Life at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

Publishing date: 09.24.2005 15:00

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of life here for others who may be assigned to Camp Arifjan for the first time.

Useful links:
3rd Army Kuwait Welcome Packet
ASG Kuwait
Desert Voice Magazine
Savings Deposit Plan
Global Security Satellite Imagery

But the worst o' your foes is the sun over'ead,
You must wear your 'elmet for all that is said,
If 'e finds you uncovered 'e'll knock you down dead,
An' you'll die like a fool of a soldier.
-- from Rudyard Kipling's "The Young British Soldier"

Now that I've been here at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for almost four months, I wanted to provide an overview of my experiences here that might be helpful to others that are en route here. As a matter of background, I am an Army Infantry officer recently career field designated as an Information Systems Manager (Army career field 53). My assignment within the CFLCC staff here is my first operational assignment as a 53. My previous assignments were fairly typical, including four years at Hohenfels, Germany, as both an O/C and an OPSGRP staff officer. For me, this is a one year permanent change of station (PCS) assignment as an Information Systems Manger with the CFLCC C3 Joint and Coalition Network Division.

First, a few disclaimers are in order. For any information assurance weenies ("we don't fix problems, we just identify them!") who happen to be reading this article, please note that all the information and images contained within are unclassified, or otherwise from public domain sources. Additionally, in terms of quality of life, Camp Arifjan is absolutely one of the best places in the theater. I would never pretend that any implied discomforts or dangers here are in any way comparable to the deprivations and deadly hazards suffered daily by the real heroes fighting up north. I have nothing but the highest regards (and professional jealousy) for those brave warriors, and I fully recognize that my daily existence here is only in support of their incredible efforts.

D-0: Saying goodbyes at the Augusta airport.

With PCS orders, my Kuwait deployment was very unique for me. Essentially, I got on a commercial airplane by myself at the Augusta airport (about five minutes from my house) in civilian clothes with a carry-on bag and a checked duffle bag full of socks, T-shirts, and the like. The only military gear I had packed was a few sets of Army fitness uniforms (APFUs). A day and many flights later, I got off a plane in Kuwait City, Kuwait. The Central Issue Facility (CIF) in Arifjan issued me all of my desert uniforms (DCUs) and military gear the next day.

Unfortunately, there is still a perceived "separate but equal" treatment of Solders assigned here on temporary change of station (TCS) orders, even though many of the current crop of TCS Solders will be here for a full year -- just as long as us PCS types. TCS Soldiers (typically reserve-component) must still deploy through a stateside CRC, which issues them all of their uniforms, gear, and (possibly) a weapon, which they must then schlep through airports and terminals as they make their way across the globe by plane or bus. I get a 600 lb. shipment of household good, while my TCS counterpart gets all that he can stuff in this duffle bags and checked bags. Additionally, my anecdotal observations show that reserve-component Soldiers tend to expend a greater amount of effort reacting to and resolving what should be minor administrative problems.

What to Bring.

A dust storm near my barracks blocks sunlight.

For a good start on what to bring, check out the official packing list. Note there is a different list for TCS soldiers. What civilian clothes you bring really depends on your lifestyle. I usually wear athletic clothes (either civilian or APFUs) while out of the office, but I'm married and don't partake in the vibrant Arifjan nightlife. I would bring a pair of casual slacks, comfortable shoes, and a lightweight "travel"-style short-sleeved collared shirt (or female equivalent for the ladies). for the occasional off-post excursion. I also brought a coat, tie, and dress shirt just in case, but I doubt I'll ever need it. If you do a lot of physical training, bring at least 5 sets of summer PTs (either civilian or military). You are not supposed to wear T-shirts, shorts, or jeans during off-post travel.

