Forward operating base

A forward operating base (FOB) is any secured forward military position, commonly a military base, that is used to support tactical operations. An FOB may or may not contain an airfield, hospital, or other facilities. The base may be used for an extended period of time. FOBs are traditionally supported by Main Operating Bases that are required to provide backup support to them. An FOB also improves reaction time to local areas as opposed to having all troops on the main operating base.

In its most basic form, an FOB consists of a ring of barbed wire around a position with a fortified entry control point, or ECP. More advanced FOBs include an assembly of earthen dams, concrete barriers, gates, watchtowers, bunkers and other force protection infrastructure. They are often built from Hesco bastions.

In Afghanistan during 2011 there were 137 British bases however as of March 2013 bases are closing on average of one a week and in April 2013 when Operation Herrick 17 finishes there will be only 14 left.

Closed FOBs in Iraq

 * FOB Abu Ghraib
 * FOB Al Asad
 * FOB Caldwell
 * FOB Carpenter
 * FOB Courage 36.395271, 43.123937 USACE-GRN-HQ (Melow, J. S4)
 * FOB Danger
 * FOB Falcon
 * FOB ECHO
 * FOB Grizzly
 * FOB Iskandariyah
 * FOB Kalsu
 * FOB Loyalty
 * FOB Marez
 * FOB MacKenzie
 * FOB Q-West
 * FOB Speicher
 * FOB Sykes
 * Combat Outpost Shocker

Other reported Coalition installations in Afghanistan 2001-2013

 * 1) REDIRECT List of ISAF installations in Afghanistan.