If you are reading this article, then you understand, as no one else, that caring for our defenders is the foundation of our defense, the thing that keeps the rear safe and supports the front in this difficult time. Every parcel for a serviceman and every box of gifts sent to the front line is of great importance to the recipients, for whom it is not just a set of things, but material and assistance = in the words “we remember you.”
However, without relying on just a verbal message, in combat conditions, a regular parcel to a soldier should be as practical, effective, useful, and safe for long-term storage as possible. How to assemble the perfect humanitarian aid or personal parcel for a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and other units? We have put together a detailed and structured guide based on real requests from soldiers on the front lines.
Food and goodies to put in a package for a soldier
There is food at the front, but the food mostly consists of dry pies and field kitchen dishes. What the boys and girls of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, especially on the front lines, really lack is home-made flavors and, as nutritionists like to say, quick “carbohydrates for happiness”: chocolates, protein bars, dried fruits, chewy candies, sweet wafers, and other long-term sweets, which are always in short supply.
The main rule is to put not just food in the package, but what you really need and want all the time, before going to bed, in the morning with coffee or as a snack with tea, it’s not just dry gingerbread cookies (although they are also appropriate, but should not be the basis), it is better to put popular chocolates, or waffles or even snacks made from dried fruits, such as dried mango, apples, banana or apricot. The products should have a long shelf life, but at the same time be filling and useful for restoring strength and vitamins, it is advisable to take goodies where the packaging is as airtight as possible and does not allow them to melt so that they turn into “water in cellophane”, it may be appropriate to place them in a plastic bottle or a plastic cup before sending. If this is not possible, choose hard packaging and no glass!
Not the sweetest one, strength in diversity
Also add food of different flavors to the package so that it doesn’t get boring and you can share it with those who don’t eat sweets or want something for the soul:
- Meat jerky, hog jerky, and dried meat: This is a clean protein that is convenient to take with you to the range, for a quick snack while driving or on the go, or even to put in your backpack just in case.
- Nuts and dried fruits: Almost do not spoil, take up minimal space, providing maximum calories and a feeling of satiety. Sold as mixtures (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, raisins, dates), as well as individually, each set is an ideal source of quick energy, vitamins, healthy and nutritious proteins.
- Coffee and tea: A basic daily necessity in large quantities. When a company gathers, when you need to have breakfast or lunch, high-quality instant coffee, coffee in drip packets (a hit among the military), loose leaf or bagged tea is simply a great addition in any weather.
- Energy bars and dark chocolate: We have already written a lot about this above, how and why they are so indispensable for the military both on the front lines and in the rear. Therefore, we will add that for the benefit, it is better to choose chocolate with a high cocoa content – dark chocolate melts less and tastes longer, if someone likes maximum taste and pleasure, then take milk chocolate and it will be eaten in a moment (however, pay attention to the summer heat when chocolate melts in minutes).
- Herb spices, sauces (sweet, sour and salty), and even hot seasonings: It’s no secret that army food sometimes seems monotonous, especially if we’re talking about dry rations. Therefore, banal ketchups, mayonnaises or mustards in soft tubes or portioned sauces will be very appropriate and save the monotonous food from getting boring.
- Condensed milk or jams: They are ideal for long-term storage and any temperature conditions. And you can make a huge mix of everything with them, from a banal addition to tea or spread on bread as a sandwich, to sweet porridge or delicious waffles or toast with jam or condensed milk.
Personal hygiene products that need to be put in the package
It’s not just about food and water, hygiene is also very important for maintaining health. This is especially appreciated when there are no full conditions and access to endless water. That’s when hygiene becomes a matter of health and infection prevention.
- Dry shower (disposable foam gloves): The most popular means for cleaning the body in trench conditions. A quantity of more than 10 pieces will not be superfluous.
- Wet wipes for wiping both the body and cutlery and personal belongings from dust and dirt: Large packaging with a valve and small pocket options. Choose wipes without harsh perfumed odors, only alcohol-based for disinfection.
- Foot care products when there is no full-fledged method of daily washing: Sprays, antifungal creams, special powders (talcum powder), this is something that is often forgotten about, but it is critically important due to the constant wearing of military shoes.
- Disposable razors and shaving cream: Even in war, there is a rule about maintaining a neat appearance, albeit without the ability to do so every day.
- Toothpaste and brushes: Teeth are an indicator of health. Therefore, it is advisable to have several toothpastes and brushes with caps.
- Hygienic lipstick: We hope there is no more room for old stereotypes about hygienic lipstick for men. It is needed both in summer (from the sun and wind) and in winter (from frost).
