At the far-flung "battle positions" and "combat outposts," however, it's a different story.
For example, at Marine Battle Position Tripoli, a quarter-mile-square base near the Syrian border where I recently spent some time, the Marines live closer to the ground. Instead of the "containerized housing units" – aluminum mini-trailers known as "cans" – found at the larger bases, Marines at BP Tripoli sleep in plywood "hooches." Showers are an on-again, off-again proposition, and the toilet facilities are "WAG bags," plastic bags that you -- well, I'll spare you the details.
There is a PX at Tripoli, but it's tiny, offering a few hygiene articles, batteries and T-shirts that are all size "small." As for the food in the chow hall, let's just say that the Marine cooks do the best they can with what they have.
Not that the Marines are complaining. Most of the infantrymen, artillerymen and others at BP Tripoli take pride in living a rougher, dirtier life than troops in the rear.
"I like it better here," says Sgt. Rodney Stahler, 22, of Aberdeen, Md., with the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines from Camp Pendleton. "It's more relaxed, and it's further from the flag pole" – meaning that it's removed from the seemingly petty rules that the brass in the rear often insist upon.
Obviously, troops at BP Tripoli and similar locations can use almost anything: baby wipes, new socks, toiletries, DVDs, non-perishable snacks, sports and men's magazines – "Maxim" magazine is about as racy as the Marines are allowed – powdered energy drinks, AA batteries. You name it and the Marines and soldiers in the outback can probably use it.
Interestingly, many of the Marines I spoke with at BP Tripoli said that while they appreciate anything people send them, what they really need is supplies for Iraqi civilians they are trying to help.
Staff Sgt. Jamie Parker, a civil affairs Marine with 2/11, says his unit could use school supplies for Iraqi children and sewing supplies for a program the Marines operate for local Iraqi women. Actual sewing machines would be great, but if that's not practical, any sewing supplies would do. If you want to help, email me at the address below and I'll give you an APO address.
So keep those care packages coming. Again, if you need a name and an APO address, let me know.
Whatever you send the Marines and soldiers and sailors and airmen in Iraq, trust me, it will be appreciated.