Typical of many remote military bases, Camp Virginia is a mix of tents, metal frame and prefab buildings, supply yards and maintenance sheds spread across several square miles of desert. Military and civilian vehicles of all kinds sit baking in the sun or move slowly along gravel streets named Roanoke or Richmond. The steady drone of the generators that provide all the camp’s electricity fills the air.
The permanent contingent here has soldiers from South Korea and Great Britain, members of the active duty U.S. Army, Navy and Marines and National Guard units from several states including Alaska’s Delta and Bravo companies of the 3/297th Infantry. Both companies are part of the camp’s security force. Delta soldiers run escort missions. Bravo soldiers work eight hour shifts day and night manning a camp entry point and running perimeter security patrols. The working conditions are hot and dusty. The work, although vitally important, is routine and repetitive.
As members of the permanent camp contingent, the Alaskans live in “hard” barracks instead of tents. Long rows of prefab buildings are divided into ten foot by sixteen foot rooms housing two or three soldiers each. Although small the rooms are comfortable and have sturdy beds, good mattresses, metal closets, small refrigerators and some furniture. The rooms are air conditioned, like all buildings in the camp, to provide a measure of relief from the intense heat. Toilets, showers and laundry facilities are in separate buildings nearby.
The camp’s dining hall offers a varied and plentiful menu. There’s a small library, a USO club, two well equipped gyms, a recreation building with pool tables, ping pong and satellite TV. Internet service and several telephone call centers are also available. Near the center of the camp is an area known as downtown. It’s a cluster of small shops, fast food restaurants, including Subway and McDonalds, a coffee shop and internet café. They border a small gravel covered square filled with tables shaded by an open sided pavilion. It’s a popular hang out.
One only has to look out across the endless expanse of desert surrounding the camp, however, to realize that despite all its amenities, Camp Virginia is not home. Steady winds fill the air with a fine dust that clings to everything and irritates the eyes and nose. The dry heat is intense and relentless. Temperatures, now in the low 100s F, will hit 130 F or higher later on in the summer. For the soldiers of Bravo and Delta companies Alaska seems very far away right now but as the sunset brings an end to another long, hot day in the desert, they know that it’s also bringing them one day closer to home.
47 Comments
June 14, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I was stationed at Camp Virginia from May 4, 2006 to November 2006 with the Navy Seabee contingent. I hated the desert. Especially July and August when temps. reached 140 degrees. Stay away from the Chinese place, a couple of our guys got food poisoning.
June 27, 2007 at 8:22 pm
THIS WAS GREAT TO READ. I AM DUE TO DEPLOY THERE IN 1 WEEK. I AM A SERGEANT IN THE BRITISH ARMY AND WILL BE BASED OUT THERE FOR 3 MONTHS. THE REST OF MY UNIT ARE BASED IN IRAQ
October 1, 2007 at 11:58 pm
This is a great description. My son is there now. I can almost imagine what it might be like. May God bless all of you for your service to out great country.
October 4, 2007 at 5:54 pm
My son is there now as well. It helps to have some idea of what things are really like for them. God Bless them all and prayers for all their safe returns!
October 5, 2007 at 8:37 pm
My husband is there now and this site truly helped me to understand how he’s living & what he may be going through over the next year. I look forward to updates and may God bless these men & women and keep them safe as they make their own sacrifices to keep us and our country safe.
October 7, 2007 at 6:30 pm
My son is passing through on his way home. He misses Subway!!! Thanks for your info. God bless you all. Keep your faith and safe travels to you all.
November 5, 2007 at 2:37 pm
My brother is going there in about two months. Thanks for the info. God Bless all soldiers!
November 20, 2007 at 4:54 pm
My boyfriend is there right now, thank you so much for the description and the information.
“Let’s Bring our Troops Home!”
December 11, 2007 at 6:44 pm
My son will arrive there on Friday, Dec. 14. On his way to Afghanistan for a rotation with NATO ISAF.
He gets to Kabul on Christmas Eve.
December 24, 2007 at 11:17 am
my daughter will be pending christmas day there thank you for the info my prayers are with all of ya.
February 15, 2008 at 10:25 pm
do they sell the cell phone trac phones at the camp and if so are they expensive? My husband is going there in 2 months and I am trying to get as much info to stay connected as I can
March 25, 2008 at 6:45 am
I was at Camp Virginia for 2 weeks as apart of the Australian forces working in Southern Iraq. I was there in May and yes it was hot but found it quite good as it had a good mess to eat at and also had everything needed to serve in the desert. I would also like to say a big thanks to the American troops who made us feel right at home even though we were so far away from it. I was there in may 2005 so would be interested if the place has changed much since then
April 2, 2008 at 7:15 pm
What about internet service in the barracks? Who provides it? If so, is it broadband service? I want to send my husband his laptop so we can chat privately in his quarters, if possible. Thx.