There are some things on the list that I would not recommend bringing:

You definitely will not need two sets of winter APFUs. One set should be plenty for the occasional cold weather formation run.
I would only bring a bicycle if you are a bicycle nut and you can't be separated from your personal bike. Otherwise, you can sign for a bicycle here on long-term loan. They are a generic mountain bike model. They are also available from the PX for about $80. At any rate, if you are planning on bicycling, I would recommend that you bring your own bicycle gear (helmet, gloves, etc). I'm still trying to find a helmet here big enough for my ample melon-shaped head.
Most of the rooms in the PCS billets have a TV set, along with a DVD and/or VCR player. It isn't the best equipment, but it works. If you enjoy a lot of TV or movies, you might want to bring your own. Preferably, it should be multi-voltage and multi-system (worldwide). Alternatively, you could just buy one here from the well-stocked PX.

Here's a list of stuff that I am glad I brought:

Laptop - not required, but good for us web eggheads, or anyone into gaming, online classes, digital media, and the like. For example, I am writing this article offline in my room, to upload later on a connected PC. Be sure you have a wireless NIC.
DVD drive for my laptop.
My gadgets, like my Webcam (for use on commercial network), my USB thumbdrive, and my portable USB HD - for my digital media collection and professional eBooks.
My digital camera, although I'm still paranoid about taking too many pictures, lest I fall victim to the aforementioned information assurance wierdos.
A compact electric fan. It is a small desktop model from Walmart. I point it on my laptop during the day, and me at night.
Pillow and linens for a single bed.

Here's a list of stuff that I wish I had brought:

At least seven sets of summer PTs, either civilian or military. I'm running six nights a week now, and I like to have a clean set to change into afterwards, so I'm doing laundry twice a week.
A toolkit consisting of a small collection of both PC and general-purpose tools, such as a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, a tape measure, and some basic wrenches. It seems like there is always some handyman chore that needs done, both in and out of the office. It's tough to uncrate a fully-assembled Sun server rack outdoors in 115 degree heat using only a Gerber multiplier.
Because I enjoy listening to NPR, I should have brought a portable shortwave radio receiver. As far as I can tell, there is only one AFN radio station available here, and it play only modern rock.
Bicycle helmet and gloves, so I could take advantage of the freebie bicycle mentioned above.

Special truck for moving freight containers - who wouldn't want to drive one of these bad boys?

The official packing list requires six sets of DCUs for TCS Soldiers. With the availability of laundry facilities and service here, along with the sedate environment of staff life, I honestly don't see how you could need more than four sets. I personally could make do with two. If you have a choice, bring the DCUs with regular collars, and leave the 70s-style butterfly collars back at home. Officers on the CFLCC staff must wear General Staff collar insignia, which is impossible to find in the sew-on DCU version. Bring several from a local Clothing Sales store if possible. In fact, bring all of your DCU patches, as they are expensive here.

If you have any dual-voltage appliances or transformers left over from previous overseas assignments, it would probably be a good idea to bring them.

I would also hand-carry the following (along with any other documentation outlined in the official packing list):

Many copies of your orders and all amendments.
Travel itenerary.
Current weapons and APFT qualification cards, if available.
Medical and dental records.
Passport, if available.
Copy of last OER/NCOER/AER.
Household goods shipment paperwork (PCS only).
Security clearance documentation. As the CFLCC staff works in a separate area with badged access, one of the worst things that could happen would be to have your clearance expire, or otherwise become invalid.

Finally, I should mention that there are two items of contraband that get a surprising number of people (from all ranks and backgrounds) in trouble: alcohol and pornography (in any format, including digital). Both are strictly prohibited, and will get you in a lot of trouble, and fast.

Travel.

Most Soldiers get here by chartered commercial flights, which means you'll be stuffed into a commercial aircraft with a few hundred of your closest military friends for a long, long time. The flight itself is not too bad, but the layovers are mind-numbing, and are strategically timed to disrupt any semblance of a normal sleep cycle. I spent over 3+ hours on the ground at Rhein-Main, Aviano, and Kuwait City quarantined into barren military-only areas.

Kasten and I served together a Ft. Bragg many years ago.

If you transition from a commercial airline to an AMC charter, you'll need to get all your baggage and re-check it at the AMC counter. I did this at the Baltimore airport. They had a super-nice and well-staffed USO facility at Baltimore with free wireless access.

