GT Trainee

The information below is an excerpt from "Ground & Urban Direction Finding Team Tasks"

The gear list below is the minimum required Ground Team equipment. Items required of trainees are marked with a (T). You may carry additional equipment subject to team leader approval and your ability to secure and carry it -- remember, you may have to walk a long way carrying it all. 

1. 24 hour pack

   • On your person:

     • Complete BDU uniform with BDU cap. The BDU cap may be replaced by a hard hat or bright colored cap based on mission needs.(T)

     • Notepad and pencil (T)

     • All CAP Identification, including 101 card, 76 card, First Aid card, etc. (T)

     • Watch (T)

     • Handkerchief or Tissues

     • Vest, reflective, orange (T)

     • Comb or brush (optional, carry if needed) (T)

     • Ground Team Member’s Handbook

     • Signal Mirror

     • Whistle

     • Pocket or utility-type knife, multipurpose with can opener. Swiss Army knives, Leatherman, or Gerber Tools are recommended. (T)

   • Day Pack (preferably red or orange), webbed gear, or other SAR/Survival Vest (T) containing:

     • First Aid Kit, stored in zip-lock bag or other waterproof container, recommended that it consists of the following:

       • 2 Antiseptic cleansing pads

       • Antiseptic ointment

       • 6 Band-Aids, various sizes

       • Moleskin, 2” X 4”

       • Roller bandage

       • 2 Safety pins, large

       • 4 gauze pads

       • 1 Triangular Bandage

       • Tape, first aid

       • Any personal medication (your team leader should know what you have and where you carry it.)(T)

       • Rubber surgical gloves (two pair minimum)

     • Survival Kit, stored in zip-lock bag or other waterproof container, consisting of:

       • Duct tape, 5-10 feet (does not need to be a whole role. May be wrapped around a stick.

       • Leaf bag, large

       • 12 wooden, waterproofed matches (T)

       • Match container, waterproof, with striking surface

       • 1 Chemical Light Stick, Green (T)

       • 50’ of nylon line (paracord or similar line).

     • SAR Equipment stored in zip-lock bags, consisting of:

       • Change of socks (T)

       • Flagging Tape, 1 roll

       • Flashlight (with red or blue lens), with spare bulb and batteries

       • Spare flashlight (penlight will do) (T)

       • Insect repellent

       • Lip balm, with sunscreen.

       • Sunscreen lotion

       • Tissue Paper (T) 

       • Work Gloves, leather (T)

       • Interviewing Form(s), blank

       • 4 Moist Towelettes, clean, in foil wrapper

       • Change for phone calls, calling card, or cellular phone (T) to call mission base

     • 2 meals (T)

     • Shelter Material, preferably 8’ X 10’ (spare military poncho meets the need)

     • Coat for appropriate climate, if necessary (in pack if not wearing it)(T)

     • Poncho, (T)

     • Canteen(s) to carry 2 quarts of water (Some wings require their personnel to have at least one one-quart canteen on a belt while the other is stored in the field pack. At least one quart of water must be carried by all personnel)(T)

     • Compass Pouch, containing compass, lensatic or orienteering (orienteering preferred).

       • Compass should have a “glow in the dark” dial.

     • Leader’s Equipment -- only required of Ground Team Leaders

       • Protractor -- for map work.

       • Map Case (Large Zip-Loc bags can be used if necessary)

       • Pencil, with eraser (plus sharpener if not a mechanical pencil)

       • Alcohol Pens, fine tip, at least 2 colors (neither the color of your colored flashlight lens)

       • Some way to erase alcohol pens marks on the map case, such as alcohol swabs or a special alcohol pen eraser.

       • A straightedge ruler, at least 6” long (Some protractors may have a ruler as well).

       • Ground Team Leader Handbook

2. Extended duration (72 Hour) pack: a backpack (preferably with frame) (T) containing:

   • Tent (optional, if you are sharing a tent with someone else who is carrying it) (T)

   • Spare rank and CAP cutouts (for cadets)

   • 5 meals (T)

   • 2 Leaf Bags, large

   • Bag, waterproof (T), containing:

     • Spare uniform,

     • Underwear and socks, 3 changes (T)

   • Sleeping pad, foam or inflatable.

   • Spare boot laces.

   • Kit, sewing, with spare buttons.

   • Shoe Shine Kit

   • Toilet Kit, that should contain:

     • Toothbrush and paste (T)

     • Shaving Kit (if you shave) (T)

     • Deodorant (T)

     • Washcloth and soap (T)

     • Towel (T)

   • Sleeping Bag or Bedroll appropriate to climate (T)

3. Optional Items:

   • Rainwear, durable

   • Webbing, nylon, 1” wide, 20’ long.

   • Handheld FM Transceiver (highly recommended for Ground Team Leaders)

   • Water Purification Tablets

   • Eye Protection (highly recommended)

   • Entrenching Tool (highly recommended for base gear)