Clothing and thermal underwear: Warmth and protection
Clothing at the front, and especially on the front lines, is literally a consumable item; it wears out and gets dirty very quickly, and there are not always opportunities for washing.
- Socks, socks, and more socks!: Tall, trekking, cotton or thermal socks. Color: black, olive, khaki, coyote. Socks are the #1 consumable. No time for laundry.
- Underwear at least 7 pairs for each day of the week: Only made of natural fabrics (cotton) that will not steam.
- T-shirts and tank tops: Especially for summer and in camouflage colors like olive, pixel or black.
- Fleece jackets, beanies, and hats: Depending on the season. A beanie (universal scarf) is always needed — it protects against dust in the summer and cold in the winter.
- Shoe insoles: Regular, orthopedic or thermal insoles, depending on your posture and foot type. They help keep your feet dry and reduce strain.
Medicine: First aid kit for everyday ailments
A tactical first aid kit (tourniquets, celox, etc.) is a separate mandatory topic. Parcels usually include “household” medicines that quickly run out due to colds or stomach problems.
- Anti-cold powders: (Amicitron, Fervex, Theraflu).
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: (Ibuprofen, Dexalgin, Nimesil in sachets).
- For the gastrointestinal tract: Activated charcoal (the more the merrier), White charcoal, Loperamide, Mezim, Smecta.
- Cough and sore throat remedies: Lozenges (Strepsils, Septefril), sprays.
- Eye and nose drops: Due to dust and gunpowder gases, the eyes often have micro-inflammation (artificial tears or antibacterial drops will be needed).
- Plasters: Rolled on a fabric basis and regular bactericidal in various sizes.
- Insect repellents (in summer) and mice repellents in winter: Sprays and creams against mosquitoes and ticks. Traps and poison for pests.
Gadgets, tools and useful little things
Life on the front lines relies on autonomous and mobile power sources and everything technically resistant to water, dust, dirt, and temperature extremes.
- Powerbanks: Choose models with a capacity of 20,000 mAh or more, with a durable case and protection against moisture, and a separate, accurate battery charge indicator.
- Batteries: AA and AAA sizes (needed for walkie-talkies, thermal imagers, flashlights). Choose high-quality ones so they don’t run out quickly.
- Flashlights and headlamps: Headlamps with red light function (red light is not visible from a distance, which is important for camouflage).
- Multi-tools and folding knives: A compact tool that includes pliers, a screwdriver, and a knife is a treasure in the dugout, in the field, and on the front lines.
- Gas cylinders (tourist): If fighters have burners, cylinders are needed constantly to cook food, boil water, etc.
- Chemical heating pads: (For hands and feet) – an indispensable item in the cold season and at night when the temperature drops significantly.
- Reinforced tape and ties: Magical things that hold everything that doesn’t hold anything else + half of army life.
Emotional Support: The Secret to Sending a Gift
Don’t forget about mental health and de-stressing from war. Even the strongest warriors need psychological support and a switch to something relaxing and enjoyable.
What to put for the soul?
- Nice photos: memories, children’s and others.
- Children’s drawings and letters: Soldiers wear them near their hearts in their bulletproof vests and hang them in their dugouts. This is the best motivation.
- Childhood treat: Something that the fighter personally loves (a certain type of cookie, homemade jam, or ice cream).
- Small talismans or amulets: icons, crosses, prayer books.
What you absolutely CANNOT put in a parcel
To prevent your parcel from getting damaged or damaging other shipments, forget about the following items:
- Alcohol and drugs (strictly taboo at the front and legal liability).
- Glass containers (jars with stew or cucumbers will break from vibrations during transportation on broken roads), it is better to transfer them to plastic containers, or buy special foam for transporting jars or other glass.
- Perishable foods (cooked sausage, fresh dairy products, homemade meat pies).
- Things with a strong chemical smell next to food (do not put laundry detergent or deodorant in the same box as cookies, the pastries or cookies will smell like chemicals).
Packing life hacks
- Maximum density: Fill all voids. Instead of paper for sealing, use socks or wet wipes. This way, maximum benefit and minimum waste.
- Leakproof: Wrap all liquids (shampoos, sauces) with additional tape or plastic wrap or put them in zip-lock bags. If something leaks, it won’t ruin the rest of your things.
- Vacuum bags: It is better to compress clothes and socks in vacuum bags – this will save up to 50% of space in the box and protect against moisture.
- Label the box: If the parcel is a group package, write a brief description of the contents on a piece of paper inside (for example: “Hygiene – 5 pcs, sweets – 2 kg” ). This will make it easier to sort things at the location.
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