It's a long and dull flight. Bring your MP3 player, books, earplugs, and some personal hygiene gear for the flight. Contact your gaining staff section beforehand to advise them of your approximate arrival time. Otherwise, you will risk being stranded for a few hours, which is not pleasant at the end of 24+ hours of travel. once you get to Arifjan, you will rarely (if ever) leave the installation, and only then after a careful coordination and approval process. Having said that, though, there is a process for local weekend R&R trips.

Lifestyle.

Camp Arifjan is a wierd place, and sort of a mixture between busy military installation, hip university campus, grimy industrial park, and stark correctional facility. Nevertheless, the quality of life is surprisingly good. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities rival those of many stateside installations. There are two large PXs, several fast food places, two nice recreational centers, a state-of-the-art gym, and even a wood crafts shop. Nearly all indoor facilities have air conditioning. There's a large outdoor pool and several athletic fields. The quality of the food and service at the three dining facilities is exceptional. Bottled water (and even Gatorade) is readily available.

As previously mentioned, PCS Soldiers live in shared suites within permanent billets, while TCS Soldiers live in functional dorms within a converted warehouse. Power within all billets is 220v with a UK-style plug (three large square pins). Beds are single width. You'll also have a desk and perhaps a few other small pieces of furniture, such as a wall locker or nightstand. There's no Internet access within the billets yet, although such access is allegedly in the works. Most billets include laundry facilities.

Paid Internet connectivity is available through a "cybercafe" that offers both fixed PC and wireless hotspot access. Video conferencing with stateside family works surprisingly well, given the bandwidth constraints. Limited free access is available through the library or your place of work. I anticipate there will be fairly universal wireless access within the billets by the end of my tour, if not sooner. Stateside DSN telephone access is available through most workplaces, which enables dialing through a switch for free MWR or reduced-rate calling card phone calls. Kuwait is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Your work environment will vary greatly on your section's "likership" and mission requirements. Some work standard duty day hours, while others maintain 24-hour operations in shift. As with any workplace, some work hard for big results, while a few work little for little results, and still others work hard for no results. The near-constant rotation of individual replacements from all service components and backgrounds ensures a perpetual state of institutionalized uncertainty.

PT is generally conducted as individuals or small groups. Again, it depends on the organization. Some do PT at night, while others do it early in the morning. The severe heat precludes most daytime athletic opportunities, or at least those conducted outdoors. The gym is almost always busy.

Soldiers at Camp Arifjan have free mail privileges for personal letter mail and single pieces of audio, video, or digital media. Larger packages require paid postage. Mail sent by First Class or USPS Priority generally takes about 10 days either way to or from the states. There is a large, well-staffed post office for mailing packages home. Those assigned to the CFLCC staff can use this address format:

<Rank> <Name>
ATTN: CFLCC <staff section>
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
APO AE 09306

While in Kuwait, Soldiers are entitled to significant pay benefits. I would strongly recommend that anyone deploying here take full advantage of the Savings Deposit Program (SDP), which will pay 10% on up to $10K of savings per year, to include another three months after leaving the combat zone. You won't beat this kind of assured return with any commercial savings account. Note that the program compounds quarterly at 2.5% interest based on an average monthly basis, so it pays to reach the $10K limit as fast as possible. I would recommend that Soldiers adjust their savings and investment plans to take full advantage of the additional pay and reduced living expenses while here.

Note that this article is probably most applicable to officers who, like me, are assigned to the CFLCC staff. Others assigned elsewhere on Camp Arifjan (in other words, those with real jobs) probably have a completely different perspective.

UPDATE (06 June 2008): Although I left Camp Arifjan in June 2006, I very much appreciate all who continue to visit this page and provide feedback. I especially appreciate those who are serving at Camp Arifjan who have provided updated and current information in the comments below, as much of what I wrote more than two years ago is now outdated, and many of the links broken.

The discussion area below is intended to serve as a civil forum regarding the general aspects of life at Camp Arifjan.

It is not intended to be a debate on marital fidelity, patriotism, sacrifice, etc. I've recently pruned several discussions that were a bit over-the-top. Let's please keep it cordial and informative, as intended, for the greater benefit of all.

Thanks again to all who continue to visit and provide your feedback. I appreciate reading it all, regardless of your perspective. Please contact the author privately if you have any specific questions.

