KBR ALL HANDS: LOGCAP IV Announcement (Afghanistan)
This ALL HANDS email went out today to KBR employees in Afghanistan. Oh the “shock and awe” of it all! Click HERE for the PDF of the ALL HANDS.
From: Yoshia Hence
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 12:27 PM
To: DL_KBR LOGCAP III Afghanistan All Hands
Cc: Jim Luchsinger
Subject: ALL HANDS: LOGCAP IV Announcement
By now I am sure you have all heard or read about the LOGCAP IV announcement. First I will tell you I was shocked when I received word last night that we had not been selected for any of the work in Afghanistan . Then I began to think about all we had accomplished over the years in Afghanistan and believe me I could talk about it for hours. All of you should be proud of the role played in those accomplishments. I know I am proud of the service and sacrifice all of you have made in support of this mission.
We now have another mission in front of us and that is transition. This transition will include all our missions in the South to DynCorp and all our missions in the North to Fluor. The transition covers 82 sites and all six task orders. We have not been informed how or what area the Government will want us to start in. The dust will have to settle and numerous meetings will be held before we have any idea of the Government plan.
I know most of you are concerned about what the future is for your continued employment. The one thing you must understand is we have to start transition before there are opportunities with other companies. Also this transition is going to be a very long drawn out process and during that process we have to provide the same level of service we always have. So every employee really needs to look at how much longer they need to be out here before their goals can been met.
We will be fielding questions and holding All Hands Meetings to help you stay informed of what is going on. We will tell you what we know as factual in a timely manner. I ask that you continue to focus on the mission at hand and providing the superb support to the Men and Women of the Armed Forces. I also ask that you think over your options and remember we have month’s worth of work to accomplish.
Jim Luchsinger
Deputy Principal Program Manager
Central Asia
KBR, Inc
APO AE 09354
Office Phone: 281-669-2558
DSN: 431-3055
Cell: +971-502-402 583
Jim.Luchsinger@KBR.com
This e-mail, including any attached files, may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review, use, distribution, or disclosure by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to receive information for the intended recipient), please contact the sender by reply e-mail and delete all copies of this message.
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 7:21 am |
Love the statement “Also this transition is going to be a very long drawn out process…”
Seems to me that KBR has been using stall tactics to hold on to their 100% since LOGCAP IV was awarded in 2007. Now two years after the award announcement they are shocked to learn that the cash cow has gone dry!?
p.s. To the winners – best of luck with sorting out the property books and materials inventory!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I’m sure it is in the “best interest of KBR and their shareholders” to make this transition last as long as posible.
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 8:01 am |
I hope KBR transition does not include management from KBR to Fluor or DynCorp. Same people same problems. Good old boys Rednecks and others who think they are entitled to something.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
As far as I am concerned that would be the biggest mistake Fluor and Dyncorp could make. Bring on some of the people that are doing a good job on the ground. Promote some of those who have truly earned it. And send every manager from department manager on up to the States.
It floors me that Fluor picked up Stanski. He’s either guilty because he knew everything that was going on and allowed it or incompetent because he didn’t know what was going on. Either way he was a bad choice. JMHO
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 8:02 am |
Thanks to you Ms. Sparky, and your readers, for helping to get the word on KBR.
I’m in Afghanistan and excited over the prospect of having unqualified, non-English speaking, third world TCN’s replaced by qualified Americans. Heck, some of these guys from the Balkans, Napal, Africa and India don’t even know how to use the latrine let let alone wire something up.
Let the American taxpayer support American workers, not the 50% who are there from Albania, Kosavo, et al. I look forward to tossing the KBR hat and lanyard into the dustbin and donning the Fluor blue.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
It’s my readers who keep me informed. So I pass on the thanks to them. I stand firm on my belief that US tax dollars should be paid the Americans first, then locals them qualified TCN’s. We don’t owe any of them a job.
And I too often wondered why in the hell there were footprints on the damn toilet seat!
