In the fall of 2003, my friend and I (both army officers) escorted three Dutch business associates into Iraq. They were all expatriates running a business that served our war machine from its launch point in Kuwait. To better service this machine, we mutually agreed that they should open a branch at our logistical hub near Balad. When the Air Force canceled our flight, the adventure began.${QuickSuggestions} Tour the ancient archeological sites of the Ziggurat and Abraham’s birthplace near An Naseriah.
Bargain for souvenirs with long-time friends at the vendor stalls of Iraq’s newest entrepreneurs.
Ride in a commercial semi-truck through downtown Baghdad traffic wearing a flak vest.
Enjoy a corkscrew-style combat landing in a completely blacked out C-130.
Avoid driving by the ROK Army Engineer compound during latrine burnout time.
Stay away from the blocks of ice (river water) and rock-gut whisky (contains antifreeze) being sold along the road leaving Tallil Air Base. ${BestWay} Several options are available, and we had to use almost every one. My personal favorite is the CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopter. Others, in no particular order, include the C-130, armored HMMWV with accessory 50-cal machine gun, semi-truck, and SUV.
From journal Hitchhiking through Iraq