Making a trip to Fort Benning next week to attend my nephew's graduation. He's about to complete OSUT as an Army Cavalry Scout.

Any suggestions for a gift? Maybe in the range of $100 to $150 or so that would be useful to him in his position?

He'll be heading right to Fort Stewart for his first duty station (5-7 CAV, 1ABCT, 3rd ID). The family is heading down the day prior to graduation as we understand we should be able to see him the day prior for a few hours.

They are putting him on a plane almost immediately after graduation to fly him over to Fort Stewart to report.

Thanks in advance.

A hat
https://www.knudsenhats.com/1870-s-cavalry.html

Congrats from a 19D...it was a fun school

This is what I'd do. It's my daily EDC.

https://www.cabelas.com/produc...ALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Jim

As a former 19D in OH-58's in the MT Guard....I'd suggest a quality, compact flashlight. Especially one that will accept night vision filters.

Second would be a good Leatherman type tool.

I'd go to the Cav Store site and peruse the catalog.

My memories of the job are getting weak, it was a long time ago and all of it in the intermountain West.

Update....CAV store now gone. Sorry.

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:
As a former 19D in OH-58's in the MT Guard....I'd suggest a quality, compact flashlight. Especially one that will accept night vision filters.

Second would be a good Leatherman type tool.

I'd go to the Cav Store site and peruse the catalog.

My memories of the job are getting weak, it was a long time ago and all of it in the intermountain West.

Update....CAV store now gone. Sorry.

FN has a good idea with the flashlight suggestion. A Fenix PD35 Tac would be a good choice.

Jim

VS-17 Panel



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Thanks for the suggestions. If new readers to the thread have more ideas, please do pass them along as other family members are asking the same question.

I was thinking about a knife, but we're flying down and I don't want to check anything in for this trip.

I think we'll go with the PD35 TAC with a red filter.

Thoughts on a watch?

quote:

Originally posted by Sig209:
VS-17 Panel

Had to look that one up.

quote:

Originally posted by steve495:

quote:

Originally posted by Sig209:
VS-17 Panel

Had to look that one up.

add to:

roll of glint tape

IR strobe

(for positive ID of friend / foe...)

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He likely does not want to show up labeled as a "Gear Queer" Who knows what his unit will issue, probably a-lot. That and/or a list of exact things he has to buy...

My $0.02: issue boots suck, EVERYONE buys AR-670 compliant commercial boots. (Everyone). It would be super cool if you contributed a few bucks for them, they will be used every day.

Conrats and “Scouts out”. As I remember not all units were permitted The black hats. Maybe a water proof wallet. Maybe ask him what he needs.

Take him to Ranger Joe's in Columbus and buy him a pair of boots. I wear Garmonts, they are the best I've found yet. His unit will issue him a Gerber and IR strobe and glint tape and VS 17 panel if he is going to deploy or if unit funds allow. He will get the most use out of some really comfortable boots though.

Having spent the majority of my 21 years in the Army working my way through the ranks as a Scout, allow me to suggest the most often appreciated gift ever. Money.

The Stetson is a good idea.

Maybe a couple family members could go in on one for him.

As a former scout back in the day and my last deployment to AFG was driving an MRAP with a mine roller, I can highly recommend what others have said.

Good Boots, a good flashlight, folding knife or multi tool all make very nice and useful gifts.

19D's now get to drive about any and every kind of vehicle.
There is a good chance he will start off as a driver, and there is nothing like a good flashlight to help with early morning maintenance checks.

Get him a gift card to Amazon or, the local shop.

Petzl Tikka headlamp is useful.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!