What do you do at the holding point on the way to Afghanistan?

You'll probably go to Camp Buehring for a week or two and touch up on some "valuable" training. Then either be flown directly to Afghanistan or hit a pit stop at Ali Al Salem. If its your first time in the middle east. Its going to be a hot and miserable week, you'll be glad when you get outta there. My friend described it best, "This is Kuwait, Imagine a hair dryer blowing at you 24/7, and every now then, toss a handful of sand in your face for fun." lol no kidding though its like 110-120 during the day and 80-90 at night... have fun