After reading Michael Yon's RUBS about various locations, I thought I would offer my version of the Iraq travel guide for people who are not network TV celebrities.

This Guide follows my current travels through Iraq.

Camp Victory Baghdad
A stopping point for nearly all media embeds, Victory is massive sprawling base.  Most people will arrive at the BIAP military terminal then have to take a buss to the Camp Stryker Stables to await the RHINO bus to the IZ.

You can get space in a transition tent, but there is no way to secure your luggage or camera gear.

There is a chow hall, but, if you don't have a media credential yet, you cannot enter.  The lack of credential can be a real Catch 22.  You will not get your media credential until you get to the IZ, but you kinda need it before you get to the IZ.  You will not be able to go to the PX to buy a towel so you can take a shower, or eat a meal at the chow hall.  MREs are plentiful and there are three fast food restaurants that will take your cash or credit card.
Amenities--
Chow Hall--No
PX--No
Internet--No
Electricity--Yes
Workstation--No
Cot--Yes
Shower--Yes
Fast Food--Yes
Secure Luggage--No
Gym--No

Internation Zone
You will arrive late or night at early in the morning.  Call the DSN number for CPIC and a young Soldier will come and pick you up.

CPIC's facilities in the convention center have vastly improved since my last trip in 2005.  Back then you slept on the floor, under the watchful eye of a Ghurka, around the corner form where Iraqi politicians chain smoked and drank tea.

The new embed lounge has a few bunks, an uncomfortable couch, meals and everything else you need in transit.  Meals are served in at noon and in the evening.  Lunch is al fresco, which is wonderful in March and early April.
No breakfast, so, make sure you have a few snacks in your day pack.

If you are truly adventurous, once you have your media credential, you can take the bus to the PX and buy a towel to take that shower you have needing since London.  Be sure to bring your Passport as the bus is stopped frequently and the Peruvian guards won't let you through without two forms of ID.
Amenities--
Chow Hall--Two meals a day provided
PX--Yes
Internet--Yes
Electricity--Yes
Workstation--Yes
Bunks--Yes
Shower--Yes
Fastfood--Yes
Secure Luggage--Secure Enough
Gym--No

Camp Fallujah
You will arrive via a Marine Air CH-46.  The flight has a few extra twists and turns, but only takes 15 minutes.  A PA Officer will great you at the LZ and drive you to your lodging.

If you are the only embed aboard the base, you will have your own locked room.  There is a media trailer with electricity, internet and work tables and chairs.

Camp Fallujah is a full service base with excellent chow halls, showers, flush toilets, PX and barber shop.

The Public Affairs staff at Fallujah--both MEF and RCT--are very accomodating.  One NCO even dropped off and picked up my laundry while I was outside the wire.  That my friends is the five star treatment that can lead to some positive reportage.
Amenities--
Chow Hall--Yes
Internet--Yes
Electricity--Yes
Workstation--Yes
Bunks--Yes
Shower--Yes
Fastfood--No
Secure Luggage--Yes
Gym--Yes

OP Omar
The trip to OP Omar covers one of the most dangerous roads in Iraq.  Trust me--I've seen it at its worst.

Once you arrive though, the Blackfoot 1-501 Airborne will take care of you.  You will sleep in an open squad bay like the rest of the soldiers and Marines which allows you to make fast friends.

Omar is one of the few OPs that has cooks who actually cook and the food is the best in Iraq.  Served at 0900 and 1800, the chefs at Omar serve up the finest in military fare.  Best bet--Steak and Eggs.

Omar has showers with hot water, but does not have flush toilets.  Internet access exists but is spotty at best.  There is access to electricity and there is a table in the squad bay you can work at.

The best part about OP Omar is the soldiers and the accomodating NCOs.  They don't get much media, or USO or much of anything at OP Omar, so they enjoy company dropping by.
Amenities--
Chow Hall--Yes, the best in Iraq
Intenet--Yes, but inconsistent
Electriciy--Yes
Workstation--Yes
Bunks--Yes
Shower--Yes
Fastfood--No
Secure Luggage--Open Squad Bay, but no one is going to steal your gear
Gym--Enough to get by

TQ
Like Fallujah, you will most likely arrive in TQ via a Marine Air CH-46.  Fewer reporters make it up to TQ, but the staff at the terminal is courteous and professional.  Use a DSN to call the PA office and the Duty will come and get you and take you to their SWA hut.  The accomodations aren't much, but, they are secure, there is electricity, the showers and flush toilets are just 50 yards away.

You can eat at the TQ chow hall, but it could be a challenge to get past the Ugandan security guards.  They are not used to reporters and may not allow your credential.  Be proactive and sidle up to a Marine and ask him to act as your minder for a few minutes.  The TQ chow hall is massive.  Real plates, real silver ware and the food is good too.

PA staff is small, but accomodating and will do everything they can to make your stay productive.
Amenities--
Chow Hall--Yes
Internet--Yes
Electricity--Yes
Workstation--No
Cot--Yes
Shower--Yes
Fastfood--No
Secure Luggage--Yes
Gym--Yes

Habbaniyah
Just a short hop over the canal from TQ, but worlds away, Habb. is un-garrisonized, no BS kinda base.  If you embed with the Marines of the ITC, you are set.  They will lock up your expensive gear in a locker, give you a bunk in a squad bay and make sure you productive.  The showers in the barracks are the best in Iraq.  Flush toilets are around and Eco cleans the portables daily. 

The chow hall serves lunch and dinner, so buy some protein drinks at the PX in TQ.

An old RAF base, Habb. is home to Iraqi and Marine infantry units and the Iraqi boot camp.  Devoid of many of the fine amenities of major bases, the laid back, down-in-the-dirt hard working style of base makes you wish every base was more like Habb.
Amenities--
Chow Hall--Yes
Internet--Yes
Electricity--Yes
Workstation--Yes
Bunks--Yes
Shower--Yes, best in Iraq
Fastfood--No
Secure Luggage--Yes
Gym--Yes

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