Q: How about recreation? Racquetball, basketball, golf, free weights, machines, treadmills, run outdoors, etc? Do we do PT or the PT test while in country? Is there a library? Chances for humanitarian work or seeing Iraqi life "outside" the FOB? - Jim
A: I've been to Balad and Liberty and I'd choose Cropper any day. Balad has it all ... three large gyms, indoor/outdoor pools, full size movie theatre but you have to walk miles and miles. Don't even get me started on the clinic.
Cropper is compact ... everything's nearby and the facilities are actually quite nice (new MWR w/ theatre, 24 hr DFAC, average size gym). Our PX is just a double trailer but the large Stryker PX is just a 15 minute leisurely walk (5 minutes by bus). Doesn't matter because you don't have to buy anything really. As for reading material we have lots of books here... plus MWR books, free table, etc. Gym has everything and yes you can run indoors or outdoors if it's not too dusty. Neither of us did a PT test.
The danger for Soldiers is very real so I don't think you want to leave the VBC even for humanitarian work. Other than that Cropper is better than the other bases I've been to. - Jax