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 9:13 am |
I would like to thank Ms Sparky for her role in letting the right people know why KBR should not be hired again and also to those strong enough to post info and knowledge to ensure the dirty tricks were known
I am so shocked, after all the honest and honorable dealings that KBR are known for, they are treated in this way. I think it is foul and I want to know if any ex Vice-Presidents are or were on the board of those other companies. After so many 6 month extensions it now appears as if the Troops are going to hopefully get the service they deserve and pay for.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks. I am but one spoke in the wheel of protecting our troops and taxpayers. Whether it be KBR or CSA, Fluor or Dyncorp. If you kill our soldiers, treat our civilians like crap and/or waste taxpayer money then I am going to be on your ass!
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 10:34 am |
For your information lot of Bosnians already working for Fluor, and with regard to the use of toilets Bosnian, Macedonian, Croatian is with a long tradition of civilization, while at least in your case would not have said you are probably a villager who came down from the top of the mountain and the first time you saw a man from Europe, shame you were at least Showing little respect for people work with you in the KBR, however their ancestors played piano, while you probably colonized America, do not forget that your fathers came from those countries, I mean in Europe, such as you throw shame to American people. I am American and my father is American but they are our ancestors came from Bosnia, so beware what you talking, because that is
Discrimination.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
He didn’t single out Bosnians. And it is the truth about the toilets. I am not going to let this turn into a American vs Bosnian fight. Americans deserve US tax dollar funded jobs first. That’s the way it is. In Bosnia you should have first crack at Bosnian tax dollar funded jobs.
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 12:43 pm |
WELL it looks like the shoe is on the other foot now! Congrats to the new companies who got the contract lets just hope they treat their people better than KBR treated theirs and no discrimination and less politics!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I second that. If KBR were to treat their employees in the States that way they would be sued out of business. And the taxpayer WOULD NOT pick up the tab.
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 1:38 pm |
And how many times did we have to save Europe from themselves. As the English say to the French “You be speaking German by now if it wasn’t for us! By the way WW1 started in Bosnia. It’s time for you to go home and live like kings….You Croats are like brothers to the French!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
HIRE AMERICAN FIRST!!
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 3:11 pm |
To Mr.Baboo, is that democracy and equality among nations and races, what I saw in IQ was unbeliveable, so much intolerance between americans and FN’s. Don’t forget where you come from, Europe founded America. Europe existed 2500 years ago and has always been on the highest level of civilization. And speaking about education, half americans I worked with didn’t speak their own language (especially people from Texas) not to mention some foreign language, so spare me of speaking about superiority, we are all equal on earth. Democracy and equality are americas greatest value and you should respect it.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I don’t know what you’re smokin’ but you should share. This “rainbows and butterflies” world that you live must be very nice. Never since the beginning of time have their been equality and democracy among the races. Democracy and equality are theories at best and have to be enforced by law in America. As long as you have more than two people on earth there will be a sense of entitlement and superiority between the races, cultures and sexes. So inhale deep and pass it on. (sorry just a flashback to the 70′s)
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 4:20 pm |
I worked with the Leesville Mafia and they are an embarrassment to America and the other idiots that fit into this category. As an American citizen and U.S. taxpayer if you’ve been mistreated I apologize.
Remember this, I refuse to dilute a system of standards, so someone can bring in a foreign labor force to subsidize American jobs under the guise of world peace and bilk the American taxpayer of billions of dollars.
Go talk Jim Lushinger and his boss…they didn’t bring you there because of your expertise, your there because of cheap labor. You might want to ask the Native Americans who discovered America before you quote American History.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
The DoD approved the bringing in of TCN’s/FN’s. Personally I don’t think there should be any non-American’s on US military bases.
Wednesday, July 8th 2009 at 5:14 pm |
Can anyone say what DynCorp pays electricians in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Anyone?
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 12:37 am |
I have one question and i would like to have answered from Baboo,
What do you think it would be returned all the money in the America what would happen
Economy you would not have, and the dollar would not be worth much, because now, America is one big machine that stamp money , Europe have start to complain that the dollar too weak, and it is time to replace the euro, and do not forget where the crisis started from us from America.For Iraq you have the right to talking about how we pay the most taxes,but afghanistan pay most people from europe.and finally the Europeans discovered America, I hope that you know the history but also your grandparents are from Europe it is the truth and we can not out of it,
if you want to be a respect then you need to respect other religion and culture tradition
Ms Sparky’s Response:
That is where you are mistaken. No one “NEEDS” to respect other religions, culture or tradition. Tolerate maybe. There are some things I just won’t respect or tolerate….like Sharia Law for one.
