Job in Iraq...

[CarDude]

So this guy keeps emailing me from Northrup Grumman and asking me if I would be interested in a job in Iraq. The job would be at Camp Victory/Airport. I asked for a 35% pay increase...and in Iraq you receive an 85% for being there. That's good money.

...am I crazy for considering it?

 

[flchub]

gee if u dont mind being kidnapped and decapitaded go for it

 

[WAZZSUP]

One of my nephews is there now, if you do go.....please be careful. Money is not everything, there is a reason for the payraise. It's one thing to fight for your country, it's another to profit from the sweat of others. When I see those guys that are working over there that get nailed I don't even think twice...they ( you ) know the risk going in. Soldiers on the other hand are not in it for the money....I respect them. Given the chance to change my whole life when I was younger by rolling the dice for one or two years....I'd have done what your thinking about. But age has taught me many lessons and some I actually remember. Talk to those around you that care the most....could they live without you if something happens. You'll make the right choice either way in the end

 

[eddie102870]

One of my nephews is there now, if you do go.....please be careful. Money is not everything, there is a reason for the payraise. It's one thing to fight for your country, it's another to profit from the sweat of others. When I see those guys that are working over there that get nailed I don't even think twice...they ( you ) know the risk going in. Soldiers on the other hand are not in it for the money....I respect them. Given the chance to change my whole life when I was younger by rolling the dice for one or two years....I'd have done what your thinking about. But age has taught me many lessons and some I actually remember. Talk to those around you that care the most....could they live without you if something happens. You'll make the right choice either way in the end

:rock: :rock: :rock: :withstupid: :withstupid:

 

[SERPENT]

Spent 12 months in Kuwait starting October 1992 as a civilian ex pat. Hated every minute of it. Oil fires were still burning and within months the Kuwait population had lost the warm feeling they had for Americans following Desert Storm. We were known as "Filipinos in Suits" and were treated like Day Laborers. Two tips. First. MAKE SURE that your pay is wired back to the States to a separate bank account on at least a bi-weekly basis and check the transfers. Second make friends with the Marines or active duty guys right away. They are the only guys with a somewhat regular supply of cold BEER and a way to get out quickly if the shit hits the fan. No women, no booze, food sucks. What else do you need to know.

 

[stick]

i think youre crazy for even thinking about it.... its not like you get to shoot back ,,,,, unless i could carry a gun and had escorts there would be no way in hell

 

[CarDude]

Not to go into huge deal...I would be doing intelligence work to assit the warfighter. It would be an opportunity to work with some "human intelligence" and broaden my career opportunities. I do have a government security clearance right this moment, but the job I took in Lockheed right now doesn't need it, and frankly my current job sucks.

I do understand the danger...hence the hazard pay.

 

[newmexicoviper]

I would consider it hell more than that, I spent almost 8 years in & around Africa & Europe, and before that all over with the good ole USN and now days im doing what i want to do. And all that traveling in & out of third world shit holes helped me & it looks very impressive on a resume to boot. Try it out theres a lot of world out there that people need to see.

 

[eddie102870]

I dont think it would be worth risking getting the old melon sawed off with a ginzu knife.

 

[Venom Power]

I'm also considering a transfer that will scoot me to all points of the globe regarding black gold (OIL).. Just a matter of time before it happens. In a way I am really nervous about it but there's plenty of world out there I want to see for myself. Plus the money IS good..

 

[wo1sjb]

Negotiate every aspect of your contract, some contractors will hold your feet to the fire on the contract (i.e. unless you state you will not work 7 days a week, 18 hour shifts, you will work every day you are there).

Also find out what your method of transportation to victory and from will be. You do not want ground, and most contracts don't do anything other than air anyway.

Will your contract/job require you to "go outside the wire"? Unless you work for a private security company you are usually very restricted on leaving the base (that is a good thing).

The mail is your friend. You can get anything in the mail...enough said.

You will not be allowed to carry a weapon unless you work for a security contractor. You don't need one. People aren't jumping over the walls of the compounds.....they are dropping mortars and rockets over them. You will be issued body armor and a ballistic helmet. Learn to wear them properly. The soldiers will laugh at you if you loook like Gomer Pyle.

It's a good opportunity if the pay is right. Also get in while the getting is good. My .02 cents is that this gravy train is about to come to and end in the next couple of years.

Hope this helps.

 

[CarDude]

Negotiate every aspect of your contract, some contractors will hold your feet to the fire on the contract (i.e. unless you state you will not work 7 days a week, 18 hour shifts, you will work every day you are there).

Also find out what your method of transportation to victory and from will be. You do not want ground, and most contracts don't do anything other than air anyway.

Will your contract/job require you to "go outside the wire"? Unless you work for a private security company you are usually very restricted on leaving the base (that is a good thing).

The mail is your friend. You can get anything in the mail...enough said.

You will not be allowed to carry a weapon unless you work for a security contractor. You don't need one. People aren't jumping over the walls of the compounds.....they are dropping mortars and rockets over them. You will be issued body armor and a ballistic helmet. Learn to wear them properly. The soldiers will laugh at you if you loook like Gomer Pyle.

It's a good opportunity if the pay is right. Also get in while the getting is good. My .02 cents is that this gravy train is about to come to and end in the next couple of years.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the good info. The opportunity to learn new things and get paid really well for it is rare.

 

[wo1sjb]

Yeah, usually learning and getting paid doesn't happen at the same time. Good luck if you decide to go.

 

[sstdusty]

i have to agree with w01,if you don't have young one's around,that need a dad day to day,intel guys are normally inside all the times.go for it have fun see a new place. W01sjb are you back in town yet(time to get you,doc and i togeather

 

[CarDude]

i have to agree with w01,if you don't have young one's around,that need a dad day to day,intel guys are normally inside all the times.go for it have fun see a new place. W01sjb are you back in town yet(time to get you,doc and i togeather

No kids...just the 10 rabbit/squirrel mercenaries .

 

[amtrucker22]

I dont think it would be worth risking getting the old melon sawed off with a ginzu knife.

Damn that hurt just reading it!

 

[wo1sjb]

W01sjb are you back in town yet(time to get you,doc and i togeather

No, been home for a couple of weekends, but I won't be back for a few more weeks.

 

[sstdusty]

cool let me know,i'm out west right now

 

[Django]

Dominus vobiscum..................

.............and good morning to you all...........

D

 

[mauiSRT/10]

If your working and living inside the wire then for sure consider it. How long is the tour..............prolly will feel like a prison sentence if its long.

We had another member here from 04 whom was over there (mideast)..........I think it might have been wherewhogo? Not sure.

patrick