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This page: The commmon duty uniforms at Kagnew Station are the khaki uniform with either short or long sleeve shirt. These men are just leaving the Ernie Pyle Gymnasium and Bowling Lanes. Opposite page: The Post Exchange is crowded on pay day with shoppers. Most essential items are available at the exchange.. |
| Inthis section, many of the miscellaneous
details have been organized to provide an idea
of operations and individual responsibilities at
Kagnew Station. Utilizing the information,
you should face a minimum of inconvenience.
* Ethiopian ID Card. Upon arrival at Kagnew
Station, your passport will be taken by the
Post Customs Section for safekeeping until
you depart from Ethiopia or until it needs
renewal. The Ethiopian Government provides
an identification card which is your permit to
travel throughout the country. Application
should be made at the Post Photo Lab.
* Currency. U.S. dollars may not be given foreign nationals. This requirement |
is accord with local currency restrictions and
insures that U.S. dollars remain in the hands
of authorized personnel. Conversion of U.S.
dollars to Ethiopian dollars is at the
approximate rate of U.S. $1 to Eth. $2.50.
To convert Ethiopian dollars to U.S. dollars,
multiply by 0.4 (i.e.; Eth. $10 is equal to U.S.
$4). Conversely, to convert U.S. dollars to
Ethiopian dollars, multiply by 2.5 (i.e..; U.S.
$5 is equal to Eth. $12.50). At Kagnew
Station currency exchange may be
accomplished at the Finance Office, or at the
officers' non-commissiond officers or enlisted
mens' clubs.
* Uniform. The summer service uniform, without tie, is the prescribed year-roung duty uniform for Kagnew Station. The short-sleeved khaki shirt and long trousers |
| may be worn as a duty uniform, and while on
the military reservation as an off-duty
uniform. This uniform may be worn off post
until 1900 hours and may be worn at any time
while travelling between quarters and place of
duty in a vehicle. It may not be worn to those
social functions requiring more appropriate
attire. The work (fatigue) uniform may be
worn for drill or duty when the nature of the
duties performed makes the wearing of this
uniform appropriate. The winter service
uniform (Army Green) may be worn on an
optional basis after duty hours. All officers
are expected to have the Army Green
available for wear at any time. For official
social functions, officers and warrant officers
are required to have both the Army Blue
uniform and the summer semi-dress (Tropical
Worsted) available for wear when prescribed.
* Civilian Clothing. Off duty wear of civilian clothing is recommended when off post and will be in accordance with the dictates of good appearance within the normal American community in the United States. (As an example, the wearing of blue jeans off post is not considered appropriate attire after 1800 hours.) On post, sport shirt and slacks may be worn at any time, except at specific places or events at which another standard of dress |
is prescribed (i.e.; as perscribed by various club Board of Governors). Wives of personnel stationed in Asmara will discover that their clothing needs vary a great deal, so that considerable foresight must be used in preparing for a tour of duty here. The local market offerings are quite limited, and most do no appeal to American taste. The few attractive items of clothing are expensive. Every woman should, therefore, bring a large selection of clothes purchased prior to arrival in Asmara. Mail order clothes are available through the exchange or catelog (sic) sales stores, but take about two months for delivery. The types of clothing required vary considerably, but as the climate is warm, in general, cottons and light clothes are more essential. Heavy coats and winter clothing may be needed occasionally, particularly in the evening. Sweaters, sports clothing, and cocktail dresses are essential. It is advisable to bring a good selection of shoes from the U.S. ranging from sports shoes to "flats" and dress wear. The latest fashions in Italian footwear may be purchased in Asmara for about $15 (U.S.), and local sandals may be obtained quite inexpensively. Because Kagnew Station is a small post, it is relatively informal. Hats, for instance, are for the most part optional for womens' club activities |
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A well stocked commissary is available for the use of post personnel and dependents. |
| But it is advisable to bring a few for afternoon
receptions and church functions. Children's
clothes and shoes are a particular problem in
Asmara, the selection being limited and
expensive. The exchange selection is limited,
though socks and underwear, baby things, and
periodically play shoes are available. It is
strongly-dren's clothes and shoes be brought
from the drens clothes and shoes be brought
from the U.S., including sizes into which
children may grow. Children wear light and
medium weight clothing year around, though
sweaters are a must, and good raincoats are
needed June through September.
* Military Courtesy. Rendering of
appropriate hand salutes is required at all
times, on and off post. In addition, salutes
should be rendered officers of friendly foreign
nations who are in uniform. The military
courtesies traditionally observed or required
by regulation will be adhered to.
* Private Weapons. Privately owned weapons may not be introduced to any installation of |
this command without prior approval of the
commanding officer. Noweapons may be in
an individual's possession unless registered
with the Provost Marshal, and no weapon may
be used for hunting unless it is registered with
the local authorities, such registration being
obtained through the Provost Marshal. Post
directives are equally applicable to other types
of weapons, shuch as hunting bows, knives,
etc.