I’m sure the Native Americans in the US do not feel the Europeans discovered it. But I am pretty sure they feel the totally destroyed it.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 2:06 am |
Thank you Boohoo for your adding my native american ancestor’s into this realm. My great grandfather and his father were indian scouts for the North in that war and they came straight off the original cherokee nation (cherokee cty Georgia). From what I have learned and studied over my life. This land didn’t have the problems of mankind, i.e. getting along with other’s. I worked in Iraq for almost two years and injured as-well. It felt good to try and bring democracy to a nation that wants it. I hate to see how mankind treats each other for the sake of greed. I am about to lose everything because AIG doesn’t care about me. I will lose all that I have and be homeless because of my injuries. I went halfway around the world to find that GREED is there too!!!! Won’t we ever learn?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Yes you are correct. Animals treat each other better than humans treat each other. Very sad. I suggest you get in touch with Marcie at http://www.dbacomp.com/ she may be able to help you with AIG. Tell her Ms Sparky sent you.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 3:07 am |
Here is some news on Fluor:
In addition, Jones said, Fluor is bidding on work to support military bases in Iraq that could be worth $4 billion a year.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090709/BUSINESS/907090302/1004/NEWS01/Fluor-adding-jobs-for-military-work
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I suspected they were. I wonder if that is AFCAP? The Air Forces equivalent of LOGCAP.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 7:51 am |
come on guys, whoi trianed the guys and girls from the balkins, most i have seved with did an outstanding job, and yea paid less..but the question is wil thease other contractors emply americans or go the really cheap labor route, the the phillipines and napla etc, all seeking a job jsut treated differently. As far as KBR is concerned, many here are seeking answers to questions and getting no answers from the people who are sopposed to know, seem everyone is jsut hiding and not saying anything, well execpt for the KBR hat policy and the correct way to display the world class logo, it all wait and see. Most i know have provided a great service to our troops, on the front line level. I think we have more important things to post on the blog aother than making comment about workers from other countries, the cost of contracts are same , only thing left to beat out on a bid is labor cheap labor…wil it be addressed, probably not….good info here if ya can sift through it, must be doning something right..it blocked from company computers(KBR) im here, and im working hard, and proud to work wiht anyone witht he common goal, support the fine men and women of the US Armed Forces…
Ms Sparky’s Response:
KBR blocked Ms Sparky.com from their servers on or around May 1st. Most people seem to be getting around that, like you.
You are right. I don’t want this blog to be a Anti American Anti Bosnian blog. I am a HIRE AMERICANS FIRST believer. That doesn’t mean I am anti Bosnian.
Tell me where you are at and I might be able to find out some info for you.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 8:05 am |
As they say in Bosnia, “Do you want to buy a brick?”
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Explain please!
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 9:39 am |
SBDN
this is phrase what most of expat use here
Quote
Stay Busy do nothing
end of story
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I am sitting here trying to get caught up on my comment responses in the last few days. I am going to make this short and sweet to everyone involved. No more general American/Bosnian bashing. I will just delete your comment. That’s not what this blog about. If you have something specific to contribute then do so.
My personal opinion on hiring TCN’s/FN’s is that US Tax Dollars should be paid to US citizens first. And that doesn’t just mean Bosnians. That means everyone. And there are just as many lazy, corrupt, ignorant TCN’s/FN’s at there are Americans. With those things be considered. Lazy, corrupt, ignorant Americans should be paid the US Tax Dollars first.
I will be posting this response or one similar to each of the American vs. Bosnian comments. And from this point on I will just delete them.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 9:54 am |
Is DynCorp or Fluor good companies to work for in Iraq or Afghanistan????
Can a master electrician make big money over there???
Anyone know????
Ms Sparky’s Response:
“Good” company is a matter of perspective. But you will do OK with the money. From the complaints I am getting I’d try Fluor first and then Dyncorp. JMHO
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 12:02 pm |
Where are the better bases to work at, Iraq or Afghanistan???
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Personally I think the living conditions are better in Iraq than Afghanistan. JMHO
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 5:12 pm |
Do you know how long the hiring process typically takes from submitting a resume to flying to Iraq??
