The evolution of Basrah's living quarters

During Alpha Co., 3rd Battalion, 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion’s last pre-deployment training exercise in Graf, Germany April 2008, they received a brief on their living areas in Basrah, Iraq. Second battalion had provided photos describing what A Co. might expect. Upon their arrival, it became obvious that conditions were not quite as bad as they expected. Though small, their living areas were sufficient and modifiable. The “coffins,” comprised of a mattress on the floor surrounded by cinder blocks and covered with a metal plate and sandbags, caused some minor head injuries before the Soldiers became accustomed to the "roll out of bed" technique.

During the first month in country, they effectively adapted to our new living conditions and were ready to begin customizing. They started with the most fundamental necessity the internet. Connectivity required miles of cable and setting up communication from the ground to orbiting satellites.

Further personal luxury furnishings sprouted in every area.  From desks to an RC helicopter repair station, their imagination was the limit. Though minor, they did have some issues with cat-sized rats.  Setting stuff higher and out of reach of the massive rodents became a necessary practice.

Early Feb. 2009, they received another brief on the possibility of relocating from their overcrowded, yet personalized, tents to newer and more private Compact Housing Units (CHUs). After settling down and getting comfortable in their small areas, they were expecting a spacious change. They felt frustrated and angry when they heard that they were moving into areas with less space!

The lower moral didn't last long, within a week they received an update stating that the bricks and sandbags will be removed from our CHUs before we move in. They are looking forward to the upcoming move and are expecting bunk beds, wall lockers, night tables with a quick setup of their precious internet systems. Living conditions in the deployment are changing, and they are keeping a positive attitude and maintaining high moral.

By SGT Brant Feivou, A Co. 3-159th ARB
27 Feb., 2009