for mission success.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

There are several items that are strictly prohibited from being taken with the troops during a deployment. These include:

Pornographic materials, which are illegal in some regions like Muslim theocracies. Hip flasks or personal alcohol containers. Unissued items like civilian clothes, unless a few limited outfits are allowed. Any unauthorized weapons or knives unless approved by the commanding officer. Prohibited items like matches, lighters, or other items that could be used as tools to make weapons.

These items can cause legal, logistical, and operational issues if discovered. Personal items that are not allowed are often subject to search and confiscation upon exfil/redeployment. In the area of operations (AO), dog searches are also conducted to ensure compliance with these rules.

Repatriation and Personal Equipment Searches

Upon returning from a deployment, soldiers undergo extensive searches of their personal equipment. This is to ensure they are not bringing back illicit items. The search process is typically rigorous, involving the use of detectors and canine units. Any items that are prohibited from being brought into the AO are confiscated and dealt with according to the chain of command and military regulations.

Conclusion and Historical Perspective

The regulations for deploying soldiers have evolved over time, balancing the need for operational readiness with respect for cultural and religious sensitivities. While the author's personal experiences stem from around 40 years ago, the core principles remain similar today. Modern deployments have stricter rules regarding personal items to prevent smal

The "fools-gold rule" mentioned by the author emphasizes the importance of following these strict regulations. While some soldiers might get away with carrying extra personal items, such behavior is usually met with severe consequences. It's essential to adhere to all rules to maintain discipline and support mission success.