Ms Sparky’s Response:
That can vary and it depends on the company. With KBR I was in Baghdad a month after I was first notified. Now some people are being notified by KBR to show up in Houston 2-3 months down the road. Seriously if varies.
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 6:16 pm |
Sorry to be such a bother, but one more question. Do you have any idea how difficult or easy their written electrical test is?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
If I am not mistaken, the test is on a computer and open book. I don’t know which edition of the NEC they are using. It should be the 2008. No one should expect you to memorize the NEC. Although I have met a few that seem to have it memorized. Most electricians are just mere mortals!
Thursday, July 9th 2009 at 9:11 pm |
This is what it takes to be an electrical trainee in one of the most restrictive states in America. By the way this does not make you a journeyman electrician
Proficiency Award
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Electrician Trainee
(Awarded by the Department)
REQUIRED COURSES: 12 Units
Blueprint Reading: Architectural:
This course provides experience in construction blueprint reading and plan review. Experiences will include the study of lines, symbols, notations and dimensions used on architectural drawings. Code interpretation and design compliance will be stressed.
National Electrical Code:
This course is an introduction to the National Electrical Code. The Code layout and content will be the focus of study. Subjects covered will include vocabulary, service, circuits, conduits, conductors and system inspection.
Construction Job Site Management:
This course covers the organization and problems associated with managing a construction job site. Topics will include plans, permits, inspections, material and workforce scheduling, industrial safety, construction process, cost control and quality management.
Measurements and Computations:
This course is the occupational application of measurements and computations as used by technology students. Topics include geometric shape calculations, practical trigonometry, areas, volumes, ratio and proportion, units and conversions, decimals and fractions and applied algebra.
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 5:25 am |
I am sure KBR will contest this decision and get the TO they want..
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I’m sure they will contest but as far as getting a task order….highly unlikely.
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 6:39 am |
KBR just put out another hat notice here on camp.. They are loosing the contracts …. and still making threats to fire workers if you dont wear a hat with KBR logo on it… No wonder KBR didn’t get any of the new contracts…They are more worried about hats, than the job they do..
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Clearly an indication that KBR just doesn’t get it!! Can you tell us which camp? Iraq or Afghanistan? Thanks keep us posted.
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 8:07 am |
Will KBR still be working in Iraq much longer or are these contract issues only apply to Afghanistan??
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Well that is the $63,000 question. They are losing bases and camps in Iraq. I expect them to be phased out. But that is just my opinion.
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 8:11 am |
Is there a lot of insect and reptile life within the bases?
I know that there are many many different deadly spiders, snakes, and scorpions in Iraq, but what about in the bases???
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Yes, just be aware of your surrounding. They tend to be in the lay down yards and storage areas. The most dangerous snakes over there are the top levels of KBR management.
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 8:13 am |
When you cannot deal with the big things, use the small ones to make it look like you are doing something.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Well said. It’s a diversion technique. It conjures the illusion that you are in control. When in fact you are clearly out of control.
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 9:06 am |
i was in afghanistan 2 yrs before comming to Iraq, living in a tent with 8 guys building walls with anything mostly sheets and carpet, bugs sankes and all, snakes are very deadly, but not like out in the open, i woudl get sticky traps and put under the bed, 5-6 glue board that way ya could see whats under the bed, i had mice, etc, you are told to take maylaria, drug dottraclcline (spelling) daily i never took it, and in the south it is very hot in summer cold in winter, if your inthe north and from Texas you wil freeze. It is dirty and very different from Iraq the local are not wel leducated on the outer bases and wel they do not bath as much as western do and they use bathroom differently then what you are used to once ya get past the oder your ok. But it is dusty dirty and ..incomming is usually at night, but on timers so no adjusting fire…It is muddy in winter and wet and hot in summer…im not sure if they have the trailers yet most are in tents and in b hut, wood buildings that are made for 8 but usually have 10 inside. Afghanistan now is many remote sites and a few big main bases, some must helocopter in and have onnly a few tradesmean electrical gen plummer etc,over all good experiences when there, but .as time goes on, politics come to play i was never in network so i moved and changed jobs as the buddy network took over and promotions were given with out interview or obvious fictional resumes, overall i would go back….good luck.seems Fluor is hiring mgrs now is the work force ex pat or…third world …big wait and see..
