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Serving in the military is perhaps the most demanding and challenging occupation that anyone can have. It requires immense courage, strength, and discipline. And it comes with a lot of responsibility. From basic training to deployment and everything in between, soldiers have to be prepared for anything and everything.
While most of the tools and equipment needed are provided by the government, there are a few suppliers that troopers need to acquire on their own. These accessories can range from helpful to lifesaving and can make a major contribution to a soldier’s effectiveness on the job.
What Army Accessories Do You Need?
The specifics of deployment will vary depending on the assignment, geographical location, and time of year. If you want to be prepared for all things army, you’ll need to make good use of your bug-out bag.
Army Water Bottle
Staying hydrated when travelling to off-the-beaten-path locations and amid high-stress situations is essential. Your body needs to keep up with the demands you’re placing on it, and water is an irreplaceable part of that equation.
With that in mind, having a durable army water bottle to hold your liquids is a must. Most models are made from BPA-free materials and can be clipped onto a belt or backpack for easy access. Their double-walled construction will keep your drinks cold in hot weather and vice versa, ensuring proper hydration no matter the conditions.
Their outer shells are also very tough, with an ergonomic and slip-resistant design that makes them easy to hold on to, even when wearing gloves. Even if you’re in the midst of a storm, you’ll be able to keep a firm grip on your water bottle without worrying about it falling or spilling.
Plus, the cap is designed to be leak-proof, with extra security features that prevent accidental opening. After all, there’s nothing worse than seeing moisture collecting at the bottom of your backpack, only to realise that it’s coming from your army drink bottle. Not only would this be a nuisance to clean up, but it could also damage any electronics you’re carrying with you.
And most importantly, the lightweight construction means that you won’t have to carry around a heavy, cumbersome container. When you’re running low on space and need to conserve every gram of weight, you’ll be glad you have a compact and easy-to-use bottle by your side.
Tactical Torch
A flashlight is an essential part of any survival kit, and that’s especially true for members of the military. A sturdy light source with many applications can help you make out objects and terrain in the dark, identify potential threats, and signal for help if you’re ever in a tight spot.
Most models are made from aircraft-grade aluminium for durability, with a knurled grip that prevents slippage. They’re also designed to be waterproof and shock-resistant, so they’re unlikely to end up breaking if they’re dropped or exposed to the elements.
Most importantly, though, is the fact that they produce a bright, focused beam of light. This is thanks to their high-powered LED bulbs and precision optics. The number of lumens will vary from one device to the next, but you can rest assured that even the lowest-end models will be more than sufficient for your needs.
Belt Buckle
Given the massive amount of gear that troops have to carry with them, it’s no wonder that they’re often in need of a belt buckle to keep everything in place. It’ll distribute the weight evenly, from your gun and ammunition to your water bottle and first-aid kit.
And while you might not think that a belt buckle would be all that different from the ones you see in stores, the truth is that they’re designed specifically for military use. They’re made from high-strength materials like aluminium or steel, coupled with a polymer coating that prevents corrosion.
What’s more, they feature a quick-release mechanism that allows you to ditch your gear in a hurry if the situation calls for it. And when you need to put it back on, the process is just as simple. No fumbling around with tiny buttons or struggling to thread a belt through a tiny hole.
Binoculars
Whether you’re on the lookout for potential threats or trying to get a better view of the terrain, you can’t always rely on your naked eyes. Sure, you can see what’s immediately in front of you, but what about what’s over the next hill? Or around the next corner?
Since you can’t be everywhere at once, a good pair of binoculars is the next best thing. Military-grade devices can be used in all sorts of environments, from sizzling deserts to icy tundras.
And while you might not need them for everyday use, they could very well come in handy in a pinch. After all, it’s always better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario than to be caught off guard by something you couldn’t see coming.
Insect Repellent
The constant buzzing in your ear. The itchy, red bumps appear out of nowhere. The feeling of something crawling on your skin. There’s nothing worse than being plagued by insects, especially when trying to focus on a task at hand.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep them at bay. While getting away from said insects is perhaps the best solution, that’s not always possible. And even if you can put some distance between you and them, they’ll follow you until they find another opportunity to make your life a living nightmare.
That’s where insect repellent comes in. It works by creating a barrier between you and the bugs, with the active ingredient typically being DEET. This substance is effective at deterring a variety of insects, including mosquitos, ticks, and fleas.
