Camp Marmal is the largest base of the Bundeswehr outside of Germany. It is located outside of Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, at the foot of the Hindu Kush mountains. The camp was opened in September 2005. The camp gets its name from the bordering Marmal Mountains. Sanoj
The camp hosts the staff of the German Armed Forces in Afghanistan, Regional Command North of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), as well as the Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
Major General Hans-Werner Fritz has been commander of RC-North since 20 June 2010, as well as leader of the German ISAF contingent and commanding general of the German Special Forces Division, serving under the NATO ISAF commanding general, U.S. General David Petraeus. Major General Fritz's deputy commander is U.S. Army Brigadier General Sean Mulholland.
More than 5,000 soldiers are currently stationed at Camp Marmal. Additional forces come from the United States, Croatia and 14 other NATO nations. From Camp Marmal, ISAF soldiers conduct work in Northern Afghanistan related to physical security and joint civil/military projects, in addition to the major task of supplying the five Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT).
RC-North supports five PRTs: Kunduz, Feyzabad, Meymaneh, Pol-e Khomri and Mazar-e Sharif. RC-North supports and protects the nine provinces under their military administration through reconstruction efforts. Foremost is cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Afghan security forces.
A large airborne detachment consisting of Tornado reconnaissance jets used to be stationed there but due were redeployed back to Germany in 2010. CH-53 and UH-60 helicopters are currently stationed there.
The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade was replaced by the 2-227TH Aviation Regiment, Task Force Lobos earlier this year and provide AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook support throughout RC North. The airfield is currently under a large amount of construction and expansion for future operations.
The base hosts a large medical center for ISAF forces and also local civilians.
The base has been heavily involved in supporting German combat operations in Afghanistan in early 2009.
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The German military hospital was completed in 2007. Its primary purpose is to provide emergency services to the ISAF troops. German civilians in Afghanistan and aid workers are also served, either under contract or in cases of emergency. Local Afghans are also cared for, as capacity and means permit.
Along with two operating units, there are specialists, outpatient clinics, intensive and intermediate care stations. The hospital, pharmacy, and laboratory have approximately 80 military personnel.
Camp Nidaros is the Norwegian part of the camp and is located within Camp Marmal itself. It began operating in 2006.
The German Chaplains are offering space for recreation and spiritual care. There is also a Norwegian chapel inside Camp Nidaros
Planet Mazar There is a recreation facility at Camp Marmal called Planet Mazar located in the atrium. Planet Mazar offers pool tables, dart boards, foosball tables and a poker table.
Internet Café There is also an Internet Café in which service members and contractors can connect to the pay-as-you-go internet with laptops or use the desktops provided. Internet card can be purchased at Planet Mazar.
Fitness Center The German Fitness Center is located by The Atrium. All personnel must change shoes prior to working out.
Cafés There are two cafés located in the atrium, The Lounge and K2.
Restaurant There is one restaurant located in the atrium, The Oases. Various food items, coffee, sodas, and alcohol are sold at Planet Mazar, The Lounge, K2 and The Oases.
A bazaar is located on base. It is open every day but Friday. Local vendors sell a variety of items such as military paraphernalia, loose gem stones, Afghan rugs, DVDs, local cell phones and electronics.
A barber shop is also available at the bazaar.
There are three dining facilities (DFAC) on Camp Marmal: a German, American and a Norwegian. All personnel are required to wash their hands when entering the dining facilities.
Most U.S. personnel are housed in air-conditioned tents, with generally 8-10 people per tent.
All laundry must be in the white mesh bags issued to personnel upon arrival. The laundry facilities are run by Ecolog. Expect next day pickup.
There are two post offices located on Camp Marmal. All packages must also be thoroughly inspected by the PO personnel before it can be sealed.
There is one automatic teller machine (ATM) and Eagle Cash Machine located at the German PX. There is a Eagle Cash Machine located in front of finance but it's mostly used for withdrawing money. Personnel may also cash checks or draw advanced pay from the Finance Office the Beach House.
There are two PXs located on Camp Marmal.
The Norwegian PX accepts both euros, dollars, eagle cash and credit/debit cards. It has basic items such as shaving supplies, hygiene materials, snacks, drinks, cigarettes/cigars, and clothing items.
The German PX accepts both euros, dollars and eagle cash. It sells mostly clothing items.