* Hunting Regulations. Hunting laws of
Ethiopia are subject to periodic change, and
American personnel assigned to Kagnew
Station are subject to those laws. At such
times as hunting is open, applications must be
submitted in accordance with post regulations,
and a valid hunting license must be in the
individual's possession.
* Automobiles. Your private care may be shipped from the United States to Massawa, Ethiopia, simply by delivering it to the current port of embarkation. About six weeks is required for delivery. To expedite shipment of vehicles, personnel should obtain |
| specific information from the Transportation
Officer of their home station. All automobiles
are required to pass safety inspections and be
registered with the Provost Marshal.
American license plates are issued by the
Provost Marshal upon completion of safety
checks, registration and proof of appropriate
insurance. Third party insurance is required
and may be obtained in Asmara from reliable
firms. The average cost of insurance for an
American type vehicle is about $20 (U.S.)
annually. Gasoline sales are handled through
the post exchange at about 15 cents per gallon
for regular and 19 conts (sic) per gallon for
ethyl. New cars of German or Italian
manufacture are available in Asmara. A new
Volkswagen can be purchased for about
$1,500 (U.S.).
* Pets. Only small household pets are
permitted on the station, and must be under
control at all times. Animals will not be left
leashed outside of on post quarters, and when
outside will be restrained by leash. Pets must
be inoculated against rabies prior to entry to
Ethiopia and annually thereafter and registered
with the Post Provost Marshal. Canine pets
brought to Ethiopia must be inoculated
against infectious canine hepatitis prior to
shipment, as the vaccine is not available
locally. The Station Veterinarian is equipped
to perform only emergency treatment for pets.
Hyenas, jackals, baboons, monkeys and
members of the wild cat family which are
easily acquired locally are prohibited from the
confines of the post. There is no requirement
to obtain permission from the Ethiopian
Government to bring pets into the country,
but a current shot record and health certificate
must be in your possession.
* Blackmarketing. Selling or bartering (blackmarketing) any merchandise purchased from or through any U.S. Government Supply Agency or facility, including the Quartermaster Clothing Sales Store, the Commissary and Delicatessen Store, Post Exchange, Snack Bars, Clubs or Class VI establishments is prohibited. Disciplinary |
action will be taken, and possible revocation
of privileges will be suffered by offenders.
When necessary, measures will be taken to
control sales of certain items (such as
ammunition, cigarettes, etc.) Including
reasonable restrictions on quantities to be
sold.
* Bus Service. Military buses provide
transportation throughtout the city of Asmara,
and Tracts A and E. During daylight hours,
service is generally on an hourly basis; specific
schedules are published periodically and
attached to the Daily Bulletin or distributed in
the Commissary.
* Check Cashing. Checks may be cashed at
the Post Exchange and at all clubs, subject to
the conditions and limitations established by
each activity. Checks returned uncashed,
regardless of circumstances, will result in the
responsible individual being required to
redeem the check. Paying the amount plus
bank fees. Additionally, check cashing
privileges will be forfeited until restored by
the Post Commander.
* Domestic Servants. Maids, houseboys, laundresses and guards are available at extremely reasonable rates. In order to insure that members of this sation have at their disposal reliable, honest and medically sound domestic employees, only registered domestics available at the Civilian Personnel Office should be hired. The Civilian Personnel Officer can assist you in locating a satisfactory employee and will also turn over to you the registration card and health certificate of any domestic you might employ. The reistration card must be taken to the Hospital when bringing the employee in for X-ray or immunization. You will need to escort the registered job applicant to the Hospital for a health examination at the appointed time (the Civilian Personnel Office will advise you as to times). The Hospital will provided a health examination and issue a Certificate of Health which must be renewed semi-annually. The possession of the Certificate means your |
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Unites States Ambassador to Ethiopia Edward Korry, visits U.S. Army installation periodically. |
| domestic employee has had (1) a chest X-ray
with no evidence of transmissible diseases, (2)
a negative blood test for syphillis, (3) a
successful "take" for vaccination against
smallpox, and (4) at least the beginning of a
series of innoculations against typhoid-paratyphoid (the series must be completed).
* Legal Assistance. Sponsors desiring legal
assistance should contact the office of the
Staff Judge Advocate, in Building S-113. The
legal office will provide legal assistance in
problems arising from local rentals, utility
bills, income tax, claims, etc.
