When I first heard that KBR was claiming all electrical installations in Iraq were being done to the British Standards and not the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) I just about fell out of my chair laughing. This, they claim, is why the electrical installations in Iraq don’t meet US Codes. I totally disregarded this information when I first got it. It was good for a laugh but was just too unbelievable to be true.
I have since received numerous reports of this claim. They even called on the expertise of their so call “British Standards expert”, William Black to try to support it. Who in the hell comes up with this crap? Does KBR have an “Office of Bogus Bullshit” somewhere? People who’s job is to do nothing more than sit around and come up with these outrageous lies. Camp Victory Maybe? How embarrassing it must be to work for KBR and be told you have to say “We do things to the British Standards” and look like you mean it. I couldn’t do it.
If all this British Standards crap is true, then why was KBR training management on the NEC in Balad? Hmmm Shouldn’t the managers supervising electricians already know the NEC? Just a thought. And you don’t meet British Standards either.
Here’s the truth according to Ms Sparky aka: Debbie Crawford Green Zone July 2004-July 2006. I don’t want to be accused of hiding behind a pseudonym.
There were never any British Standards!
There was never any mention of British Standards!
We didn’t do work to British Standards!
We had to fight and argue to do work to the NEC!
All the electricians I have talked to recently agree…see previous post comments on Attention KBR Electricians Past & Present THERE WERE NEVER ANY BRITISH STANDARDS!! (yes…I am yelling!)
KBR, you had many many great electricians that have supported our troops since 2003. Many great electricians who wanted to do a good job and do the right thing. Many great electricians who stood up and tried to defend doing the right thing. And what did you do? You totally disregarded them. Totally disrespected them. They were labeled as troublemakers. They were threatened to be sent home. They were sent to crap jobs as punishment. If given a chance, these great electricians may have been able to prevent the deaths that have occurred.
So…KBR…I understand you don’t like my blog. Too damn bad. You made your own bed and now I’m just going to throw camel spiders in it! Don’t they have the First Amendment in Texas? I will continue to do my best to expose you. I can only hope you get what you deserve. In my opinion, that would be Federal Prison for the whole executive level and then some.
As for those in the DoD that don’t like my blog. First of all. THANKS FOR SERVING!! It is because of you that there is a First Amendment. Second, it should never have gone this far. Why did it take a civilian, Cheryl Harris the mother of SSG Ryan Maseth, to blow the lid off this thing? You lied to Cheryl Harris. You lied to Larraine McGee. Where’s the Honor? Added after published: Is there any General anywhere that can get the answers to Cheryl Harris’ questions?? I don’ think that’s unreasonable. What’s unreasonable, is after 8 months she still doesn’t have the answers.
To Major General McHale and the members of Task Force Safe. I am 100% committed to the success of Task Force Safe. Lives are counting on it. God Bless You All!! You are all heroes in my book. If I ever post anything that puts the success of Task Force Safe at risk, just tell me.
To my readers…THANK YOU!!!
To my friends and family who are worried that KBR is going to “whack” me, sue me or somehow disrupt my blogging… “So be it!” There are many others who will pick up where I leave off. And..if I just disappear…I did not run off with the “pool boy”.
Ms Sparky
You seem, upset.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Oh hell yes…. A woman’s scorn!!
Pertaining to the “Office of Bogus Bullsh**”, isn’t that the one Heather Brown manages?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I swear…when you were leaving that comment, I was on the phone and my husband and he said the exact same thing!!! Too funny!
You forgot to mention that KBR/SEII had many a good electrician and generator mechanic that tried to do their best for our USA Soldiers and Airmen without having the tools, materials, and good hearted but unskilled SCW help, and KBR/SEII showed us what we were worth to them by paying the lowest Ex-Pat base salary -
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I said that…not exactly but pretty damn close!! But you can never say it too much. Thanks
Well said Ms Sparky. Let us all know if KBR harasses you.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Will do. My readers rock!
I always wondered where Heather Brown’s office was. Put Tedesco with her. He’s full if Bogus Bullshit.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Like attracts like.
I hope they go to jail too. Now that’s it out in the open and everyone knows about it. This electrical issue is just ONE thing. There is so much more. So much more. I am proud that I took good care of my soldiers. I’m here to tell you no one died at my camp due to electrical issues. But I am very ashamed that I worked for KBR. It’s embarrassing. Keep the pressure on.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I totally understand embarrassing. I wish someone would start a 12-step KBR Recovery Program.
Pool Boy?? I want a pool boy.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
We had a Brit at our camp. Is that what they are talking about. There were no British Standards. That’s just typical KBR BS.