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Comment List

Topic:

Author:

Time:

Any Contractors out there

Lewis Hyde

12.01.2008 17:56

Hi, I'm planning on coming to "The Camp" sometime Dec 08/Jan 09. Any contractors out their, that can provide me with general ideal of Salary, and monthly allowance for Information Technology (Telecommunication) person, and life in fast lane at "The Camp", pls email me at LHYDE1@cox.net
P.S. I hope to assist the Sig MOS 25 series.

94W (Where will I be)

Jerry Gentzel

10.30.2008 16:26

Hello all! I am a 94W in the Army and I'm scheduled to PCS to Arifjan on January 2009. I'm curious where I might work. If anyone has some info please email me or post a reply. I'm coming from USAREC. Been out here for 4 years. I'm ready to get back to the real Army. Email: jerry dot gentzel at us dot army dot mil. Thanks in advance.

Great Insight

Julie Wesley

07.29.2008 08:48

Would just like to say thank you for your site, i came across it last year before heading here from the UK. Gave me lots of information and really did put my mind at ease, so i would like to pay you back by offering help to others.

I am still here in Kuwait, on Arifjan, working for CSA, if anyone would like a friendly chat to put their minds at ease, then please feel free to contact me......

julie.wesley at csakuwait dot org

Thanks again for the information on your site!!!

Thank You

Phil Palmer

07.21.2008 15:37

Bob,

Thank You for establishing this very informative Web Page!!!

To All: My name is Phil Palmer and I will be deploying to Camp Arifjan in the Dec 08/Jan 09 timeframe. I will be coming over with the 143rd ESC and would like to begin communications with anyone currently in theater that can provide me situational awareness of current and emerging conditions/regulations/etc....

You can either respond to this (I check it daily) or to my e mail at phillip.palmer [at] us [dot] army [dot] mil

Thanks again Bob.... And to All of you for sharing your information!

Sincerely,
Phil Palmer
LTC US Army

RE: Thank You

maureen Olson

08.26.2008 16:10

> Bob,
>
> Thank You for establishing this very informative Web
> Page!!!
>
> To All: My name is Phil Palmer and I will be deploying to
> Camp Arifjan in the Dec 08/Jan 09 timeframe. I will be
> coming over with the 143rd ESC and would like to begin
> communications with anyone currently in theater that can
> provide me situational awareness of current and emerging
> conditions/regulations/etc....
>
> You can either respond to this (I check it daily) or to my
> e mail at phillip.palmer [at] us [dot] army [dot] mil
>
> Thanks again Bob.... And to All of you for sharing your
> information!
>
> Sincerely,
> Phil Palmer
> LTC US Army

Phil -

I was one of those "temporarily assigned" soldiers Bob talked about when he referenced different quarters for temporary and PCS. Actually, I was deployed for 11 months (2005) with the Navy expeditionary medical facility (hospital) based out of Arifjan (or Arif-jail as some liked to call it). You mentioned that you were deploying so I would guess that you're not on PCS orders like Bob. Don't expect the same accommodations he outlined in his original message....there will be no t.v., desk, in-room internet, etc. You will most likely not live in the college dorm-like rooms he described... I would guess that you and yours will be housed in Zone 6 living in a very large tent with bathroom facility trailers. Or, you could be housed like we were in the "I" building - a large barracks style 80 to-a-bay facility. Maybe things have changed.....aside from the housing, I do think that you will really enjoy your experience at Arifjan. I wish you the best of luck....stop by EMF Kuwait or the Arifjan Troop Medical Clinic and say "hello" to the Navy for me!

M. Olson
CAPT, MSC, USN

RE: Thank You

anika wilkins

10.01.2008 15:50

Hello M. Olson
My name is Anika Wilkins and it looks like I'm going to be attached on IA to the Navy Expeditionary Medical Center around the same time as Phil (Dec08/Jan09). I have more questions concerning the current accommodations/quality of life at Camp Arifjan. Any information you can provide about this duty would be greatly appreciated.

