Vets chim in

[wheredwhogo?]

anybody here been to Iraq? Thinking about taking a position there for a year. I would be working/living on a base in Bahgdad. Just trying to get some sense of how life would be on base and the danger level. Thanks

 

[Django]

anybody here been to Iraq? Thinking about taking a position there for a year. I would be working/living on a base in Bahgdad. Just trying to get some sense of how life would be on base and the danger level. Thanks

Wow............."dominos vobiscum"................

tadp

 

[wheredwhogo?]

thanks.....just looking into it right now. Got the offer, I may counter offer, but I definately want to do my homework.

 

[Prof]

First $80k is tax free. If you are not making $180 - 210k for the year, you are getting screwed. Blackwater will pay you this salary and you get two trips out of country during the year for one week, travel expense paid.

You do need some specific training...if you have any special ops background you will quailify.

 

[KRAZYSRT10]

Keep your head low when the fireworks are going off....

 

[ViperTruck2933]

There will definitely be danger there. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Yes it's possible that you could go there and never hear a round fired. But you could just as easily hit an IED and get killed the first day, on your drive to your base from the airfield.

There is absolutely NO WAY to predict which experience you will get. Only the Good Lord knows what is in store for you. :dontknow:

Mortar, artillery and IEDs do not care if you are there in a combat role or a supporting role. Everyone is fair game.

Sorry to be blunt but that's reality.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Begood]

I wish you very good luck if you do choose to go.

That is a very dangerous place right now.


Bill.

 

[SilvrSRT10]

The money is very alluring.....but you can't spend it if your not here. It's a gamble. You have to determine if your job will have you in a safe location (i.e. middle of a base) I would not want to be out traveling or out in the open like the troops. Don't want to be beheaded, I'm kind of attached to it no matter how ugly it is. Good luck with your decision. It's a difficult one.

 

[wheredwhogo?]

thanks for all of your input. I would be in the middle of a base and would not have to leave. That is one of the good points, besides the money side of it. Your right, it is a struggle....im still on the fence.

 

[ViperTruck2933]

Just 2 more quick points....being in the middle of the base doesn't protect you from mortar or artillery rounds. You can still get hit there.

You have to travel by vehicle (IEDs) at least twice to get from the airfield to the base and then back to the airfield to leave.

 

[05RamSRTkid]

I think its all been covered so far. I was there in 04. It was pretty bad then. I was inbetween Fallujah and Ramadi. Who were you going to be working for over there. Best advice I can give is like everyone said is to make the best of it and keep your guard up at all times. It is an experience that you will never forget. Good luck to you and Wish you the best.

 

[wheredwhogo?]

i would be working for CSC on the RAID project. rapid aerostat initial deployment.