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences in Afghanistan. I’m afraid I would rather deal with incoming than critters under my bed. Big black scorpions were our biggest issue in the Green Zone. Because it was in the middle of Baghdad most of the cobras and such headed to quieter areas. But I have heard of cobras in the laydown areas. Ferrel dogs and cats were common and we had vets that would vaccinate and care for some of them that were made pets. But damn vector control could sniff out a pet from way off. A few camel spiders were found but weren’t as big as the photos. I just have to say if I had run into a cobra in my room or anywhere for that matter it would have been all over for me. If I didn’t die of a freakin’ heart attack I would have walked to BIAP if necessary to get out of Iraq.
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 9:13 am |
KBR, no info no comment, no news from those who should know , everyone in the dark, but getting good info from this site..i am aware of Central and the green zone many sent to JBB but now being re called back or tring, no internal job postings but still have new hires coming through, some REO closing yet, no word , but ..even senior management is not saying a word, just be proud and transition, does anyone think transition will take 12-18 mo..doubtful No new on when actully Flour will hire and how many American ex pats…me..i hope to land somewhere til i can qualify for my tax status (330) day and 330 day only..hahah…do we deliver?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Keep us posted so others can know too!! Thanks
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 12:26 pm |
It didn’t surprise me that they lost it all, it is strange that it didn’t happened before, because such an idiotic, retarded management deserved to be fired long time ago… even on a day when they lost that 7.5 B contract PPM sent an email not about that, but about the size of logo on kBR hats lol
Ms Sparky’s Response:
If that’s not a clear indication of a management structure completely out of touch, I don’t know what it!
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 1:59 pm |
cyber said,on July 10th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
… even on a day when they lost that 7.5 B contract PPM sent an email not about that, but about the size of logo on kBR hats lol
Well Cyber you know what they say — size matters – maybe the PPM is trying to compensate for his shortcomings?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Friday, July 10th 2009 at 11:48 pm |
If KBR doesnt get any TO’s at all then I reckon when the contract under LOGCAP III expires which I think is at the end of Dec 2011, they will be outta der… is that correct??
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I just don’t know yet.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 12:09 am |
Teo, the only contracts KBR has right now are the one’s they are currently working on. The big issue is bonding and grounding, which I have talked to several O&M foremen and none of them are even close to being done with their workload. LOGCAP III is up at the end of August, so KBR will only be working on the current contracts they have which will be extended until the end of the year from what i hear.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
This sounds like a very reasonable strategy by the DOD. Extend current LOGCAP III Task Orders.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 1:23 am |
@zzzzap,
Ohh ok so from ur comment what I understand is that KBR will probably be out of work in Iraq and Afghan towards the end of this year 2009 or maybe at the beginning of next year 2010.. in which case all of their employees would be fired or transferred to an alternate job location.. correct??
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I can only assume that the new contract will pick up many of KBR’s employees.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 1:58 am |
It is strangely quiet from mgt. here in Afghanistan. I noticed a concurring theme that applies to both the military and KBR. If you surround yourself with yes men/women then you get promoted and the worker bees get shafted. It was called a dog and pony show. Get rid of these retired 05′s and above and actually hire qualified people to manage people and tax dollars. People should have seen the writing on the wall when on shareholders day Halliburton sued KBR and William Utt. Better late than never. The bottom line is that one should not give all power to one who never knew how to use it except to terminate people for managements faults.( such as refusing to sign off on someone elses work).
Ms Sparky’s Response:
The quiet is the calm before the storm. Or they are covering their tracks knowing there will be news eyes on the situation. It’s amazing all the shredders haven’t shut the electrical system down!
Please elaborate on “Halliburton sued KBR and William Utt”. Did I miss that? Tell me more.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 6:24 am |
Does any know how long will the transition of work take?? since everyone seems to be convinced that this is the end of the road for KBR in Iraq and Afghanisthan?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Hopefully KBR will be more cooperative than they were in Kuwait.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 9:27 am |
Face facts people, there are a ton of bad eggs that ruin the reputation of the company. I left because I was surrounded by people who didn’t care and just held there hand out for that check once a month. For the most part, people who can’t stay employed in the states are the ones who’ve been over there for years. Other than that and the disgusting pay drop, I make more here in the States than I did in Kuwait. And I’m not surrounded by truck drivers who run electrical shops. Bitter? A little bit. Glad to be home? Bet your ass. And I don’t think I’ll be applying with the other companies either because they’re all KBR runoffs and rejects. If I wanted to deal with jerk-offs I’d stay here I can stay home and at least have a beer at the end of the night.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 10:14 am |
Heard that KBR are out of TQ on Jan 01 whether it shuts down or not, time is running out and they are already laying down on some aspects knowing they will be ripping everything out soon and going from hooches to 20 man tents again so the buildings are already out and only the tents will have to be rolled up and shipped out on new years eve.
