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Who can attest that although they were on the clock for 12 hours a day 7 days a week there was just not that much work to consistently keep them busy. That a large portion of their time was spent waiting for service orders and work requests. All you electricians stand down. I know you are jumping right now and have been for a few months. I’m talking 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 (early).
I’ve been there and done that. This is no reflection on your willingness to work. I’ve spent my time “looking for parts” or “relamping the PX”. I know there were lack of material and tool issues. I myself on many occasions went office to office at the Republican Palace (US Embassy) soliciting work. Right or wrong, I thought it was a better use of my time and it was good customer service. I had blank service orders that I had the client fill out while I was relamping or doing a simple repair. The client was happy and my asshole GF didn’t have to worry about me and his Service Order counts went up.
So…how much down time did you have waiting for work? Were you ever asked to lie about how much work you really did?
Ms Sparky
I could have kept myself pretty busy if I had parts. More time was spent jerry riggin it. But honestly maybe 6 hours a day of honest work. No one busts their ass in Iraq.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thank You!
I could go days without completing a job. They would threaten to fire you if you didn’t wear your hat and lanyard but no one seemed to care if you put 100 miles on your truck and never leave the camp. In the two years I was in Iraq I never actually worked 12 hours a day. My camp was pretty laid back.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thank you.
Talk about time worked.I was in the green zone and there was a guy by the name of Sam Garcia. He was on a service truck that was on call for the full 12 hr shift.Shift was 7 to 7.
His day started by getting the Iraqis at 7to8 then they had 1 hr for lunch so he went to his room then he went back to work and at about 4 took them back to the gate then disapeared for the rest of the day.So if you add it up he worked (wasn’t asleep) (LOL)8 of the 12.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I’ve heard of that going on a lot in the past. LN’s (Iraqi’s) go home and the day is done!
Sparks,
why dont “you go get a JOB”,…….half the crap you put out there is 1/2 crap……..1/2 crap………..hmmmmmm, lets dee……that is 1/2 crap…………..any x dumbass expat “might” know that………..take me off you’re list if you can’t put out some thing worth clicking on…………don’t be wasting my time………and whats up with all those communists fags in the NW ….protesting Chrisianity at Christmas time every year…do some catch up on yard work up there……………………………………Keep it GROUNDED!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Hmmm!! Must have hit a nerve. You’re the one who contacted me…remember!! Sounds like Task Force Safe is probably better off without you. In Iraq a couple of months at best and now you are an expert. You can take your own damn self off the list. And that’s Ms Sparky to you!
If Task Force Safe is so screwed up, why don’t you tell me what that is. Be specific so I can pass it on to Congress or the DoD. Or I can forward you on to Congress.
I was only in Baghdad for about 1 1/2 weeks before getting screwed and sent to Kuwait, but I can definitely agree with this when I say there isn’t much actual work going on. Between cleaning up after other people’s shoddy work or changing the mickey mouse bottom dollar equipment they buy, there isn’t a whole lot of electrical work being done down here. Especially not after that 10% cut on 1 JAN.
LoL
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks Ken
Dear Ms Sparky,
I was in Afghanistan ( Kabul) and Iraq in the green zone working in the HR department but somehow i had to leave/demob due to some reasons and now i would really like to join back the project so is there any chance i can come back?
Please let me now or keep me informed
Thank you Ardian.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You should be able to go back if they have an open position and if you weren’t fired or blacklisted.
I forgot to mentioned that i have served from 2006 to 2008.
Thank you
Ardian
Hello, Im an electrician.
Going to Houston, texas on the 26th of january for an interview to work in Iraq.
Can you give me some information on KBR ive been reading your blogs for a realistic picture..
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for reading. Be sure read the comments of the other electricians. Feel free to ask anything and I will see if I can answer.
well let me see ive been on this website reading for the last 4 hours – And im glad I came across you all by accident.
As I said before im going to Houston on the 26th Jan this month for the interview etc..
All paid for as they said – and ive read different a few times.
