Working In Iraq

[zaza]

the position is in kirkuk, and its refreshing to know that the pesh are dedicated in that sense....i must admit that the pesh, after doing more research are more dedicated than the two faced jihad solders trying to get to heaven and their rewards....i'll admit, initially ive been comparing the iraqi soldiers and not the pesh .

kirkuk and mousol....which is the more dangerous zone?

im getting a bullet proof vest, one for my head too if they make them....

anyone know anything about internet connectivity in iraq? would be nice to communicate with the outside world easily, if i go i have to get a smaller laptop...this 17" screen is definately a hindrance..is it 220/110v over there?

unless i end up making 100k baht per month in bangkok (yeah right) everything is pointing to iraq.

thanks for all the replies and compassion.

U should read more about Iraq before u go there cuz it seems u r only interested with the money u will get there(if u would've stand the chance to the pay day).

FYI I was talking about the typical Iraqi chaps in Baghdad not the besh.The besh u r upraising r muslims too (most kurds r muslim Sunnies with small minorty Shiaa) thus, u would also have to deal with the 2 faced jihadiest as u called them ,but can u explain to me how will you be devoted and sincere in your work in a country you hate its ppl even prior setting your foot in it?????I guess only its money is what u really care about.

YOU shall have 220 volt there cuz all the foreigner campus and army bases are supplied with electric power all day+night long.(BUT the poor Iraqi ppl since 2003 they still have 2 hours a day electricity)

Mousol is one of the hazardous places in Iraq with its full Sunnies insurgents roving around,Kirkuk would be more as a horror park cuz all the parties and divisions of each race and religion in Iraq gathered there(muslims,christians,Saba'a,Yazeedia and even non-believers)then the all the races(kurds,arabs,turks and old christians who speak old language called-Ashorians).I guess u never heard of this disputed province ,cuz its still not counted on Kurdstan yet cause most parties r fighting on the possition of it (for its oil) kurds r claiming it,Turkey also claiming it,the central goverment claiming it as its an Iraqi province.

In Iraq we use cars not camels if u r worried about the transportation (since u r worried about the internet connection -we mostly used wireless internet connection)

Enjoy the thrill and adventure !!

Welcome to the pleasuredom!!

[Khun ?]

Civilians are quite safe and the only time you go outside of secure areas is when going on vacation. This depends on the work you are being recruited for though, as you seem to not want to mention it.

Flak vest and weapon is standard issue for many even if it will only be like an anchor most likely.

Average pay would vary with type of work but the IT, mechanics and technical positions of all sorts that I know people presently working in bad areas, is from $150K to 280K a year, the 280K was tops.

As above they are on secure installations other than going out on vacation.

Who really cares what you sleep on or how many hours you work if you are banking 500 or more a day and as about as safe as patters for the most part.

When you are spending 300 a month on burger king, PX shopping and latte's when you are tired of free food, that leaves alot of money savings to be had.

Very few western civilian casualties in the last few years in Iraq and other areas in the region.

Much of the dangerous stuff is restricted to military only anymore.

More likely to get mugged in thailand for $10 than maimed at $200K. Not sure what everyones vacations are but would asume quite good, different companies different policies, most likely 2 to 3 months a year.

[Clipped]

why thank you ZAZA for your superior display of iraqi intellect, i'll be sure to keep that in mind during my display of a$$holes and elbows while making my way out of a barrage of Ak-47's...

Khun ,the post will either be construction or emergency repair.

i dont expect to be sleeping in a 5 star hotel.

are pharmaceuticals freely available zaza, as i dont think i should be drinking the water... and no i dont assume that iraqi's make a miracle concoction out of roots and leaves..or do they?

seriously , because i may have to bring my own antibiotics and they are freely available here in bangkok.

[Khun ?]

Sounds like good work and the assumptions would mean some outside secure area work maybe.

If it is installition duties then you would only be working the secure area.

Most anything that required repair outside secures areas would first be secured as best as possible

before sending people to the site. More like the oil guys I guess.

I would say it comes down to how bad you want the money and what your chances are of a good

future if you pass it up. As said before look through news reports of the last few years and you will

see very few western civilian casualties if any over the last few years.

If a mil in the bank or half mil in 2 to 5 years is worth it then guess you will decide to go, if not then sure we will see you post frequently.

[Rincewind]

I spent two years in Aghanistan, and another in Iraq. One thing you will not hear on the news is that there are quiet places here, where life goes on, and you go a long time without anything interesting happening. For example, I was in Afghanistan 18 months without any incoming.

You will want to consider the leave/R&R policy for the company you are looking at. Although I get three R&Rs a year, I know some contracts only get two weeks out in an entire year, and working 7 days/week otherwise.