A.M. Wilkins
email: majoi23@tmail.com

> > Bob,
> >
> > Thank You for establishing this very informative Web
> > Page!!!
> >
> > To All: My name is Phil Palmer and I will be deploying
> to
> > Camp Arifjan in the Dec 08/Jan 09 timeframe. I will be
> > coming over with the 143rd ESC and would like to begin
> > communications with anyone currently in theater that can
> > provide me situational awareness of current and emerging
> > conditions/regulations/etc....
> >
> > You can either respond to this (I check it daily) or to
> my
> > e mail at phillip.palmer [at] us [dot] army [dot] mil
> >
> > Thanks again Bob.... And to All of you for sharing your
> > information!
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > Phil Palmer
> > LTC US Army
>
> Phil -
>
> I was one of those "temporarily assigned" soldiers Bob
> talked about when he referenced different quarters for
> temporary and PCS. Actually, I was deployed for 11 months
> (2005) with the Navy expeditionary medical facility
> (hospital) based out of Arifjan (or Arif-jail as some liked
> to call it). You mentioned that you were deploying so I
> would guess that you're not on PCS orders like Bob. Don't
> expect the same accommodations he outlined in his original
> message....there will be no t.v., desk, in-room internet,
> etc. You will most likely not live in the college
> dorm-like rooms he described... I would guess that you and
> yours will be housed in Zone 6 living in a very large tent
> with bathroom facility trailers. Or, you could be housed
> like we were in the "I" building - a large barracks style
> 80 to-a-bay facility. Maybe things have changed.....aside
> from the housing, I do think that you will really enjoy
> your experience at Arifjan. I wish you the best of
> luck....stop by EMF Kuwait or the Arifjan Troop Medical
> Clinic and say "hello" to the Navy for me!
>
> M. Olson
> CAPT, MSC, USN

Living and working @arifjan

Andres Leandry

07.07.2008 20:13

Hi can anyone tell how it is for contrators to work and live there and does anyone have any pictures of the installation they like to share?

Thank you very much.

Civilian Contractors @ Arifjan

Robert Radcliffe

06.15.2008 00:25

Is anyone with and / or know / or can comment on CSA operations at Camp Arifjan?

Please note...

Bob Sims

06.06.2008 09:58

All,

Thanks very much for your continued interest and updates in this lively discussion forums. I've recently pruned a few debates that were growing out of hand. Please read my comments in the update at the end of the article, above.

Thanks again.

Bob

cell phone minutes

Deb Centers

04.25.2008 09:47

Hi. My son left for the camp 4-2-08. He is part of the "Buckeye Brigade" based out of Walbridge. My question is what kind of pre-paid phone card to get for him to use with a cell phone he bought there (a 965 Kuwait number)? Anyone else know how these phones work or how to prepay for minutes on them? Thanks

RE: cell phone minutes

connie stockdale

08.17.2008 10:37

> Hi. My son left for the camp 4-2-08. He is part of the
> "Buckeye Brigade" based out of Walbridge. My question is
> what kind of pre-paid phone card to get for him to use with
> a cell phone he bought there (a 965 Kuwait number)? Anyone
> else know how these phones work or how to prepay for
> minutes on them? Thanks

Hi, my son must be in the same unit as yours, because he left the same day. They were in TX first, right? I hope you hear from yours more than I do from mine. Apparently, girlfriends first. LOL. Anyway, his birthday is 09/06/08 and I need ideas. Could you please help me? Thanks.

Connie Stockdale

RE: cell phone minutes

Deb Centers

08.19.2008 20:41

> Hi, my son must be in the same unit as yours, because he
> left the same day. They were in TX first, right? I hope
> you hear from yours more than I do from mine. Apparently,
> girlfriends first. LOL. Anyway, his birthday is 09/06/08
> and I need ideas. Could you please help me? Thanks.
>
> Connie Stockdale