I asked my recruter what electrical training i would be doing and he saif none untill I got to Iraq – If I gor the job.. So how do they know I have the required skills to carry out there tasks/Jobs??
At the end of the day Im 21 years of age so I admit I dont know every thing! But who does? But if someones offering me 120,000 a year Im going to look into it arnt aye!
Im currently unemployed so I see this as a good opportunity.
1 – for experience
2 – Money
But as im reading every ones blogs Its worrying me! Are KBR really this bad?
I carnt see England (thats were im from) getting any better because of this ‘credit crunch’ so i am having a think about the whole ‘KBR Experience’
My lack of experience from what I have read woant become a problem.
I aint approved either just yet and there offering me 120,000 ??
I woald like to hear what people think on my situation.
Sparks,
I think the key item with KBR was not how much you actually worked, far from it! It was to ALWAYS make sure you SIGN your bloated timesheet EVERYDAY, in case we were audited by the gov’t. This may be a stretch, but even when you tried your best you MIGHT work 6 hours a day…except for those poor bastards that choose food service (they work their asses off!) and the fire fighters (AKA The Suntan Club) who get paid for 24 whether they work or not…Not too many fires witnessed in 2.5 years with LOGCAP.
OHHH, and to the 21 yo dude from the UK, when you get to Houston you’ll see what a bunch of amaturish and arrogant assholes you will be dealing with during the KBR experience, I guess it adds flavor!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for the insight!!
Cheers fella,
I guess I’ll just have to wait my turn and find out in Houston and make my own mind up!
But it sounds like KBR arnt all that, You all carnt be wrong!
Im flying out with a friend from collage so I have a shoulder to laugh/cry on whilst im there.
Do they try and push for you to sign a contract when your in Houston if you are selected?
And if you are – how long till you go to the selected destination?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
If you are going to Houston you’re in if you can pass the medical and other bogus crap. You should be there with in a couple of weeks.
(Ms Sparky’s Response is in bold italics)
Ms Sparky,
I am so glad I found your site. I am a 56 year old HVAC/R tech. embarking on an adventure. I have 40 years in the trade I have worked out of the local 100 in the past however, I’m in Texas, the union is not strong here and you can generally make as much if not more at a non-union shop with benefits than a union shop. But anyway that’s not why I am contacting you. I would like to pick your brain or those of your participants concerning the facts, not grousing, of work in Iraq.
I am to report to Houston to begin the processing portion of the process Feb. 9th. My recruiter has answered many of my questions however some answers sounded like “company lines”. If you can, will you take the time to answer some of my questions?
1)They indicate a 44lb limit on checked luggage and 15lb carry on. How strick are they? VERY!!
2)I don’t really understand what uplift is or means. They are offering me this breakdown: $4800 S.T. per month, 40 hours per week, $2800 O.T. 44 hours per week. Grand total $91,200 per year, the first $85,000 tax free. I am single and due to X-wives and poor choices I have no retirement set aside. I entend to return as long or as many time as I can. This will be my retirement. Uplift is an additional percentage paid in addition to your base wage. Right now it is 75% on your first 40 hours only.
3)I was told I could not take my laptop or cell. phone. I pay all of my bills on line, I was told I would have access to a computer and the internet whenever I needed. This is very important. Is this true? Also no cameras. Is that true? This is what I am hearing. Wait and see how it really is when you get there. It is my opinion that they are trying to keep information from getting out of Iraq. Because of all the lawsuits!
4)What about the laundry. I have been trying to find all I can on living conditions and keep seeing references to poor laundry services. Since there are no uniforms issued, how do they keep your stuff seperated from other’s stuff. Do they mark the items or should I? Back to the weight limits on the flight, I assume the PX’s carry clothing as well, do they? Depending on your camp, the PX might carry some clothing. Its mostly PT clothing for the military. I suggest you pack a box and once you know your mailing address have someone send it to you via USPS. The laundry will keep it straight….probably.
5)What about the living conditions. Looks like it is all over the place. But in general, what might I expect? It depends on your camp. Could be a trailer or a tent.
