what foods can the soliders get over in iraq?

Question

I want to make him a care package but i dont know what things he can get and what things he cant get over there. Dumb question but are they able to cook things on the over & stuff??

Answer 1

Ava
you can send any food items you want. if you are told you can't send pork like my family was told that is not true.

as for cooking, that I can't tell you. When I was there, there was nothing there. it has changed a lot, I will try to ask a friend of mine who is there now (they had to get off the internet as they only get 30 minutes)

I will try to post a reply quickly

Answer 2

anything that would travel well,and isn't likely to melt in the heat.so that'd cut out chocolate based stuff,simply because it'd melt. but anything else is fine.and basically every unit I've encountered has had a microwave tucked away somewhere.though also with the heat most things can get cooked without a microwave. ( thats why chocolate isn't a good idea ). also every unit has access to a field kitchen,and most have a regular "chow hall" set up on a base.i wouldn't worry too much about what ya send,long as its something they'd like it'd be fine. the only restriction is alcohol though.
it will be checked for and if found it will be confiscated.but anything else is fine

Answer 3

My dad is in Iraq. We send him flavored drink mixes (individual packets - just add water), orange slice candies, and beef jerky. Also - cookies!!!

You can't send pork. Here are the restrictions coming directly from the United States Postal Service website:

E2. Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials is prohibited. Although religious materials contrary to Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for personal use of addressee are permissible.

F. Firearms of any type are prohibited in all classes of mail. See definitions of firearms in DMM 601.11.1.2c. This restriction does not apply to firearms mailed to or by official U.S. government agencies. The restriction for mail to this ZIP Code does not apply to firearms mailed from this ZIP Code, provided ATF and USPS regulations are met. Antique firearms are a separate category defined in DMM 601.11.2 and ATF regulations; they do not require an ATF form.

H1. Pork or pork by-products are prohibited.

M. Fruits, animals, and living plants are prohibited.

R. All alcoholic beverages, including those mailable under DMM 601.8.0, are prohibited.

R1. Materials used in production of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.) are prohibited.

I heard that the food in the mess hall is much better than a college cafeteria.

Answer 4

First, you can send most any foods except for pork and home cooked foods. Keep in mind that it's hot over there so chocolate may melt.

Second, some, not all, soldiers have microwaves or hot plates to cook food.

Answer 5

My son is with the Army's 1st Cav in Baghdad. We send him
cookies, fudge, non-meltable snacks, slim jims, beef jerky, and protein bars. Things like Gatorade are not needed as they are accessible in the mess hall. To my knowledge, they do not do any cooking.

Answer 6

depends on where he is and whether or not he has access to a microwave. generally speaking, no pork or tobacco products allowed.

Piece of advice: make all his favorite cookies and whatnot, then freeze them before vacuum sealing them. Stay away from chocolate though..still too dang hot over there.

Answer 7

it depends on where he is in Iraq. most living areas have grills; troops may not have access to a stove. you can send non-perishables or items that have an extended expiration date (candy, cereal bars, etc.). you can send cookies, but pack them well to ensure freshness and to keep them from crumbling and ants getting in. they may take a while to get there, so they may not last. a lot of troops need personal hygiene items, reading material, and last but most important, words of support and encouragement (maybe in a card...).

Answer 8

(sand)wiches!!