Hi there. Yes, he was in Texas for 3 months before Kuwait. Where is your son based out of? I hear from my son quite often (fortunately for me he doesn't have a girlfriend-yet...lol). We figured out it was easiest and cheaper for him to just buy more minutes for his phone there on base. Anyway, he just went back on Sunday from his 2 week leave. Has your son been home yet? As far as gift ideas...my son has all the usual toys-laptop, ipod, digital camera, mini camcorder, portable DVD player, and always appreciates any goodies from home-all his favorite snacks, etc. He says that by the time they get to go to the PX everything good is gone. Fruit roll-ups, applesauce, pudding cups, and I always save the Sunday comics to send him. Thanks for the note, and best wishes to you and your son. Their time over there is half over-supposedly only 4 more months. They should be home for Christmas. What a great present that will be. Nice talking to you, Deb

Care Packages

Jen Elek

04.05.2008 18:26

My husband just arrived at camp arifjan on Wesenday the 2nd of april 2008, National Guard unit from Sandusky Ohio, if anyone has sent care packages over there please let me know what the guys really need and want that they cant get over there. I would like to send something ASAP.
Thank you

RE: Care Packages

Donelle Cox

05.27.2008 04:45

> My husband just arrived at camp arifjan on Wesenday the 2nd
> of april 2008, National Guard unit from Sandusky Ohio, if
> anyone has sent care packages over there please let me know
> what the guys really need and want that they cant get over
> there. I would like to send something ASAP.
> Thank you

Mu husband is part of that same unit he is in alpha company!!! He told me they have everything they could ever want to buy. I still sent a package of his favorite snacks. I am sending him a package full of paper pens rice krispies fruit snacks individual peanuts a variety juice boxes he loves those and some other things. I am also sending him the most comfortable pillow I can find. He doesn't have one and they don't give them one if they want it they have to buy it. My hubby bought one but a cheap one. I hope it helps him sleep better and I am gonna make a family pillow case like the daddy pillows cases.

RE: Care Packages

Hanna G

04.07.2008 20:33

My boyfriend just left tonight to go over to Kuwait. He used to be in the Sandusky unit but was transfered to the Tiffin unit maybe a year and a half ago. If I hear of anything they need (or just want) I will post it on here- before he even left though he told me to send him good coffee and his favorite snack foods :-)

RE: Care Packages

Jen Elek

04.07.2008 21:29

> My boyfriend just left tonight to go over to Kuwait. He
> used to be in the Sandusky unit but was transfered to the
> Tiffin unit maybe a year and a half ago. If I hear of
> anything they need (or just want) I will post it on here-
> before he even left though he told me to send him good
> coffee and his favorite snack foods :-)

Hey wants your boyfriends name, I'll ask my husband if he knew him. So how is things for you? Hope well, i know its hard at times. Well yeah, if you know of anything let me know.
Thanks alot for the response and hang in there.
Jen

RE: Care Packages

Hanna G

04.07.2008 21:47

My boyfriend's name is TJ Hollohazy. What is your husband's name? Have you been able to talk to him since he has been over there?

Post Office

ronald carrion

01.26.2008 05:49

Hello,

Thank for your informative web site. My platton is going to be stationed there soon. We would like to know if the post office there is run by civilians or soldiers. Thanks

Dialing a DSN Number

James Samuel

01.18.2008 09:53

I am trying to dial a DSN number in Kuwait.
From a stateside civilian line.
The area I am trying to reach is Camp Arifjan.
Will someone give me some assistance on how
to do this?

Thank You.

info

01.15.2008 12:42

good day all! My son is in the air on his way to the camp. Can anyone tell me the process once he gets there? He is held over on reserve after completing 4 yrs & considered on 'temporary assignment' for the next 16 mos... I heard he will be in tents for the 1st month. Does that mean there will be no communication or address info provided? God bless & keep you all safe & sane! Jen @ jwpinto@aol.com

In need of an address

Susi Christopher

01.11.2008 18:53

Hi,
I am looking for my hubby. We rarely get to talk as I am a full-time mom and go to college full-time. I am looking for his address. We rarly get to talk and when I talk to him his address is the last thing on my mind. And when I send a message asking for his address I never get a response. I want to send him some things. So if you know or see a Joel Robinson please tell him to give Susi his address. Thank you. Susi

RE: In need of an address

Susan Baker

06.02.2008 18:38

> Hi,
> I am looking for my hubby. We rarely get to talk as I am a
> full-time mom and go to college full-time. I am looking for
> his address. We rarly get to talk and when I talk to him his
> address is the last thing on my mind. And when I send a
> message asking for his address I never get a response. I
> want to send him some things. So if you know or see a Joel
> Robinson please tell him to give Susi his address. Thank
> you. Susi

Hi Susi....would it be possible to email a pic and/or more info on Joel so I can verify if its the same person so I can send you his address....send the email to "susanb@live.com"

Thanks,

RE: In need of an address

Donelle Cox

05.01.2008 02:40

See you soon!

