In winter (Jun-Sep) it can be difficult to get outside. If you do venture out, the weather is inclement and changes quickly and dramatically. Inside, the long concrete linking corridors are cold but the bars, accommodation and working areas are very warm. The following lists apply to all military and civilian personnel unless otherwise stated.
Clothing and Ancillaries - All Ranks
Tough outdoor wear with hoods. Recommend that Gortex etc are brought from UK either before departure or by mail order.
- Fleece
- Goretex/waterproof jacket
- Warm trousers (e.g. cord)
- Sturdy Shoes & walking boots
- Jumpers/Sweatshirts
- Waterproof boots
- Waterproof Trousers
- Jeans/leggings
- Dressing Gown/Slippers
- Tights (supply not good but improving)
- Gloves/hats/scarves
- Normal indoor clothing
- Flip-Flops for the showers
- Walking socks
- Smart outfit of trousers, shirts and tie or dress/skirt and blouse
- Extra socks and thermal underwear
- Sports kit and Swimwear
- Some summer clothing (can be very warm and possible Authorised Absence in Ascension)
- Shoes (in good repair. No shoe repairs in Falkland Islands)
- Make-up, hair products and specialist medicinal needs
- Sunglasses and suntan lotion (high protection factor)
- Sleeping Bags (good quality/warm) – needed for all helicopter trips. - Service personnel and UK Based Civil Servants get these issued
- Ladies - Evening wear for mess functions and Stanley Balls
CS95s and Civilian Dress
Because of the Falkland Islands climate and the limited baggage allowance, CS95 boots, parkas, combat jackets/smocks, foul weather jacket/trousers may be worn with civilian dress. This concession is an exception to the normal Service rule.
Officers
All Officers should bring a Jacket/Tie, Lounge Suit, Mess Kit. In addition, officers of the rank Cdr, Lt Col, Wg Cdr and above – their service parade dress with gloves and medals.
WOs & Sgts
All SNCOs should bring with them a jacket or pullover/cardigan, long sleeved Shirt and Tie as well as some smart slacks.
Electronic Equipment / Entertainment
A range of electrical / entertainment equipment is available in theatre. However, this is on a 'first come, first served' basis locally, so it is advisable to bring anything specific, such as cameras, with you.
- TV, DVD Player, VCR (may be hired from SIF)
- Radio + stereo system (may be hired from SIF)
- CDs / DVDs (may be borrowed from Library)
- Camera or Digital Camera, Film or Memory Card, Batteries (may be hired from SIF)
- Binoculars (may be hired from SIF)
- Laptop (wireless Internet planned for future)
Luxury Items
Most items are available in the NAAFI or in Stanley but be prepared for the prices. We suggest that you should bring loo rolls, kitchen roll, tissues, washing powder, dishwasher powder (if bringing or inheriting one), toothpaste, favourite hair shampoo as it may be difficult trying to find the specific brand or type that you require.
Kitchen - Married Quarters
Below is a suggested range of items that you may wish to bring with you.
- Coffee percolator/machine
- Sandwich maker
- Electric mixer or food processor
- Microwave
- Non-stick pans
- Slow cooker
- Tea towels
- Casseroles, serving dishes etc
- Glasses provided – bring own crystal etc if you wish
- Cutlery & Crockery provided – bring own dinner service if you wish Tablecloths, mats and napkins
- Carving dishes
- Recipe books
- Dish drainer rack
- Storage containers (Tupperware etc)
- Special washing powder/conditioner
- Thermos flask and cool box
- Bread Maker
Bedroom
- Synthetic pillows – if allergic to feathers (pillows are mixed as new supplies are synthetic)
- Hairdryer etc
- Coat hangers
- Duvets/covers (if you want specific brands - basic bedding is provided)(A pillow, duvet, cover, sheet and pillowcase)
Furnishings - Married Quarters
- Net curtains (if wanted)
- Cushions
- Throws Rugs
- Silk/artificial flowers plus vases
- Strong pegs
- Flat pack shelving
- Torches
- Table lamps/lamp shades
- Xmas tree and decorations
General
- Iron (Aged irons are provided in MQ's and communal ones are available in the messes)
- Ornament/pictures + hooks
- Stationery
- Contact lens solutions, spectacles and spares (bring your prescription)
- Books
- Clock
- Rucksack
- Mending materials (cotton, needle etc)
General - Married Quarters
- Garden hand tools, seed trays, pots, seeds e.g. herbs
- Small watering can
- Basic set of tools
- Games
- Clothes airer
- Bath mat
- Musical instruments if you play
- Hobby materials, particularly for arts and crafts
Transporting Personal Effects to The Falkland Islands
If you wish to bring additional personal effects into theatre, you can arrange for this to be carried out by the Defence Transports Movements Agency. For Military personnel, contact your Central Admin Point Of Contact for the DTMA booklet which will explain your entitlements and give you additional information.
If you are a civilian, you need to write to the DTMA and request a copy of the DTMA booklet. The address is:
DTMA HQ DLO
Monxton Road
Andover
Hants
SP11 8HJ
Additional information can be found in the MoD Civilian Transfer Manual - Volume 2 Overseas.