My first deployment to Iraq: any suggestions?

Question

I'm right out of basic, and I've never been overseas. Anything I can do to prepare for this? What should I bring? Anyone have any experiences to share?

Thanks.

Thanks for all the encouragement, everyone.

I was also wondering if anyone could describe to me the living quarters over there. I noticed someone said Myspace and Facebook have been removed from access (which is bad news, since I have a Facebook account)--how often will one have access to the Internet, in any case?

Answer 1

Just be sure to read up on all the knowledge they have out there for it. Practice your arabic, take a cd player and/or dvd player (handheld, not too expensive), make sure all of your prescriptions have been filled by the base pharmacy (they should give you 6mos-1 year's worth), be sure to give everyone your mailing address that means anything to you.

Please, do not be afraid to ask some of the members in your unit, especially someone that is willing to help the new kid out, what to bring with you. Not a thing in the world wrong with asking. It's not asking questions that most of them worry about. Also, don't ask them "so have you killed anybody" because...seriously, no one likes that question. I'm sure they'll talk to you about it if they want, and if they don't, they won't mention it.

I'm sure you have already written out your Will, when it comes to your POA (Power of Attorney) do a LIMITED POA, there is NO reason for you to give someone FULL POA, ever. It's a good way to get screwed, even by your own family, I've seen it done time and time again. Set up every bill you can to be automatically withdrawn or set it up as an alottment from your pay.

Be sure to let your family know it DOES get cold, very freakin cold in the desert during the winter months so they can send you winter wear and you don't have to pack it yourself. If going to Afghanistan..well hell son, that gets cold too.

Answer 2

I have been deployed twice. Once to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
First off; don't let what you hear and see on the news worry you. The news media only report the worst.
Second; Take only what you are told to take plus any personal type items you might like, books, small hand held games, etc. (Mostly for the long waits and flight over there!)
You can buy anything else you might need or want through AFEES or via the internet.
You will probably have quite a bit of down time once you get situated and I would recommend you make the best of it; enroll in a on-line college course or go to the gym and work out. Most FOBs (Forward operating Bases) have some sort of facility to work out in, how ever small it might be. Most have an education POC that you can use, and the internet is available 99% of the places you chould go.
Remember there is a reason your going to draw combat (hazardeous) duty pay.
Listen to those in your unit that have deployed before or have many, many years experience under their belts. Experience is the best but sometimes the hardest teacher.
Good Luck and stay safe.

Answer 3

those sites have been banned by military.

How do you know that the majority of service members are against Iraq? Esp if you're just coming out of basic.

The majority I know from being a wife is the higher percentage believes in what we're doing - and some are asking to go back.....cause they say we're doing the right thing. That includes some former military (retired) that are going over there as something he's not allowed to talk about.

Anyhoo...myspace and the like were banned. Use your packing list for what you need to bring. Anything requiring batteries (esp AA) bring extra. I've heard the px's (if you are going to be near one) run out very fast.

You can also sign up (once you get your mailing address) for troop fan mail. You'll get letters from people all over the country...I know the guy who runs it - and just google troopfanmail for the site.

Good luck, stay safe....if you want - you can email me and that way I will remember to ask hubby about anything else to bring. He's the supply guy - and had to get everything needed for when that unit first deployed overseas.

Answer 4

Hey man. I went to Afghanistan. And this may sound crazy, but bring you some athletic underware. Cause walking around in the desert in full battle rattle all day makes you sweat like crazy. And those things help where it's needed most! Everything else is pretty much on post. The PX has all the deodorant, magazines and snacks you'll need. Don't forget, the Army has recently removed MySpace and Facebook from it's computers safe list, so you won't be able to access it over there, even with your own computer. Hope this helps. Stay safe

Answer 5

Pick an experienced guy you trust at your unit, and have a quiet chat with him about what to take, don't worry remember at one time it will have been his first deployment. And if he's any good he will realize that its a good thing that you came to ask him.

I'd rather have people come ask me, so I know they have the right gear packed, than have someone new turn up missing vital equipment that could hamper your sections chances.

Really your unit should give you a personal kit list tailored to the needs of your job, and the theater you will be visiting.

Oh and one final top tip: take a bottle of JD, you'll be able to trade it for the stuff you need out in theater.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Hello there, My husband is currently in Iraq. They will give you alist of what to bring. You may want to bring games, xbox, dvds and a laptop if you have one, portable dvd works too if you have no laptop. It depends on where you are going and what your mos is , how often you will be able to get online. They have internet cafe's over there with net and phones, you get like 30 mins on each. If you are lucky you might be able to get an actual room and be able to get net like my husband, but now he is back to tents so its hard to say. Stay safe and come home soon. Ty for your bravery!!

Answer 8

Stay awake...always on the lookout for things out of the ordinary.

Drink lots of water (it's hot over there).

Follow orders...of course, you know this.

DO NOT engage in illegal activities. That puts a black cloud over all of our soldiers. Conduct yourself in an honorable fashion. Report your buddies to your superior if you see them kill Iraqi's without justification.

I would wear a Kevlar cup...but that's just me!

Take care.

Answer 9

aside from the one substantive answer above, my guess is you'll get little help here ... way too many head in the sand types.

sergeants are good for this kind of info though ... at least they were back in 'Nam days. That's because they had (mostly) been there at least once already or could point you to the one who had and thought well of your question.

GL

Answer 10

As with any new job, stay positive, get along with your fellow soldiers and be loyal.

The USO will be there to help you.