Frequently Asked Questions

Effective November 17, 2011, there will be no Military Post Office service to and from Iraq. Mail received into the postal system up through the 17th will be processed and delivered to personnel deployed to Iraq.

However, after November 17, 2011, Servicemembers assigned to COM Iraq / OSC will be able to receive and mail letters and parcels through the Department of State mail locations in Iraq.

U.S. personnel in Iraq that do not receive their absentee ballot by November 17, 2011 should coordinate with their U.S. Local Election Office to inform them of their new address. Voting assistance officers can provide specific voting details.

The Military Postal Service Agency, working closely with the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of State will ensure that ZIP Codes for Iraq Military Post Offices are deleted in the USPS database to avoid mail from entering non-deliverable locations after November 17, 2011. Mail received into the postal system up through the 17th will be processed and delivered to personnel deployed to Iraq.

DoD is committed to ensuring that DoD personnelassigned to COM Iraq / OSC will continue to receive mail services through the Department of State mail locations in Iraq.

DoD appreciates the support and understanding of the American public in this.

Q1: When are Military Post Offices (APOs/FPOs) in Iraq closing?
A1: The U.S. Postal Service will stop accepting outbound mail for Military Post Offices in Iraq effective November 17, 2011. Mail received into the postal system up through the 17th will be processed and delivered to personnel deployed to Iraq. After November 17, 2011, the Department of State mail locations will provide mail services.
Q2: What if I don’t receive my Absentee Voting Ballot by November 17, 2011?
A2: Please coordinate with your U.S. local election office now to inform them of your new address. See your voting assistance officer for State-specific voting details.
Q3: What is the last day I will be able to mail packages to a Military Post Office (APO/FPO) for personnel currently in Iraq?
A3: The U.S. Postal service cutoff date for mailing letters and packages is November 17, 2011 for all mail to Military Post Offices in Iraq. Mail received into the postal system up through the 17th will be processed and delivered to personnel deployed to Iraq. Changes may occur, so please check the USPS Postal Bulletin frequently for the most updated information.
NOTE: To print a copy of the latest USPS Postal Bulletin, visit the following website: http://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/pb2011.htm Locate the section entitled "Pull Out Information" and then select the section entitled "Other Information." There you will find the listing of "Overseas Military/ Diplomatic Mail" ZIP Codes.
Q4: What will happen with the Military Post Office (APO/FPO) mail if the recipient departs before the mail arrives in Iraq?
A4: All Military Post Office (APO/FPO) authorized users are required to notify their mailers to discontinue the sending of mail 30-days prior to departure to ensure all items have cleared the mail processing and distribution network. However, if Military Post Office (APO/FPO) mail should arrive in Iraq after the departure of the individual, mail will be redirected to the mailing address provided prior to departure. If no redirect address is on file, mail will be returned to sender.
Q5: What will happen with Military Post Office (APO/FPO) mail that was mistakenly accepted after November 17, 2011?
A5: Any mail accepted by a USPS post office after November 17, 2011 will be returned to sender once it reaches the International Gateway in New Jersey. Mail received into the postal system up through the 17th will be processed and delivered to personnel deployed to Iraq.
Q6: How long should I wait before filing a USPS claim for non-receipt of a package by the addressee or sender that was mailed to or from Iraq?
A6: Customers should wait at least 45 days before filing a USPS claim for parcels sent via Priority mail; 60 days for mail sent Parcel Post. This will allow time for mail in the military channel to be provided Directory Service such as Forwarding or Return to Sender.
Q7: A USPS post office is telling me a Military Post Office (APO/FPO) ZIP Code in Iraq is closed when I know for a fact it is still open. What should I do?
A7: Customers can advise the USPS retail clerk to look up the ZIP Code in the latest USPS Postal Bulletin which is published every two weeks. The customer can also visit the USPS website and print a copy of the latest postal bulletin with the current ZIP Codes that are opened.
NOTE: To print a copy of the latest USPS Postal Bulletin with a listing of active APOs/FPOs visit the following website: http://about.usps.com/postal- bulletin/pb2011.htm Locate the section entitle "Pull Out Information" and then select the section entitled "Other Information." There you will find the listing of "Overseas Military/ Diplomatic Mail" ZIP Codes.
If the customer still has problems, they can contact the Military Postal Service Agency Customer Service desk Monday-Friday 0900-1700 HRS at 1-800-810-6098 or submit an inquiry at http://hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa and will assist the USPS post office directly.
Q8: If I am remaining in Iraq after November 17, 2011 how do I send or receive mail?
A8: If you are there on behalf of and assigned to COM Iraq / OCM, you must coordinate with your chain of command and the servicing Department of State mail location to receive your new mailing address.