And I still haven’t seen the raise they said we would get.
They are just liars all around.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Yep!
If it is British Standards, why on earth would they need Mr. Tedesco?
Seems like KBR likes to spin the truth.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Sometimes I just can’t see the forest for the trees!! That’s a very valid point! Any comment KBR?
As far spinning the truth…this is so far from the truth it’s outrageous.
“NEC Consultant is right. KBR does not need Mr. Tedesco for BSA standards. He doesn’t know any more than the rest of us about those. I think somehow now KBR is going to enforce/use our NEC standards – BUT how are they going to do that when almost 100% of electrical installations in Iraq are done with “European” materials. That is, when we had the materials. . .
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Good Point!
A couple of observations from a PLUMBER:
1. I’m glad KBR is getting the top guns and all of the licensed electricians, although some that I’ve met don’t even know what a ’short’ or a ‘VOM’ is.
2. The Electricians are making 122k, based on a 7X12 work week, which is an almost 50% premium over what the plumbers and HVAC guys are getting.
3. KBR is not for me. My recruiter promised me the same 122k, but I found out at the contract sihgning that it was only 84k — after 4 of 5 days of being hered around like cattle. I went home, but some of the plumbers and HVAC guys stayed anyway. The guys who found out at contract had female recruiters, the guys who knew of the lower pay had male recruiters.
4. I had met some real low lifes at the DPC — tattoos on the face, neck and knuckles; illiterate and fowl mouthed; with no redeeming graces and without a dollar in their pocket. Very sad. I also met some truly righteous folks, who, had I stayed on, would have been friends for life.
5. I would recommend anyone going over there to think twice: KBR will lie and won’t even give you the courtesy of a phone call.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
The lying starts before you ever get to Houston and just continues.
Also if they did not care about the NEC then why are they asking the electricians who are going to IRAQ to pass a small test on the NEC. Below is from electriciantalk.com by one of the electricians going to IRAQ:
[quote]A small test to confirm that we are familiar with the NEC especially Art. 250 and perhaps some briefings on what we are to expect in Iraq. [/quote]
Lets have no doubt, it is based on the NEC
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Yep!!! Thanks!!
Anything moe on this test?
Oregon has an online test for grounding and bonding and nec updates.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
From what I’ve been told. There is a short 10 question phone quiz and then an open book code test in Houston.
heh, me thinks you might not be getting an x-mas card from KBR this year.
On a side not… electricians getting 122k now? good to hear. Its about time they finally started making more.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Finally. It took several deaths and good spanking from Congress.
As far the x-mas card goes…highly unlikely.
Hey mate, they said “British Standards”, but they didn’t say what edition! Maybe them meant something from the dawn of electrics. Cheers.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Very good point…mate.
I might be going to Iraq soon. My question is that they say they are under logcap3 at the moment and logcap4 won’t start until the first of the year. If i hire on under logcap3 and then logcap4 starts am i locked in for a year under 3 or will they raise me up into logcap4?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You wages SHOULD stay the same. It is my understanding that you will roll into LOGCAP IV.
First let me say, Give ‘em hell sister. You may be one voice, but you are one voice of many and eventually the truth will be heard through your perseverance. I’d like to think that Hank Miller and JT Kelly would be proud of you.
I wish I could say that the information you provide here shocks and amazes me, the truth is it doesn’t. What we see here is a perfect storm of long standing bad actors and policies.
First, it is important to note that substandard work seems to have become a DOD hallmark. I think it is important to note that the Corp, at least here in the states, still runs a tight ship and so I don’t include them in this. But, here in the states, once you step beyond the Corp’s purview, all hell breaks loose. I work for a private contractor that does DOD work almost exclusively. Not a week goes by that I don’t see something that out right scares me on post (and we work on three of them.) Certainly not anything to compare to the pictures you show here, but things like romex strung right on ceiling grids, romex terminated in boxes with no fittings, open boxes, fire alarms systems with multiple trouble codes (one building I know of has close to three hundred) and numerous other code and safety issues prevale. A vast majority of this work is performed by the on post maintenance and operations contractors (can you say Government bid, or maybe no bid?) It disgusts me to see this. But, it stands to reason that if such things are allowed to occur on US soil, then they would be that much worse overseas where inspection and oversite are even less likely.
Add to that the spectre of KBR. If you do your background on them you find that they are not only a serious rat contractor but they also have a horrendous track record in the quality and safety departments. At this poin they almost have to milk the Government teat as no private sector party will take them seriously. Luckily, uncle sucker is willing to dole out the no bid contracts to the likes of KBR.
