| I played in a band called the (what else) Baghdaddy's inside the Green Zone from 2005-2006. Here are my thoughts.
1. It's going to be hot. Very hot. 125 degrees F hot. Your eyeballs will feel like they're being roasted out of their sockets.
2. They use mostly 220V over there, with some 110V. Take a very good step-up transformer with you if you're using your own gear, or buy stuff that will run on 220V. A good power conditioner is a must (I recommend a Furman voltage regulator if you can afford one).
3. The people you will play for will be very appreciative.
4. You will most likely play at secure bases, e.g., the Green Zone, Camp Liberty, Camp Victory, Al Asad AB, etc. Most of them have internet access, phones, MWR facilities, etc., as well as decent chow hall. Some even have fast food, e.g., Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc. The larger bases have well-stocked Post Exchanges (department stores) though the selection can be limited.
5. Take spare fuses with you, lots of them, for your rig. If the USO is taking care of this it will be less of an issue.
6. Take two rigs with you if you can, and two basses.
7. Take instrument adjusting tools with you, e.g., wrenches, screwdrivers, allen wrenches, capo, feeler gauges, etc. Learn to do your own setups if you don't know how - the weather will play hell with your set up (trust me).
8. Get cases for everything, preferably road cases. Air Force loadmasters and helicopter crew chiefs tend to beat the snot out of everything as they load an aircraft.
9. Bring lots of strings - they're next to impossible to get in Iraq (I usually ordered mine through the mail). Same goes for picks and other expendables.
10. Bring a laptop if you have one and load it with things to do on it, e.g., games, iTunes, etc.
11. Bring things to give to the troops and others working in Iraq. Believe me, it's a big deal.
12. When somebody yells "incoming," hit the ground. If you're in a building, move away from the windows and doors.
13. Wear body armor and other protective gear when told. Especially when moving by vehicle.
14. If you are authorized to carry weapons, take a rifle and a pistol. Get a thigh holster and a holster for your body armor. Put the body armor holster in a position so you can pull it quickly and point out a vehicle window (I had mine on my right side, just below my shoulder). Carry lots of ammunition - lots.
15. Buy a camel bak or other water bladder and drink lots of water every day.
16. If you're schlepping your own gear, buy a dolly or some other device to move equipment.
17. Buy Under Armor T-shirts and other items. They breathe and will keep you cooler. Teva sandals are great too. Wear loose clothing.
Hope this helps,
Alan
10.
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"I think the end all, be all answer to this would be.. Any band would suck without their bassplayer" - Metalguy 2
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