Shannon Simpson

12.18.2007 15:02

Hi! I am contemplating a year long assignment under CSA as a civilian contractor and I understand I would be sent to Camp Arifjan. I live in Dayton, Ohio and have never been to the area so this article was a relief. I am in the initial stages of researching this. The contract is for a professional administrative level position.

I only phone screened like 4 days ago and just got an offer letter today that I have to reply to within 72 hours! I am extremely nervous and feel very timid.

Any additional information would be SERIOUSLY helpful. My email is shannonwsimpson [at] hotmail [dot] com

THANK YOU for this article and THANK YOU for anyone who responds to this.

Signed,
Idiot from Dayton! LOL

RE: See you soon!

Ashley Sylvester

07.02.2008 21:56

I'm researching Camp Arifjan, too! My husband works with ITT and I am desperate to join him. You say you got a job with CSA? That's fantastic! Any suggestions?
From what I have heard about the area from my husband, it's pretty laid back. He spent some time in Iraq and Baghdad so this is a great break for him, regardless :)
Also, do a search for "American Women's League in Kuwait." They are a fantastic organization, and will definately make you feel more comfortable with the idea.
In the meantime, if you hear of anymore job openings... give me a shout:)

Best, and safe travels!

Ashley

Camp Arifjan info

Brian Case

10.23.2007 09:02

Hello everyone.. Im a combat medic deployed here from a national guard unit from Chicago.. Just wanted to let everyone know that us soldiers are very thankful for the care packages and letters that we receive. It helps that we have support from those back in the states. If anyone has any questions that they would like to answered please feel to email me at meteorman87@yahoo.com and ill respond to them as soon as possible.

care packages

L Basler

09.21.2007 18:21

When our family inquired about sending care packages to troops we were given Camp Arifjan as a suggestion of somewhere to send items. We have been told that we need a specific name of a troop member to send the package or it will not be delivered. Is this true? How can our family send care packages without knowing an individual to send them to? Suggestions or volunteers?

RE: care packages

robbins family

12.04.2007 04:33

What we did was join SOLDIERS ANGELS...you are assigned a soldier (or more if you request more than one). Then you can send care packages to soldiers anywhere. I believe you can request specific locations but I'm not positive. We currently have 3 soldiers, all in different locations. It's a wonderful organization and a great way to show your support for the troops. You can find them on the web.

How can our family
> send care packages without knowing an individual to send
> them to? Suggestions or volunteers?

great site

Shawn Jones

08.21.2007 03:58

Hi everyone,

I was looking for infomation about the life style of the camp and must say that I found the authors infomation and the replies fully of valuable infomation. If any one knows of any other sites or message boards that give more infomation of the style and quilty of life there I would like to read more and see pictures. I can be emailed at jonz357@yahoo.com

Thank you

Zip code?

Tricia Andrews

07.22.2007 18:16

Hi,
I was assigned a soldier through a program called Soldier's Angels and he is statitioned at Camp Arifjan. The zip code I was given was 09366. I send one letter a week and one care package a month and none have been returned. I was wondering if they are making it over there?
Thanks,
Tricia

RE: Zip code?

ericka ssg

08.01.2007 06:20

> Hi,
> I was assigned a soldier through a program called Soldier's
> Angels and he is statitioned at Camp Arifjan. The zip code I
> was given was 09366. I send one letter a week and one care
> package a month and none have been returned. I was
> wondering if they are making it over there?
> Thanks,
> Tricia
Yes this is the zip code. However my husband sent me a package over a month ago and i still havent recieved it. It took my mail a onth to get back to the states. The turn around is long.

