Don't go to prison!

Body Armor: The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) prohibit US citizens from exporting (1) body armor or (2) ceramic or composite plates that provide protection equal to or greater than NIJ Type IV. See 22 CFR 121.1, Category X (a)(1), (d). ITAR also prohibits the export of Type IV ballistic helmets. See 22 CFR 121.1, Category X (a)(6).

"But /u/the_phoenix612, I'm not exporting anything," you say. "I'm just taking it for my personal use," you say.

Doesn't matter! If you leave the country with these items in your possession, you could be subject to a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years. See 22 U.S.C. 2778(c).

The good news is that there is an exemption to ITAR for body armor and helmets, provided that you are (1) exporting it for personal use, (2) not intending to reexport it or transfer ownership while abroad, and (3) you declare the items to CBP upon departure.

This form is what you need to fill out and declare at CBP upon your departure.

Optics: Rifle scopes were removed from the scope of ITAR in January 2020, but that doesn't mean they are free of export controls. The following types of optic are covered by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR): telescopic sights (0A504.a), holographic sights (0A504.b) (sorry, EOTech bros), reflex/red dot sights (0A504.c), reticle sights (0A054.d), and lasers designed for use on firearms (0A504.f). Tl;dr: if you have it on your gun and it's not irons, it's covered by EAR.

There is an exception for the export of $500 or less of optical components, but that does not apply to scopes and optics.

Tl;dr: you cannot export your optics (or lasers) without obtaining an export license. For the purposes of virtually anyone who is looking at going over to volunteer, that will not be possible or practical for you.

The bad news is that you cannot lawfully take your optics with you. I'm not going to advise you to pack it and simply not declare the item. Regardless of how low you think the odds are of being discovered, you would be smuggling illegal weaponry across international borders and that is a Bad Thing To Do.

Night Vision Equipment: But what about your sweet NODs??? Bad news: night vision equipment (including thermals) is export-restricted. Gen3 night vision equipment is covered by ITAR and there is no exception like we have for PPE. Good luck with your application to the Department of State for an export license. Gen2 night vision equipment and thermal imaging equipment is covered by EAR, so good luck with your application to the Department of Commerce for an export license.

Tl;dr we are all very impressed with your NODs but they have to stay in your wife's boyfriend's safe where they live.

DISCLAIMER: This is not legal advice and while I am a lawyer, I am not your lawyer. This is not a comprehensive guide to export restrictions covering weaponry or equipment. If you have specific questions about your plans to bring equipment with you, consult a qualified lawyer before doing so.