While I was there in May of 2007 embedded with the Alaska Army National Guard unit they had a wireless satellite internet connection set up for some of the barracks. Several communications guys bought the equipment from soldiers from the previous Guard unit that the Alaskans replaced. They set up the service and charged soldiers a monthly fee if they wanted to subscribe to use it in their barracks room. The connection worked well because I was able to use it while I was there. You might check with your husband to see if there is something like that still set up.
April 14, 2008 at 3:06 am
My boyfriend is at Camp Virginia right now. Thanks for the site…it does help to know that other people are curious (like me) about the ones that they love. My guy is passing thru as part of his returning home from Iraq after one year there. I think it is crappy that they (soldiers) have to pay to use the internet. Such a nice way to extort our troops..and thank them for their service to our country. Sorta makes you feel like they aren’t that appreciated.
I am very proud of my man, and all the other servicemen & women who give me the freedom that I have today.
April 16, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I will be deploying to Kuwait sometime in August/September 2008. does anyone know if you have access to make phone calls back here to the states.
May 21, 2008 at 1:55 am
I was deployed there for 5months, it’s really not that bad beside the intense heat and the fact that you have to walk everywhere. They have ATT phone center and you can purchase a calling card at the px or go to the USO sometime they hand out free card. Internet service is $5/hour or go to the library to use it for free. If you like chinese food i recommend the shrimp fry rice, it’s really good. Hope that provides some infos you guy are looking for, have fun and be safe.
June 7, 2008 at 1:32 am
I was deployed to Camp Va in 2005 and we were living in tents that housed eight people and they were awful. It is nice to know that VA is finally providing better housing for the permanent party.
June 11, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Sweet nice to know what to expect for this poor seabee. hoorah seabees
July 10, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I was stationed there from Nov 05 to Nov 06. I was in the unit that the Alaskans replaced. The internet was a private venture much like cable or telephone service is back here at home. AAFES didn’t like that we were cutting in on their market because they were making a killing on the internet cafe prices, and we paid next to nothing for great wireless service. Cell phones can be purchased on the local economy, and if you buy an international calling card from a website like http://www.uniontelecard.com (that’s where I got mine from), you spend about 20 bucks on the card, give your spouse or “other” the calling card 800# and pin, have them call you, you’ll get about 3 hours of talk time on that card. If your cell phone from the US doesn’t have an international plan, you have to get one from a local shop on post or from someone redeploying back home that wants to sell theirs. You have to call the phone carrier to put KD (Kuwaiti Dinars=buy prepaid minutes for the phone) on the phone, but this is by far the cheapest route to being able to talk to family and loved ones back home. It’s a bit of an effort to get it set up and maintained, but I assure you it’s well worth the effort. If I remember right, the Kuwaiti phone company sold air time in 5KD increments. When I left, the KD to USD conversion was about 3.5 USD to a KD. Kinda pricey, but if you use your time wisely and don’t jabber on on the phone you can make it last. Plus it is cheaper to have an incoming call from the states-hence the reason for the calling card.
Camp Virginia is in the middle of f-ing nowhere. No kidding. But if you keep yourself occupied the time will go by faster than you know. Take books, art supplies, whatever hobby stuff will keep your mind busy. Play sports (we had a softball league). Go swimming at Ali Al Salim AF base to the south if you can get a ride there (it’s the air force base 5 minutes south of Virginia).
Like anything this world throws at you, it’s how you approach it. Your state of mind affects everything, so accept what’s going on, stay busy, and you will be home before you know it. I can be contacted at koolsville_daddyo@yahoo.com if you have any questions about the place and what to expect.
The chinese place is awesome, make sure you WASH YOUR HANDS before eating ANYTHING in the desert. The workers have to constantly wash, and soldiers forget that they have to scrub down as well.
Best of luck to anyone going through the deployment experience. God speed to you, and may you have a safe return.
July 17, 2008 at 9:31 pm
i am at camp virginia now, only the mayor cell companies get hard barracks.
i am with the unit running the escort missions, we live in 4 man tents, the a/c isnt too bad until the sun comes up and then if you’re not close to it you’re gonna bake. for internet we had our civilian FSR guy get us net from the kuwaitis, its about $650 for 6 months service between 8 people..
if anyone from the hawaii unit replacing us reads this hurry up so we can leave
August 2, 2008 at 1:53 pm
hey justin,
my unit will be deploying to Camp virginia in 2010. tell me more about life there, via email.
thanks
August 8, 2008 at 5:01 am
hey justin, im from hawaii and we are goin to camp virginia. dont worry i just want to get there already to get all this over with.