A no bid contract to a company famous for cutting corners. A remote overseas work location with minimal to no oversight. I system that is already broken and overlooks substandard work. This was a receipe for disaster from the get go. But, the administration is willing to hand over a tasty contract to KBR on what reeks of a backscratcher deal. And KBR is more than willing to line their own pockets by cutting corners. The deaths are on their heads, and unless held legally accountble, they aren’t likely to shed a tear. I feel for the families of the lost, for the soldiers in harms way while stepping in a shower and the employess that have to “go along to get along” and wind up doing work they know is wrong. A lot of victims and only one winner… KBR.
I am proud of you and those like you for shining the light on this. Keep up the good work.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for the awesome comment and support!
I’ve been considering quite seriously taking a job with KBR. I have my Masters Liscence, and responded to a job post for the same. I wonder then if I will be able to run work and do work to a level that I can live with. I don’t want to work anywhere that I can’t do the right thing without ramification. The $ is very alluring of course. I think I will still talk to a KBR recruiter and ask some very point-blank questions. If they squirm at all, I’ll walk for sure. But if they are good liars, as the posts here point to, then..??? Thanks to all who have posted here, this is obviously a HUGE choice, especially with a wife and two daughters at home. Maybe I’ll just keep my $65K a year Job with my current contractor, and do enough side work to pay of my house in a few years. Zeph
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I would consider another company if you can such as SBH or IAP. Staying home is always good!
Hi, I enjoy your posts. Very informational. I am currently talking to a kbr recruiter and now I have alot of questions for him. I also have a few for you. 1) what was the day to day life like in Iraq? 2) how did you keep in touch with your family 3) was your projects safe? 4) did kbr allow your r&r without hassle? 5) did you get paid on time? 6) as a electrical apprentice(me) what advice can you give on considering this opportunity?
sincerely out of L.U.520 Austin,TX
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Don’t do it!
why would you tell someone to not to work for anyone? times are hard a job is a job and it will be filled by someone. your self righteous views aren’t paying my bills and unless you are over here, you don’t know whats going on. you know nothing. you only know what your told. go graze sheep…
Ms Sparky’s Response:
So you are one of those guys who does everything he’s told no matter how dangerous!!! The only people I recommend not to go to Iraq are those who just aren’t cut out to do it. Other than that I have helped hundreds go over. We need good people over there. I am not about paying your bills. I am about helping to get changes done so that soldiers and civilians are safer. And KBR is doing what they are paid to do. If you are just about paying the bills the drug lords are looking for “mules”.
Ya know, when I was in Kuwait there was another electrician who told me when I was getting aggravated to just let it go and hold my hand out to collect the paycheck. It’s things like that which make me see that some people stay over there because they’re unemployable in states or really don’t have alot of ambition. All you KBR loyalists who can’t hold a job in the states can keep on blowing our tax dollars while you do absolutely nothing and collecting that checks. Fuckin’ bums.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
He’ll be one of those guys over there until that drag him off. With an attitude like that, maybe it will be in cuffs!
Hi All
Interesting – As a British spark (sorry) I have just found the KBR’s website and have contacted them concerning a vacancy.
Could someone give a little more info on the companies that were specified above – I can’t find them on Google (IAP & SBH)
Thanks
Who and what is this Joe Tedesco? His name appears on your blog numerous times.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
If you haven’t met him then it’s not important.
I love the “Office of Bogus Bullshit” comment. KBR could market this slogan as their “Official” corporate slogan.
I haven’t heard too much from H.Brown lately. Maybe she understands history repeats itself ? Of course, I could be completely wrong!
A brief excerpt from history: Following the Fuhrer’s suicide, Joseph Goebbels decided to follow suit. He had his six children poisoned with a lethal injection by an SS doctor and then himself and his wife Magda shot by an SS orderly on May 1, 1945. With characteristic pathos and egomania he declared not long before his death: “We shall go down in history as the greatest statesmen of all time, or as the greatest criminals.”
KBR will be viewed as the later of the two.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
That’s my original slogan. I think I should make bumper stickers out of it!
Yep…she’s the mouthpiece for KBR. She should do jail time too.
LOGCAP III KBR
“Never have so many done so little for so much”
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I see a bumper sticker there!!
To dukexKBR; You speaketh the truth regarding KBR!!!
Just in case others are not familiar with the true origin of the speech by W. Churchill with exemplifies the sprit of the British people and which does not and never will apply to KBR management scum…
Never was so much owed by so many to so few is the name commonly given to a speech made by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill at the height of the Battle of Britain on August 20, 1940. The actual line in the speech is Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few, although the abbreviated form is commonly used in popular culture.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for that clarification!