Before every movement, run a 5-minute gear check. It's the single highest-leverage habit for preventing mission failure.
Here's the checklist:
1. **Communication** — Radio charged? Earpiece working? Spare batteries?
2. **Navigation** — Map, compass, GPS all on you? Route confirmed?
3. **Hydration** — Full bladders. If you're thirsty, you're already behind.
4. **Medical** — IFAK accessible, not buried in your pack. Tourniquet on top.
5. **Accountability** — Everyone has what they need? No one forgot their primary.
Five minutes at the start saves hours of problems later.
What's the one thing you always double-check before heading out?