Deployment: Iraq

Deployments to Iraq by the Marine Corps began as early as the end of the year, 2002 and continue today. Through the years, the amenities and services available to our Marines have changed and improved greatly. However there are still areas the Marines deploy to that are without chow halls, hooches, showers, or shopping facilities.

The living conditions vary widely from location to location, and whether or not the unit is located outside the wire. Many areas have "inside the wire" facilities for down time, but missions are carried out throughout the country, outside the wire.

To assure operations security (OPSEC), your Marine should not share his/her exact location with you and you should not ask. If you know his/her camp name, you should not share it with others in written, verbal, or online communication.

Instead of asking the name of the camp or location, ask your Marine what amenities s/he has available. This will help you determine what types of items to send in care packages and what type of calling cards can be used.

Basic Information

Iraq: Middle East

Capital: Baghdad

Bordered by: Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and The Persian Gulf

Language: Arabic, Kurdish, Assyrian, Armenian