August 14, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I worked there for 2 years. It’s not that bad as far as desert camps go. There is free internet and AT&T phones (phone card required), McDonalds, Subway, Greenbeans Coffee, a Chinese restaurant, a library, 2 gyms, 2 MWR recreation facilities, a theater and many many other things to help pass the time. I hope that all our troops and the international coalition troops all get to pass through there on their way HOME soon! God bless all those who served and who are still serving!
August 29, 2008 at 6:11 am
Lol justin. We’re on our way. Just got to texas and getting ready to head that way soon. I’ll buy that internet from you. ;P
“Go For Broke”
September 29, 2008 at 5:33 am
I ran the mayor cell from july 2006 to july 2007 part of the 730th QM BN. helped build the USO from the ground up. good luck to anyone who goes there
October 28, 2008 at 1:21 am
Hey Justin, my husband and his unit will be replacing you very soon. I’m not sure what to expect this time, last time he was in Iraq. He says we pretty much “own” Kuwait. Does it seem that way to you or is he just trying to ease my nerves? It would be great if you and your guys could leave a helpful list of things you’ve learned as you went for our guys coming in. Feel free to contact me at mikesgal06@yahoo.com (that’s a zero-six). Anyone else with good info may contact me as well, soldiers and spouses alike. Thanks.
“Go For Broke”
October 29, 2008 at 12:36 am
I was there from July 06 to July 07. Was also with the previous poster Chris Martin’s unit (730th QM BN). If anyone sees the “P.F.T.A.O.B.” bumper stickers, that would be awesome. Our company put them everywhere. Good times. Enjoy VA, it’s not that bad.
October 31, 2008 at 7:07 pm
lol justin,
we are one our way in about another day here. hang in there and then you get to relax before too long.
-Go for broke-
November 4, 2008 at 5:30 pm
My boyfriend (also Justin) just left Ft. Hood, TX a few days ago heading for Camp Virginia. He is a Specialist with the 100-442 Infantry. Haven’t heard from him since he got on the plane, have my fingers crossed that I’ll talk to him soon. You have a great group of guys coming to take over!
“Go For Broke” Hooah!
God bless all of the men and women who dedicate their lives for our freedom. If you haven’t voted get out and vote! It matters!
November 8, 2008 at 2:56 am
Thanks to everyone that has left descriptions of Camp Virginia and put out some info about phones/internet. Very helpful! My husband, Matt just arrived with the 100-442 infantry as well.
God bless our troops!
November 21, 2008 at 8:39 pm
My husband John is in Kuwait with the 100-442 infantry as well. I was glad to run across this. He is doing fine, on this 2nd mission and calls almost everyday.
GO FOR BROKE!
Go Bless our Troops!
I Love My Soldier!
December 15, 2008 at 3:03 pm
My husbend has been at Camp Virginia since Aug 08. We miss him very much and wish him a safe and Happy Holiday.
December 18, 2008 at 12:15 pm
My son is waiting there for transportation home. We are all praying the folks at Bragg will stay around and process our soldiers so they can be home for Christmas. Thanks to all our military for the job they do.
December 19, 2008 at 2:53 am
WOW!
. I have no idea what to expect but looking forward to the opportunity!
These comments are really helpful! I will be living in Kuwait for the next year on the job assignment with the USO and I have soo many questions! Since I am a civilian, I know the experience will be different, but it seems all the questions are the same…phone/internet service! I also wanted to know about a hair salon
December 21, 2008 at 5:39 am
I will be deploying to Camp Virginia next spring as part of the 115th FA. I leave for Fort Hood mid April and then on to Kuwait. These posts have been very helpful on knowing what to expect. I am going to be part of the mayoral cell. Can anyone who is currently there or recently back from there, tell me more about the internet service. I’m interested in setting up a Skype or Vonage or one of those types of accounts. Anybody have any experience with that over there? Also, what is a typical day at Camp Virginia? Thanks for any help.
January 4, 2009 at 2:09 am
My fiance will be transporting to Kuwait tomorrow from Iraq. This site is very helpful because it keeping me informed with things that he may encounter.
God Bless our soldiers and their families during this tough time.
January 14, 2009 at 2:33 am
MS KB,
as a civilian you will be able to travel off post into Kuwait and have more opportunity to get a sense of Kuwaiti life than the troops stationed there will. I suggest you take advantage of your opportunity and get out and experience it. As far as salons go, I found that a Philippino named Jerry who works at the Zone 6 beauty salon on Camp Arifjan did a great job, but since it’s been a year since I left there, I don’t know if he’s still working there or not. All the camps have barber shops and a salon for the ladies, but you may also find a salon on the economy that you like.