Tick tock, tick tock.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Interesting!!
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 10:34 am |
hmm that is some news now.. if that happens a LOT of people are gona get fired not only in Iraq and Afghanisthan but even in Dubai I reckon….
Ms Sparky’s Response:
There will be little use for the people in Dubai. But it will depend on how the new contractor brings their employees in and out of the country.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 1:01 pm |
How long is the protest period for KBR to contest the task order awards for Afghanistan? How long does the transition takes for Fluor and DynCorp to take over?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
OK Contract experts. I know it can vary. What are the opinions on this one.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 6:56 pm |
A small bit of humor: KBR and Fluor management should audition for America’s Got Talent. The problem is they don’t have any and wouldn’t pass the screening!
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 8:02 pm |
To answer you question about the lawsuit. KBR was sued on May 15 by Halliburton. Strangely it was shareholders day as well. Bill Utt is also a defendant.
Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 11:30 pm |
I heard from somebody that recieved an email from HQ that Alsad and the rest of the B Sites will be taken over by Fluor. This person has access to this information but I couldn’t read the email myself for sure. Also if Fluor comes in I will be the first to ask to fill in positions in Afghan. B-1 Alasad Sucks!! I hope Fluor will make changes to this famously know crappy base!
Sunday, July 12th 2009 at 12:44 am |
Anyone ever get a Class action against KBR for reckless endangerment for forcing the wearing of identifiable logos in a hostile location such as the Green Zone? Dubai airport included.
Sunday, July 12th 2009 at 3:02 pm |
wow..how news travels fast via the net…lots of rumors still, nothing official, guess wiat and see, the million dollar question, for the “other contractors” if they underbid on labor.meaning they hire afew ex pat supervisor and the work force, are from some third world country where 600 per mo is ,shittin’ in high cotton, so far..no one knows, who would allow transition to take 8-12 mo..come on, only think KBR owns is..US or are we SEI..well stay tuned same bat channel…same bat time…another RIF in sept? Will many jump ship and go home…
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Keep us posted.
Sunday, July 12th 2009 at 7:04 pm |
Anyone know what DynCorp or Fluor pays electricians???
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Great question. Anyone? Also…is Fluor and Dyncorp setting up this bogus off shore shell company scam like KBR did with SEII and OAS?
Friday, July 17th 2009 at 7:24 am |
You know this talk about people from the Balkans I got to write something here. Some people from the Balkans write about discrimination. Well I must say that as an American having worked at BAF and KAF Astan I am the one who felt discriminated aginst constantly because I was from the US and the majority of the workforce was from Eastern Europe or South East Asia area. You would walk around in KBR village and you’d feel like you were in downtown Skopja, Macedonia. I got to say however that they were hard working and yes very well educated for the most part who were trying to support their families back home which I am trying to do myself. But discrimination…please I definately felt it was the other way around. And I seen that name Lucksinger still around and it makes me shudder to think he might still be around for awhile with the new contracts awarded. I thought that Lucksinger was the biggest offender of letting the people from the Balkans region have free reign on the bases and made the Americans constantly in fear of keeping their jobs. I hope Lucksinger fades into the sunset back to Houston when the dust settles from changeover or even sooner than later.
Friday, July 17th 2009 at 7:38 am |
This thing about TCN’s and FN’s, you know what is the biggest thing that is constantly drilled into our head’s when you are working at one of our bases. That is OPSEC! How can we have people working on some of the world’s most secure bases when you have people working from countries that are the most unstable meaning terrorism and organised crime such as is occuring in the Balkans region. How on earth are these people getting security clearances is beyond me!!!!!!!!! Let us not forget the Ft Dix, New Jersey incident where people from yes the Balkans conspired to blow up as many American soldiers as possible and we have these TCN’s working in Astan and Iraq. I believe court trial is still ongoing in federal court in NY/NJ area.
