Camp Arifjan
Camp Arifjan PCS Guide
Military Base History
Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Michael L. Yost, commanding general of the Army Reserve Medical Command, Pinellas Park, Fla., visited with Soldiers mobilized to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on Feb. 10, 2025 and Feb. 11, 2025. Yost has been on a multi-nation battlefield circulation of military medical personnel...
Camp Arifjan was established in the late 1990s to address evolving U.S. military needs in the Middle East. The base’s original purpose was to provide a secure, modern logistics and support hub for U.S. and coalition forces, especially after the Gulf War exposed the need for robust infrastructure in Kuwait.
Construction began in 1999, and the base quickly expanded to accommodate more units. Over the years, Camp Arifjan has hosted Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps elements, including logistics, engineering, and sustainment brigades.
The base’s modular design allowed for rapid expansion during periods of heightened operational tempo, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This flexibility made it possible to support a wide range of missions and personnel.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Camp Arifjan became a critical staging and transit point for personnel and equipment. Its facilities supported pre-deployment training, vehicle maintenance, and medical care.
The base also served as a command and control center for U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) operations, enhancing coordination and mission effectiveness across the region.
Today, Camp Arifjan remains a vital logistics and operational hub for U.S. forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. It supports ongoing missions in the Middle East, provides force protection, and strengthens U.S.-Kuwaiti military cooperation.
The installation has not undergone any significant official name changes since its establishment, maintaining its identity and strategic importance for over two decades.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jason Pizza, personal security detail operations Non-commissioned officer for the 35th Infantry Division, conducts one-on-one hand-to-hand combat training with U.S. Marine Capt. Vincent Jarrells, ground mobility officer for Operation Inherent Resolve, at Camp Arifjan,...
Major Units
408th Contracting Support Brigade
Provides contracting and logistical support to U.S. Army forces deployed throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, ensuring operational readiness and sustainment.
3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support) – Forward
Delivers medical support, healthcare services, and medical logistics to deployed forces in the region, enhancing force health protection and operational effectiveness.
1st Theater Sustainment Command (Forward)
Coordinates and executes sustainment operations, including supply, maintenance, and transportation, for Army forces in the Middle East.
Training Schools
Area Defense Operations Training
Overview
Covers base defense procedures, force protection measures, and emergency response protocols for personnel stationed at Camp Arifjan.
Course Length
1-2 weeks
Who Attends
All incoming Army personnel and units assigned to Camp Arifjan
Arrival & In-Processing
Defense Logistics Agency Deployment Support Team – Middle East poses for a team photo in front of the main gate of Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Aug. 15, 2022. Comprised of two service members and nine civilians from four major subordinate commands, the DST-ME is the customer facing section of DLA’s...
Welcome to Camp Arifjan! Arriving at a new duty station can feel overwhelming, but being prepared helps make your check-in smooth and stress-free. Review these steps before you travel to ensure you have all required documents and understand base access procedures. For more details, visit the official Camp Arifjan website.
Camp Arifjan's main entry point is the Main Gate, which operates 24/7 to support arriving personnel and families. All individuals must present a valid Military ID or Common Access Card (CAC) for entry. If you use a state-issued driver's license, ensure it meets REAL ID Act standards. Security forces conduct 100% ID checks and may perform random vehicle inspections, so keep your documents handy and your vehicle accessible. The base maintains a high security posture, especially for new arrivals. Family members and visitors must obtain a pass—coordinate this in advance with your sponsor or unit. Visitor passes require valid photo ID and may include background checks.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Passport (for all family members, if applicable)
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Marriage Certificate
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical and Dental Records
Camp Arifjan offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals transition smoothly. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or the Camp Arifjan Welcome Center. Your unit can assign a sponsor who will answer questions, assist with housing, and guide you through in-processing steps. If you have not been contacted by a sponsor before arrival, reach out to your unit's administrative office for immediate support.
Formal in-processing is conducted at the Welcome Center, located near the Main Gate. The center operates Sunday through Thursday, 0800–1700. Key steps include check-in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices. Plan to bring all required documents and allow 2–3 days to complete the full process. Your sponsor or unit representative will help schedule appointments and answer questions during in-processing.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate at Camp Arifjan. The VCC operates Sunday through Thursday, 0800–1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, registering guests in DBIDS, and processing sponsorship requests for family members. All visitors must present valid government-issued photo ID and may be subject to background checks before entry is granted.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
U.S. Army Pfc. Fredrick Swingle, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, loads a moving truck with bags during the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks move out at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 28, 2022. Fort Bragg is in a process of moving Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks and into more suitable barracks on the installation. (U.S. Army Photo By Pfc. Austin Robertson)
Incoming personnel to Camp Arifjan should start by reviewing their official orders and contacting the base Transportation Office as soon as possible. This step ensures you can schedule your move and get guidance on whether to use a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move. Most service members use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to manage their move, track shipments, and upload required documents.
You are entitled to several PCS benefits, including Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA). TLE helps offset the cost of lodging and meals while you secure permanent housing. DLA helps cover miscellaneous moving costs. Make sure to keep all receipts and submit claims promptly.
Camp Arifjan is a unique assignment, so check with your sponsor and the Transportation Office for any base-specific requirements or restrictions. Early planning and regular communication with official resources will help ensure a smooth transition.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep all important documents (orders, IDs, medical records) with you during travel.
- Double-check weight allowances to avoid excess charges.
- Label boxes with your name and destination.
- Take clear photos or videos of your belongings before packing.
- Ask your sponsor about Camp Arifjan-specific restrictions or requirements.
- Plan moves outside peak summer season when possible for better availability.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
View official rates for TLE, DLA, and other PCS entitlements.
Guidance and checklists for every step of your PCS.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance payment.