I heard that Camp Virginia will be closing soon?
If anyone has any info about that, please pass it along.
Thanks and hang in there to all y’all who are out there in the dustbowl!
January 17, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I know you all will enjoy David Cook and the EEB. He is going on a USO tour this coming week. He is a great singer, performer and a very nice sensitive guy. He will make everyone feel special because that is the kind of man he is. He also gives great HUGS. ha ha
January 20, 2009 at 6:00 am
Hi my son Cpl. Joshua Ponds left for Kuwait on
Nov.3rd 2008 he also is with the 100-442 inf.
I get to chat with him on line but I am always on
pins and needles. My love, prayers and gratitude
goes out to all the man and woman who have served and are still serving this great country of ours.
January 27, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Would like more info on the internet for the barracks. I am also deploying with the 115th FA. If anyone knows the current owner, what speed, and the network set up that would be great. Also, I would like to talk to someone currently there, (those folks we are replacing) to figure out the set up you guys have. Thanks
January 28, 2009 at 7:28 am
I am a civilian contractor working security at Camp Virginia. I have been here 5 months now and will be until at least Sept. I want to share with all of you the greatest piece of advice to keep i touch with your family: Buy a Magic Jack. You can find them at MagicJack.com. As long as you get broadband service you can plug the component into your cpu USB port, plug a regular phone into it and call your wife/husband, kids, friends, etc. stateside for only $20 a year. It will cost $40 total to buy the jack for the first year. No hidden costs at all. You will love it and so will your friends and family. They can call you to. You get a stateside number and voice mail too. No, I don’t sell them or work for MJ I just know how important communication is with the real world and I want to help out in any way that I can. That’s why I’m here.
January 28, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Hey everyone. I’m stationed at Camp Virginia now, right now as a matter of fact I’m on CQ duty. I don’t know what some of you are talking about but Camp Virginia SUCKS! It’s not the people it’s the place. I’d rather be back in Iraq than here. To those with questions that want honest answers you can hit me up at hustzler@yahoo.com
And yes vonage does work over here so bring your vonage cause the calling cards, though they offer alot of minutes, vonage offers unlimited calls to stateside from your trailer or tent. They just built a Starbucks over here in December, if you like that kind of thing. Personally I would have rather they built some barracks with indoor plumbing. Ali, which is 7 to 10 minutes away has indoor plumbing! But thats it. The USO is great & the MWR tries their best so no complaints there. Virginia just sucks as a place to live compared to any other camp. Especially the Hilton, aka Arifjan. And to the best of my knowledge Virginia isn’t closing Ali Al Salem is and their sending everyone from there to Buehring! INternet is ok, at best, it normally goes down in the morning and isn’t wireless if you’re inside a trailer. You have to be standing or sitting outside otherwise you have to use an ethernet lan cable. I know, it confused me too. Costs $28 a month or $1 for an hour card or you can pay the $5 a hour in the cyber zone if you don’t have a computer. I think the best description of Cmp Virginia is the blog post at the top that we all are commenting on. No doubt I think its safe over here but the boredom & piss-tivity that one will feel being stationed over here for more than a few days is enough to make you wish you were anywhere else but at Camp Virginia.
February 21, 2009 at 7:20 pm
My son will be deploying to Camp Virginia next week from Ft Hood as a medic. I will pray for him and all of our military personnel stationed off American soil. God Bless you all and keep you safe and bring you home soon. THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the bravery you show and sacrifices you give every second of every day so that we may be safe here at home. Come home soon and should you meet Sgt Robert Clark, keep him safe for his family because he’s a remarkable medic who will work hard to keep all of you safe, too.
GOD BLESS! Linda Waldrep
June 30, 2009 at 4:19 am
My husband is on his way there now. He is an IRR soldier with 115 FA replacing the Hawaii unit. I’ve been sickly worried about his deployment. This will be our first deployment and I’m also 5.5 mths pregnant. I miss him like hell already!! After checking this site out and hearing what u guys have to say, it has honestly calmed some of my nerves. Thank u!!!! May God bless all of our troops and bring you guys back to your loved ones safely and soon!!!
July 2, 2009 at 7:07 pm
The love of my life just arrived to Camp Virginia and I am so worried about him. Just make sure you guys are safe. Much respect and God Bless
July 16, 2009 at 10:04 pm
My son has just arrived at Camp Virginia this July. He is in NG out of Wyoming. I am very proud of him an all the other men that are there an just want to tell them thank you an God bless you all an take care of each we love you all
Mom Vertz
August 17, 2009 at 5:21 am
I was at Camp Virginia in 2006 so I know exactly what you are talking about. I kind of miss the sand storms, heat, and huge bugs!!! lol