Upon your arrival at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), you should be met by your sponsor. Because of the restricted gate hours from FOB Oqab to the HKIA PAX terminal, it is best to notify your sponsor once you are manifested on a flight out of Bagram so he/she knows exactly when you’re scheduled to arrive. There are phones available for you in the Bagram pax terminal.
On HKIA, military uniform is required at all times (no civilian clothes except while in the dorms). There is a no salute policy, except for general officers, both U.S. and coalition. All wing members are required to wear a hat when outside as well as a visible ID at all times.
Dining: There are two Dining Facilities on HKIA and one DFAC on Oqab that are open for four meals a day. In addition to the DFACs, there are several restaurants, including: King James hamburges, Lebanese Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Ciano's Pizza, Thai Restaurant, Turkish Restaurant, Speedy’s Mexican Restaurant, and Greek Restaurant.
Fitness: There are also several gyms here. Both your living and working area will have a 24-hour gym. To work out in the HKIA gym, you must have two pair of gym shoes, one to wear while walking to the gym, and one to workout in.
Shopping: HKIA has an expeditionary base exchange, which has basic needed toiletries; however, supplies routinely run out. If you desire a specific brand, bring enough for your deployment or plan to order it (mail order shopping is a popular option here). Additionally, there are several small base exchanges from NATO countries that have a variety of items, including tactical gear and snacks. The base also hosts an Afghan market which sells jewelry, souvenirs, carpets, Afghan scarves, patches, plaques, DVDs and electronics. All vendors accept US dollars, which are available from the two ATMs on the base, when they are working. Most stores and vendors also accept Eagle Cash card.
Internet: While working with TAAC-Air, you will have access to free wireless internet via the MoraleNet in the dorm buildings. During inprocessing you will be able to connect two devices to the network, which is usually sufficient for video chat.
Laundry: There is both drop off and self-service laundry facilities available. You will be issued a laundry bag for drop off laundry, which has a 24 to 72 hour turn around. Self-service laundry is open 24 hours a day; however there are only 10 dryers and washers for self-service use for the base.
Mail: Mail is picked up daily and sorted by 438 AEW personnel for 438 AEW personnel. The post office is a volunteer based operation and is open daily between 1830 and 1930. Packages can be mailed from the main post office where they must be inspected prior to sealing boxes and are charged normal USPS rates. Most letters are free to mail.
Weather: The temperatures in Kabul range from low teens during the day in the winter (and below freezing at night), to mid-90s in the summer.
Living Quarters: Each room has bunk beds, two armoires and two desks. If you want anything else (shelves, TV, fridge, etc.) you’ll have to supply these items yourself. Sometimes they are left in the room or can be obtained from someone leaving. The beds are a twin sized, and mattress pads are often recommended. You will most likely have a roommate, which makes space limited.
Electronics: Both your living and working areas will have 220-volt/50Hz outlets and use two-prong European plugs. Adapters are located throughout the work area and available for purchase at the Base Exchange.
Family Emergencies: Red Cross emergency communication services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, the birth of a service member's child or grandchild, or when a family faces other emergencies. You or your family members can call (877) 272-7337 for Red Cross emergency notifications.