6)The weather. I know hot. I spent a couple of years in Viet Nam and a few in Arizona. What about the winter there. Looking on line it is winter there now and the temps. appear to be about like here in Texas now. Low 40′s to low 70′s with a few days of extreme lows at times. Again, the weight limits, how heavy a coat should I pack? Something for the evenings and mornings. The days warm up pretty nicely.
7)The physical they give you in Houston. How thorough? I smoked most of my life but quit in 2004 however my lungs are those of a 76 year old. Although I have no difficulties, I ride my bike work out etc. I just get winded. Nothing to worry about unless you are diabetic or have some other major health problem.
8)I spent 2 years in Viet Nam late ’60s early ’70s, with a Ranger company. I observed the Remfs (Rear echelon M_ _ _ F_ _ _’s) who supported we in the field. They were on 12 hour schedules but as ya’ll have pointed out much of that 12 hours was spent looking busy being busy finding a good hihing place.
But, what about your time. How do you keep track of it. Time sheet? If so, is there productive time and non ptoductive time slots on it or what. You know what I mean I’m sure. You will have a timesheet.
Are there night and day shifts or just on call designants? It depends on your camp.
And what about tools and materials as it relates to HVAC/R. Are we able to keep stuff running? It depends on your camp.
Well that’s all the questions I had writen down. I would truely appreciate your taking the time to advise me.
As well, You have built a very informative site that appears to fill a real need and offers much to those who serve and those who are employed. I thank you Mam. Your welcome. Email me if you have other qestions.
Look forward to further disciussion
Armadilloonhalfshell
Thanks very much. Your answers were about what I expected. As I said, “an adventure”.
I’LL KEEP YA’LL
(Sorry hit enter before I was ready)
I’ll keep ya’ll posted.
Thanks again
What wages are Electricians expected to be paid?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
About 122K/year USD
Base for a card carrying electrician is 21.63$. Which is terrible, but the 75% uplift makes it worth it. Unless you get flipped over and done dry like myself and get sent to Kuwait where our uplift has been cut to %25. So, that makes the first 40 hours worth about 26-27 dollars and the other 44 are at the base of 21.63$ since overtime is paid at straight time. Read the contract. They can send you wherever they want and cut the uplift accordingly. You can’t leave the “corral” until your contract is signed and you can’t have a copy of it until it’s been signed.
But, if you’re from the UK you might be right at home ’cause it’s all some watered down version of the British Standard. 17th edition if I’m correct. Dignity and Respect = two words you’ll hear all the time that don’t mean dick in theater.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You know you are getting paid for dignity and respect! LOL Thanks for the info….
Cheers for your help.
So If I sign and go to Iraq and dont like it what is the penalty for going home?
Exiting your contract?
Can I take my laptop and digital camera and phone?
I hear alot about electricians but does anyone have information on how life and pay is for crane operators. do they get movede around alot, do they have to leave the compound, so on. Would appreciate some info, hugh decision for me and my family and I feel like the folks at kbr”or who ever they are” are a little to fast to be honest.
John Thomas:
Try this website
http://www.indeed.com/forum.com
If you search KBR theres alot of information here for all backgrounds working for kbr.
Or try http://www.indeed.com and search KBR
A quick question. I am told by my recruiter the voltage used is 110v and on the paperwork with items to bring on indicates 220v. When I was in Viet Nam the voltage on the LZ’s was 110v/50hzs. Since we here are the only people on the planet that uses 110/120 and standard and not metric I’d like to here from someone who’s been there. I am taking a 50w/1600w converter for use in Dubai or elswhere.
Thanks
220v is the standad at most of the camps . . there are a few with 110v.
Thank You
OH… I almost forgot. are the plugs for 220 the round dual pin?
Most are the regular European style 220V plugs. You will see a few of the German style 220V plugs. From what I’ve heard Afghanistan is the only place using 110V and going strictly off the NEC. The bozos in Iraq are still fighting between the BS and the NEC.