RE: Zip code?

Cindy Rivenbark

01.15.2008 19:04

> Yes this is the zip code. However my husband sent me a
> package over a month ago and i still havent recieved it. It
> took my mail a onth to get back to the states. The turn
> around is long.

I ship Priority Mail to my husband at APO 09366 and packages take about three business days from our Washington, DC, suburb. I read somewhere that unless you ship priority or air mail, mail is put on a ship and takes forever to get there. I also mailed him cards first class and they took about the same time as Priority Mail packages I mailed the same day. The priority mail cost is quite reasonable, as well, (a pleasant surprise!) and ends up being about $1 a pound to ship. You can also use flat rate priority mail boxes, which hold up to 20 lbs. (but you are limited to the size of the box the Post Office provides) and are $8.95 to ship.

I don't know if it works the same way with them sending stuff home. I've told my husband to ship Priority unless it's something he doesn't mind taking three weeks to get here.

Hope this helps.

Internet

Joshua Froelke

07.14.2007 15:30

Can anyone who is there right now comment on the internet situation? I'll coming over sometime this fall, and have a new dell laptop.

RE: Internet

ericka ssg

08.01.2007 06:18

> Can anyone who is there right now comment on the internet
> situation? I'll coming over sometime this fall, and have a
> new dell laptop.
The internet connection is wireless and runs about $30 a month unliited. Its pretty fast and its usually up and when there are problems, they get fixed pretty quick. I think its great!

Looking to find an old friend

matt hicklin

07.05.2007 14:58

I have a buddy of mine that is over there in Arifjan now and am wondering if anybody can relay a mesage to him. He is a civilian named Paul Terrock. Lots of tattoos. Pretty tall and usually works out. Please relay this email address to him, matthew.hicklin@us.army.mil

thanks.

Nice info

D A

06.20.2007 15:35

Hey there! Reading your article has given me, a civilian wife insight to what my hubby will be experiencing. He's being deployed as a contractor. Just knowing what it looks like and what he can expect is comforting to me! Hope u got that helmet from the guy!! God Bless !

To you and Your Family

01.26.2007 15:13

Hello, I am located at Anniston Army Depot in Anniston Alabama and just wanted to say hello. I often think about those in combat and their families. I came across this article just looking around wondering about life over there. I am not in the Army, just a civilian employee. We overhaul vehicles for the Army and other branches as well.

I just wanted to let you know that I pray for the soldiers there and their families back home. I pray specifically that God would provide the leadership involved resolution to all of this and it would come to a close real soon. God is faithful.

Thanks for our article, it was very informative.

Jeff

Its really a nice one

arun n

09.11.2006 12:49

Hi...
Iam Arun from INDIA aged 20.I happened to see your article in net.I attened the interview to ITT kuwait .Camp arifjan.They said when I will reach in age 21 they will select me as enviornmental health & safety specialist.So I am always running through internet to search Military articles.
I would like have a good relation with you.Hope you will not deny. please mail me to arun_n505@yahoo.com

A quick few questions about internet:)

R B

07.06.2006 17:37

I found this article to be very comforting.Thankyou for your perspective and sharing some of the likelyhoods of my future TCS there.

A couple of questions I had though...Is the internet all that good (DSL/Cable?) at any location for gaming or is it really crappy like 56k style?

What did you mean by the internet speed is restricted?

Also, I heard the same thing about internet within the barracks but how long have they been talking about installing this service for the soldiers b/c from what I understand they've been talking about this for months now ever since the company "QualityNET" went out of business.

BTW, I'm a 25B Information Technology Analyst and as you can imagine I need to have a durable internet acces point for certain applications, amongst gaming. So any info in this regard would make it better for me so I know what to bring to the fold, such as IP telephone, webcams,IP TV...etc.

Thankyou for any response.

RE: A quick few questions about internet:)

ericka ssg

08.01.2007 06:23

hello,
im not an computer specialist but i thought i would tell you that there is wireless in the pcb's now and you can web cam. As far as gaming, probably not a good idea. however there are ways to get a faster internet connection. if you go through the local internet providers.