Saturday, July 18th 2009 at 5:15 am |
I recently quit KBR for the same reasons that people talk about on here.
I was in Afghanistan and then was in Iraq untill this month when I quit.Almost 5 1/2 years.
KBR is definately lost touch with the “BIG” picture. The management is a crying shame. From most of the site level supervisors, up through the DDOL & DOL & Base 1,2, and 3. How many chiefs does it take to screw up things?
We hear about some of the sites always getting excellent ratings? Well that is because there is alot of work being done without ACO approval. Go figure.If an auditor from an independent place in the states would just show up & check the books, man would there be some Base managers, DPM’s & PM’s going to jail, or what? You can bet your bottom that things are being sold to the Iraqi people now with all of these little camps being shut down inside the cities. KBR is not alone either. There are some Military getting a little extra for their effort as well.
Hell the Army guys are not going to say anything, because life is easier for them, right, wrong, or indifferent.
There was a story I read in here about the Leesville Mofia. I know that to be true. If you were from Leesville, you were in there thick, and got promoted right up the chain, even though you weren’t qualified for the job you were getting paid to do. Of course those jobs never got posted either.
Here is a short story to get ya thinking on ways KBR folk made extra money on the side at Tax payers dollars.
The Propery department can loose so many GP’d items for whatever reason. See there was a base closure a couple years ago in the North (Iraq). When things were brought to other bases, the items sent there from the base closure looked like everything was just thrown inside a container & shipped. I’ve seen yard sales look more organized. Anyway during this move, there were alot of GP’d items that came up missing. ie A/C units, washers & dryers, refrigerators etc. So when the property department had to account for these so called lost items, the property manager & his click went to the Fair Wear & Tear yard, which this is a yard where other items already had an LDD document done & detagged & the GP number removed, and erased off the books. So it was real easy for them to go retag these old items of the same likeness, and WOW!!!! there is the lost GP’d items. See where I was going with that?
Well I could go on & on about so many things that went on in the rank & files of KBR, but help is on the way for people that want to work a little longer overseas. Fluor & Dynacorp.
When things start to take shape with these other companies, I am going to apply & go back to either Iraq, Afghanistan, or wherever the jobs takes me.
Bottom line? No more KBR for me. I have self respect in my job, and seeing how things are going with that bunch, no thanks.
Sunday, July 19th 2009 at 2:16 pm |
First let me say that there is probably no one who has a lower opinion of the way KBR treats their employees or does business than I do. That being said, I would also like to point out to anyone who has doubts as to whether or not KBR is still in the game in Iraq\Afghan to just relax.
This has happened before in Kosovo when other companies get these contracts, they cannot do the job and they go right back to KBR. This will be the case here too. As much as it pains me to say it, facts are facts and KBR is the only company big enough to handle these jobs.
Sure they’re corrupt as hell, sure they treat their employees like 1st graders but in the end, either everyone will simply change lanyards or they will just give it back to KBR. I personally know of two big jobs that Fluor had in Afghan that they have already given back to KBR. I wish there was someone else to work for that has the guaranteed staying power of KBR but they don’t exist. And preferrably it would be a company that cares more about quality of work versus the thousands of man hours they put in to thinking of and writing about F-ing HAT rules!!!!
Just discovered this site a couple months ago and really enjoy most of the stuff on here. Some of it is not as accurate as I feel it should be but I think it’s good for the venting process of folks. Plus I love the name dropping of the ‘prick’ managers\higher ups.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I really hope you’re wrong about Fluor and Dyncorp not being able to make it. And if you find out I am way off base on something, just let me know. I get my info mostly from my readers in theater.
Sunday, July 19th 2009 at 2:53 pm |
True other companies have come into theater and didn’t succeed due to their arrogance or own stupidity and with no help from KBR. Why would a competitor help anyone except out the door? On base construction is one thing, outside the wire construction is another. Several other big name companies have come and botched things up because they never had to understand the SANDBOOK. Some KBR management might know what the Sandbook, but generally speaking even if they are former service people they don’t know what it is…period. You can take that to the bank!