Make sure you understand that your boss probably won’t be an electrician. More than likely it’ll be some douchebag who continues to put up with the shabby treatment because they’re unemployable in the states. Bitter? Absolutely. Waste of time? Absolutely. Helping the troops? Not even close. KBR is out to put a buck in there pocket, but if they help somebody else along the way, so be it.
/Rant
Afghanistan food service, what a botched job. 12hrs/7 days. KBR should be ashamed of themselves for placing people in those jobs taht have no experience. I heard people tell others to not make the food taste good, so the troops wouldn’t ask fpor it again. I was embarassed. It came from the mouth of an American. The troops were excellent and professional.
I spent 18 months in Iraq as a medic for KBR. I can say that we did work mostly 8-10 hours a day in Al Asad (GOD I hated sick call in the mornings), plus we usually had 14-16 hours days with after hour “emergencies” (some real, some total BS).
When I was in Fallujah from Oct 07 to Jun 08, I was still busy about 8 out of the 12 hours. If I wasn’t seeing patients, then there was the mound of SCW DFAC physicals that had to be screened. During the winter of 07/08, I got my ass handed to me daily with the cold and flu that was going around.
I promoted up to an Area Medical Supervisor, but went from being a medic to being a ‘paper pusher’. Not what I wanted and plus got fed up with all the BS coming down from ‘On High’ (ie wear you hat, wear your lanyard, wear a collard shirt). I’m sorry, I a friggin medic. If you are having a heart attack or got squished by a MRAP, do you really care if I have some stupid hat on, my lanyard on, or my shirt has a collar?
I miss the pay and the friends I made over there, but I won’t go back….
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for you first hand accounting.
Good morning MS,
First thing I would like to thank you and Armadilloonhalfshell for his questions and your answers.I have a couple of questions myself. I have 35 years in the electrical trade and 29 years as a superintendent/ foreman on jobs in the 10,000,000 range. I am being hired as a j-man ( have masters in Colorado for 20 years)and leave for the big H on 03-02-2009.
What are the chances for promotion and how long?
If it doesn’t work out,what are the ramifications of leaving?
And most of all,am I going to be told to do work that could in danger our troops? (that was 3 )
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Answer to #1-Highly unlikely that you will get promoted. Why pay Master wages when they can get you for Journeyman wages. It is my experience that being qualified is not a criteria to be a KBR manager. To be promoted past Supervisor requires you to be connected somehow K-kinfolk B-brothers R-relatives. You have to be a “yes man(woman)” to be able to manage for KBR.
Answer to #2-There are no ramifications other than taxes for leaving early. I always recommend people have taxes taken out for at least the first 6 months. This will give you a good idea of whether or not you will be able to stay the 330/365 days. If not you won’t get smacked with a big tax bill. Although KBR pays your flight home, I wouldn’t give them more than a couple days notice that you are unhappy and leaving. Don’t worry about Professional ethics and professional courtesy, they don’t.
Answer to #3-It is very possible that you will be instructed to just “get er done”. It’s very possible you won’t even be working for an electrician. Could be a plumber or a driver or a labor foreman. You just never know. So you are the final quality and safety check before an inspection that might not actually even happen. If it’s not safe JUST DON’T DO IT. Don’t sign off on paperwork that you didn’t actually perform.
Hi Ms Sparky
I may be leaving for Afghanistan in April 09 to work as an electrician with KBR. I’m curious about the tax free income I will make.
Will it still be considered tax free income if I start in April instead of January 1st for tax year 2009? I read only 35 days of R and R are allowed per year in the US. Does that mean from that date I’m employeed? What about the first three months of 09 while I’m here? Would that be considered R and R?
What if I sign up for a year and decide I don’t want to stay that long. I noticed you recommended to have taxes taken out for the first 6 months. Why? If I don’t fulfill my entire year contract and decide to go home, will it become taxable income?
How long would you guess the opportunity will be there to be hired as an electrian to work in Afghanistan? Any job cuts predicted?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You need to get in touch with a tax person that knows how to deal with expat wages. If you do not stay out of the country 330/365 consecutive days it is taxable. And only a portion of the wages is not taxable not all 120K. Get a tax person.