+greyjay Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 I was playhing around looking at different geocaches in other countries today when I checked out Iraq! It seems that our brave troops over there are trying to keep the goecaching hobby alive and kicking in Iraq! If you get a few minutes, why don't you send a quick letter of thanks to the cache placers in Iraq for protecting our freedom AND introducing geocaching to Iraq. SSgt Jason Adams U.S. Air Force Quote Link to comment
+planetrobert Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 long live freedom, the right to bear arms, the brave man and women of our armed forces, and geocaching Now where did I set my GPS??? planetrobert.net Quote Link to comment
+John144 Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 OK, I'm sure this will result in a firestorm of criticism from the patriotic Americans reading this, but I have to question the listing of these caches. Of the 5 caches I find located in Iraq, 3 appear to be on American-held bases, and one of the other two is behind a military checkpoint. One of the guidelines for listing a cache on this site is: quote: Caches will be quickly archived if we see the following (which is not inclusive): Caches near or in military installations Only this one seems to be in a place where actual Iraqis might be able to visit it, though it's impossible for me to tell if it is in a place of free access to all. I'm really not trying to start an argument about whether the Americans ought to be over there. (And if anyone is tempted to turn this into such an argument, don't bother; I give up. I know I am outnumbered on this site, and have no hope of convincing any of you to change your point of view.) I intend no disrespect to the soldiers who are doing their job, and probably really need this sort of diversion to alleviate some of the stress they must be under. But most of these "Iraqi" caches doesn't seem appropriate to list on this site. Quote Link to comment
+Woodbutcher68 Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 I would think that the powers that be would make an exception to caches in or near military bases under these circumstances. It's something for the troops to do during their off time. Even though the average Iraqi geocacher won't have access to them, it could spread off base in a hurry. There's no shortage of ammo cans to fill, just stuff to put in them. Maybe we should round up all the McToys from the caches here in the states and ship them to Iraq for trade items. That would solve two problems! Maps?!? I don't need no stinking maps! I got coordinates! There's a fine line between Geocaching and mental illness, I'm just not sure which side of the line I'm on! Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 It's too bad we don't have the coordinates on Saddam. Alan Quote Link to comment
+planetrobert Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Alan2:It's too bad we don't have the coordinates on Saddam. Alan Log Excerpt-- Thanks for posting these coords. Cache container may need to be changed to a pine box soon. Too bad TPTB dont allow digging to hide a cache. took head left torso TFTH --end log excerpt Now where did I set my GPS??? planetrobert.net Quote Link to comment
+Divine Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Alan2:It's too bad we don't have the coordinates on Saddam. Not to mention the WMD. - I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory. - Quote Link to comment
+cachew nut Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 quote:Originally posted by John144:Of the 5 caches I find located in Iraq, 3 appear to be on American-held bases, and one of the other two is behind a military checkpoint. Only this one seems to be in a place where actual Iraqis might be able to visit it, though it's impossible for me to tell if it is in a place of free access to all. SoldierBlue is a Brit and found that cache. I'm pretty sure that the other sites would probably be accessible to Allies as well. My guess is that actual Iraqis aren't going to have much recreational activities to begin with, let alone GPS units, so I wouldn't anticipate too many complaints. Otherwise we would have seen some geocaching activity in the past. Having a soccer ball to play with is a big improvement. When they finally settle down and get with the program, I'm sure they will benefit from the caches being placed there. quote:I give up. Viva le France. quote:But most of these "Iraqi" caches doesn't seem appropriate to list on this site. Seem fine to me. It's not as if you attempted to find one and were denied access. Quote Link to comment
+Dodgermp Posted October 26, 2003 Share Posted October 26, 2003 As a member of the Army the only ammo can I would open in Iraq is on a military base. Find a cache off post it could be the last one you open, too many people would like to place explosives in them and remove a few Americans from Iraq. Quote Link to comment
Captain Chaoss Posted October 26, 2003 Share Posted October 26, 2003 No fair ! Those guys get the coolest cache-finding vehicles too ! Wonder how many times the MP's have to report "suspicious activity" while cache hunting is going on ? Two roads diverged in the woods and I, I took the one less traveled, and that is how I found the cache. Quote Link to comment
+greyjay Posted October 26, 2003 Author Share Posted October 26, 2003 My opinion regarding geocaching in Iraq and locating them on military installations.. where in Iraq is it safe to find geocaches that aren't on military installations? and for that matter, what do you think the chances of your average iraqi citizen actually owning a gps and interested in geocaching? I mean, it's like everything else in Iraq, geocaching will be introduced to the people of iraq in due time, along with all the conforts of modern society once security is reestablished. It would be suicide for any american or briton to go driving around on their own looking for a geocache in unsecure areas. Quote Link to comment
+Catherman Posted October 26, 2003 Share Posted October 26, 2003 I am the proud owner of one of the 5 caches in Iraq (Brave Rifles Micro Cache). First, the “American held air-base” that I hid my micro cache, is home to about 6,000 people including some collation forces and Iraqis. The Iraqis that can gain clearance come to work in our dinning facilities, translate, and help with construction and repair. Second, I recently went outside the wire to teach Human Rights and other classes (Just one small part of the JAG mission) to the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps. On this trip, I showed my GPS receiver and the Naomi Travel Bug to them. (Pictures of Naomi are posted!) I explained geocaching through a translator. They thought the idea was novel; however, right now, they would just like to live until tomorrow. They also are more concerned with being able to buy shoes and care for their family. Second, I would not even think about placing a cache of any kind outside a protected area. This would not only be a huge risk to Americans, it would possibly get an Iraqi child killed. It is not safe here outside the checkpoints. We have to wear body armor and carry live rounds locked and loaded. We recognize that in order to place a cache here, we have to bend the rules. It’s not like this is some great place to cache. The entire place is sand so it is fairly obvious where my cache is hidden. Where there is more than sand! I also would not think of using an ammo can. I would like to place a tradition (non-micro) cache, but it will be in a container that is see-through. Safety First! Another difficulty we deal with here that most normal cachers don’t is availability to the internet. May people have purchased GPS receivers or have the Military one issued to them. When they do get some down time, they look long and hard for something to do to relax. They want to do something new and fun. The problem is they don’t have access to the net. If you know someone in Iraq, send him or her a print out of the cache info. They can log it when they do get a chance to get on-line. At Rifles Base (Al Asad, Iraq) we are working on getting some computers with Internet access made available to the troops. I am lucky. My duties require that I have the ability to research and communicate to the states. Others are not that lucky, they work out on the fence line. Just putting in my two cents worth From Iraq, Catherman "In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." --Franklin D. Roosevelt Quote Link to comment
+John144 Posted October 26, 2003 Share Posted October 26, 2003 Thanks for the response, Catherman; it gives me more insight & understanding into what is going on there. I hope you and your friends there will soon be home safely. Quote Link to comment
+cachew nut Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Here are some pictures of the latest cache found in Iraq, but it was buried which is against the rules. I'm thinking it's only a matter of time before the WMDs start turning up. Quote Link to comment
+CacheCreatures Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 (edited) Catherman: With the understanding that freedom isn't free...I just want to send you a heartfelt THANK YOU. I think it is awesome that geocaching is happening in Iraq. Limited as it might be, it is still there and that alone is cool. Edited November 25, 2003 by CacheCreatures Quote Link to comment
+eddthejailer Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 hey catherman keep up the good work and bring them home safe ok!!i dont know anyone over there right now do you know anyone that needs a penpal??? Quote Link to comment
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