* Army Post Office (APO). This APO provides much the same postal service as you had in the United States. Correctly addressed envelopes with a complete returne address (including sponsor's service number) is mandatory, inasmuch as this is proof of your authorization for APO privileges. Air mail is dispatched by Ethiopian Air Lines, and can be expected to arrive at the East Coast in three days. Air mail from the East Coast to this APO (ZIP code 09843), generally takes four or five days. All mail and parcels not specifically marked for air mail are shipped by surface means. Ship mail and parcels take from six to nine weeks to transit. Packages must be particularly well packed, wrapped |
and tied. Advise your friends at home of this
fact, as parcels travel a great distance and are
subject to numerous handlings. Postal
personnel at the APO will assist you in
preparing Customs Declarations Forms,
required on most parcels being shipped to the
Unites States. Mony orders may be purchased
at the APO, for cash only. Instructions on the
purchase of money orders will be provided by
postal personnel. For information concerning
registered mail, certified mail, mailing of fire
arms, claims or other postal services, check
with postal personnel who will be happy to
render assistance.
* Red Cross. The American Red Cross
provides the same services which are available
at all Red Cross offices throughtout the world
on military installations. An active volunteer
program, in which you are encouraged to
participated, provides help in the Hospital and
Dental Clinic, and as staff aids. A junior
program - Volunteers - is also quite active.
* Telephone Service. The military sponsor must make a request for service at the Post Signal Office. Service is provided on-post residents only. (Service in the city of Asmara is obtained through the local offices of the Imperial Board of Telecommunications.) |
| You are required to notify the Post Signal
Officew of termination of service in writing 14
days in advance of termination. You are
required to pay for service until termination is
completed. Subscribers to Kagnew Station
telephone service are billed by the Finance
Office, and must pay telephone bills prior to
the 15th of the month.
* Off-Post Water Supply. Off-post water supplies are known to be frequently contaminated. For this reason it is required that all persons living off post obtain their drinking and cooking water only at authorized distribution points at Tract A or Tract E. Children of personnel living on post should be cautioned that water from outdoor faucets is not treated, and must not be used for drinking. The high concentration of chlorine in the post water (10 ppm residual) is not only to destroy the more common bacteria, but also to protect your family from hepatitis - yellow jaundice, a liver infections caused by a virus that is endemic in this area. This disease results in a prolonged illness, and can result in death in a small percentage of cases. |
The few cases which have occurred have been attributable to eating and drinking in off-post establishments. It is urged that persons residing off-post refrain from using nonchlorinated water for any purpose except bathing, watering lawns, washing cars, toilet flushing, and washing clothes. Since water is sometimes critical in the area, and to prevent undue demands on the post water supply, some methods of chlorinating your own water are provided. If your off-post house has a large storage tank for water, the tank may be chlorinated each evening or morning using Chlorox or calcium hypoclorite. Another method is to have several water cans about the house and chlorinate the water in these cans for washing dishes. It must be remembered that in either case, the substance used must be allowed to act for at least one hour before the water is used. Dishes may be washed in hot, soapy city water, however, they must be rinsed with your chlorinated water and allowed to air dry. This insures destruction of bacteria found in the local water supply. Teeth must be brushed with |
| chlorinated water. Calcium hypochlorite is
prepared as follows: (1) To one quart of water
add one cup of this powder; (2) Shake
periodically, allowing the solution three hours
to dissolve; (3) Use six drops of this solution
to one gallon of water. Do not use the water
for one hour after addition of the solution.
Chlorox may be used as an alternate means of
purification of water. In this case add 18
drops of Chlorox to one gallon of water and
permit to stand for one hour before using.
Water for infant formulas may require
additional treatment. For instruction in this
area, the Public Health Nurse should be
contacted at the Hospital.
* Local Food and Restuarants. The only approved sources of local foods are periodically announced in publications of Kagnew Station. You can be assured that products sold at the Commissary are approved, provided you accomplish the necessary precautions in preparation. Thoroughly cook all foods, as this kills all known disease germs and parasites. Boil water for 15 minutes at sea level, or 30 minutes at 8,000 feet (Asmara), if chlorination cannot be effected. Refrain from eating raw fruits, vegetables, green salads, |
or sampling beverages of unknown origin. Fruits and vegetables obtained from approved vendors must be soaked in chlorine solution prior to use. The powdered chlorine is available at the Commissary FREE, and does not detract from the excellent flavor and nutritional value of the fruits and begetables grown in Ethiopia. Milk available through the Commissary is locally produced to standards established by Kagnew Station veterinary personnel. It is identifiable through the use of special bottles marked "KS" and with gold cap. It is among the best milk produced in the world. Meats - which are of good quality - are available at approved sources, but must be throughly cooked. There is no approved source of dressed poultry however adequate supplies are normally available in the commissary. Certain local restaurants have been certified "First Class." Inspections monthly by medical personnel to insure acceptable standards, permits your use of them, but remembering all precautionary practices. Do not order raw meats, vegetables, or salads and do not drink water or mixed drinks containing water or ice cubes. Wines, bottled beer and bottled Coca Cola are safe to consume. |
| Imebet Zuriash Work, wife of the Governor General of Eritrea (far right) and Kagnew Station womens' groups have consistantly aided local needy children and orphanages. | ||
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Last Updated February 7, 1998 by James Boyce
