Contact pack

[ArmySGT.]

The "Contact Pack" *contents thanks to Kato13

Hat, Felt, floppy "crusher", white in color 1
Bandana, Neckercheif, Red 1
Jacket, Denim, "Levis" 1
Shirt, Work, Cotton Flannel, Plaid in color 2
Boots, Hiking, Leather, "Kastinger" 1 Pair
Belt, Leather 1
Socks, Wool 4 Pair
Pack, Nylon 1
Pack, Nylon (contents listed)
Candles
Twine
Food, Canned 1 Days ration 3
Underwear
Pack and personal items, assorted
Flask, Hip, containing Scotch 12 oz
Revolver, M-29, Cal. .44 magnum w/ 6 1/2 bbl 1
Holster, Leather 1
Cartridge, .44 Magnum 50

Either
Carbine, Marlin 1894, Cal. 44 Magnum 1
Cartridge, .44 Magnum 30

Shotgun, Remington 870, 12 Guage 1
Shell, 12 Guage 30


I think collectively we can do better.

What do you think

Third edition....

Fourth edition......

I think some things are missing that a "survivor" of a nuclear holocaust might have acquired.

a zippo, flint and steel, tinder box, geiger counter, potassium iodide, a first aid kit, wool blankets.........

[kalos72]

Forgive me because I am unfamiliar with the details but...what are these packs used for

Whats the purpose of a "contact pack" or team

[kato13]

If a team does not want to roll into town fusion packs rumbling and 25mm cannons glinting they might send in a contact specialist into the town to scout things out.

This was extra equipment added to a team to allow for a member to look like a post apoc survivor rather than a highly trained paramilitary.

[Craig67]

I don't think it was intended as a "survivors walkabout kit" but just a few items to allow the user to blend in better than in full military style kit.

It could be supplemented by stuff from the standard issue that all MP personal have. The sleeping bag, poncho, matches, pocket knife, M1 CBR and KCB-70 come to mind.

[kalos72]

Understood thank you.

Did these contact people have special skills or guidelines

[stormlion1]

I just get a kick out of the Marlin. I just bought one a few weeks ago in 30-30. And I keep all my ammo on bandoliers I bought at Cabela's last week.

[stormlion1]

Well in many ways a Contact kit needs to look used and be things that a survivor would generally find or had before a emergency. So Civilian clothes that are warm-Jeans, T-shirt, Flannel Shirt in colder climes, scrounged jacket-most likely leather or military jacket. Sleeping bag like something you would find at Dicks or Bass Pro Shop. Possibly a small tent, and worn shoes or boots. Weight will be key. Too much gear and a contact could get mugged for it all and make people wonder where they come from and how they got good gear.

Weapon wise I would say a single pistol of some type and a bolt action rifle or a shotgun. If a Contact shows up with a repeater or a semi automatic there is once again the possibility they might get mugged for it. Its best to reduce temptation and depend on the rest of the team for back up than have a contact get shot as soon as they show up because someone see's a fancy repeater and decides they want it.

[Craig67]

In Operation Lucifer its clearly stated that the items look worn but are in perfect working condition.

[ArmySGT.]

In Operation Lucifer its clearly stated that the items look worn but are in perfect working condition.

Don't you feel that the pack is missing items that would make it a convincing disguise

[kato13]

I took the kits contents from Operation Lucifer but I admit it is a little light.

I think we could add some the following as many are pretty small (these are items in my personal equipment packs as well)

Canteen 1 Liter Colapasable
Canteen 1 Liter Cover
Canteen 2 Liter
Canteen 2 Liter Cover
Canteen Cup & stand
Bath Tissue 2-Ply 550sheet, Roll
Mess Kit (Stainless KFS,pan,tray)
Knfie fork spoon
Mess Kit Bag
Can Opener (P-38) x 2
Bungee Cord x 2
Shelter Half
Wool Blanket
Single Edged Razor Blade x 10
Boot Knife
Swiss Army Knife
Leather Man tool (Pliers)
Leatherman Micra (Scissors)
Cigarette Lighter (Multifuel)
Magnesium Fire Starter
Lensatic Sighting Compass
Small Arms Cleaning Kit
Deck of Cards (Paper Box)
Die x2
Pencil x 3
Tactical Memo Book (3.5" x 6" / 60 pages)
Super Glue, Tube 3g .10 oz
Personal Defense Spray
Small Sewing Kit
Pacer Beads
Mini Binoculars

You might even add a few coins or other items from the trade packs depending on the situation.

[cosmicfish]

Don't you feel that the pack is missing items that would make it a convincing disguise

That depends both on the nature of the disguise and how long it is supposed to hold up. Neither are made clear in the books, but my best guess is "hobo" and "not tremendously long". If you don't first answer the questions "why am I here" and "who am I supposed to be, anyway" you can't really make a disguise that is going to do anything more than disguise Morrow affiliation... which I am pretty sure was the point anyway.

Personally, I would say that the designated contact people should have assembled their own pack so that the contents were unique but sensible to the individuals. Remember, they don't need to survive on this stuff more than a day or so, and they can always say that they just lost <insert vital gear here> a few days ago due to river/bandits/throwing-it-off-a-cliff!

[stormlion1]

I look at it that to well equipped the contact person leaves themselves open to harassment. Not everyone will have access to a canteen for instance. In fact that's a pretty rare piece of equipment unless you go out and look for one. Not everyone goes camping or has a army navy store nearby.

[kato13]

I think it all depends on the situation.

If you have a trading post type town having more might be ok.

The more im thinking about it the more I like the concept of pretending to be a refugee. Seeing how they treat someone who is helpless might be a good indicator of the general vibe of the town.

[stormlion1]

I did a test recently. Mostly because I was putting together a new Get Home Bag and I asked several of my friends if they had things I would consider essentials. Things like canteens and backpacks or sleeping bags and what not. Out of them all only two had any kind of preparations or gear. One is a avid camper so of course she was well equipped and the other had a backpack and that was it. Everyone is a refugee when the world ends these days. But very few are equipped to handle it. I like to think that a contact person needs to blend in, and in a world of refugee's then its time to dress like one.

[ArmySGT.]

I would expect a Contact Specialist from either Recon or Specialist Psy Ops to spend a few days with any group. Any judgements made in a few hours would be little more than snap judgements.

In this way, I feel the equipment has to fill the expectations. I, totally, agree that the Contact Specialist would have built the kit from thrift store purchases pre-War. This way the clothes would fit, the boots broken in, and the equipment would be familiar. Wouldn't want to be trying to use a flint & steel for the first time in front of new contacts.