[ray23]

Hmmm Ckipped it sounds like you are viewing this as a John Wayne Movie, it's not.

It's hours and a hours of fatigue filled days, some the most of the extreme heat I have ever seen, coupled with wonderful sand storms.

You dont have to worry about the insurgents it's all the above that will get you.

Pay close attention to the leaves that is a very imprtant aspect of doing the job

Trust after time in Thailand this is going to be diffcult and yes the money is good.

Three people that I know went one didn't finish his contract, the other two which includes me will never go back.

Think carefully about this if you need by all means go. If not, life is much better here.

[khunmarc]

who in his right mind would want to be part of Warlord Bush and his british puppets war effort??? no money in the world is worth to be sinking that low

[Clipped]

let me make some things clear..i know that iraq is no joke, i realize the harsh environment and i dont consider this an adventure similiar to indiana jones.

i am trying to keep an optmistic attitude because i know the life is going to be $hit...im no stranger to hard work or heat....im from texas, and it gets ###### hot especially in west texas.

im at the point in my life where i have to make a move...all or nothing...

so for all those giving helpful replies i appreciate them very much...and for the others, well ... you know where you can go.

[KhunMarco]

let me make some things clear..i know that iraq is no joke, i realize the harsh environment and i dont consider this an adventure similiar to indiana jones.

i am trying to keep an optmistic attitude because i know the life is going to be $hit...im no stranger to hard work or heat....im from texas, and it gets ###### hot especially in west texas.

im at the point in my life where i have to make a move...all or nothing...

so for all those giving helpful replies i appreciate them very much...and for the others, well ... you know where you can go.

to Iraq?

[ray23]

Texas you ain't seen hot, try the 140's and humid.

One should always be careful in what he asks, they just might hear the truth. You got to do this then do so, if not stay the heck away from it.

Good Luck to you!

[beano2274]

let me make some things clear..i know that iraq is no joke, i realize the harsh environment and i dont consider this an adventure similiar to indiana jones.

i am trying to keep an optmistic attitude because i know the life is going to be $hit...im no stranger to hard work or heat....im from texas, and it gets ###### hot especially in west texas.

im at the point in my life where i have to make a move...all or nothing...

so for all those giving helpful replies i appreciate them very much...and for the others, well ... you know where you can go.

clipped, as a Telecommunications engineer and project manager I would consider going to Iraq, I also realise the consequences of going there but at the moment I feel its okay in the North but the rest you can forget.

I used to be in the Army and I know many of the guys there, even the paid mercenaries, but hey the guys who look after your back get extra money if you come out alive and they will look after you.

If by any chance you wanna pass on the headhunters address or any sites looking for people to go over there it would be appreciated, enjoy your time and make sure you come back and tell the others in here how it was.

[teddy_bare]

Mate i am in Kirkuk right now. Yes it is sometimes dangerous if you are traveling around the streets and roads every day. The main concerns are traffic accidents, armed robbery, kidnapping, coalition cross fire and then terrorist attacks. I am guessing you would be based in a camp, compound or other secure location. The security guys sound like Local National's doing static guarding of the compound. Most companies move their staff with Ex pat security forces. Ask them, they should tell you.

Kirkuk is hotting up and will continues to get worst as the Referedum approaches. The attacks are mainly in the south of the city which contents Turkomen, Christains and Arabs. The North part is mainly Kurdish. Erbil is safe and you can wonder around the markets and shops without any issue. The Plaza hotel even has 4 Bangkok girls (Aon, Nok, Aee and Nuch) offering Thai Massage. Aee is the nicest!

Yes you will see High Profile security vehicles flying. This is because the UN related NGO's have policies that dicate how their staff operate. The rest of us do it in low profile cars.

I would say go because i have seen it a lot worst in other places.

Tips.

Try not to look American.

Carry enough money to get your self out of trouble ($1000- $2000).

Make friends with the locals, but never fully trust them.

Kurdish and Turkomen in my opinion formed from many years of interaction with different Iraqis, are the best type of Iraqi. More interested in enjoying this life than the afterlife.

Read as much as you can about Iraq.

Stay alert and never just rely on your security team.

Hand the side arm back if you have little or no experience of them (you'll live longer).

Keep fit or get fit if you are not already.

Enjoy your time there and think of what your money will buy.

PM me for any info or help.

I will be back in Bangkok in three weeks to spend my hard earned dosh.

Stay Safe

Edited April 16, 2007 by teddy_bare

[QualityTouristNumberOne]

Suggested viewing...

Shadow Company-heres a link to some reviews http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0762133/usercomments

The war tapes http://thewartapes.com/trailer/

This is not to intentionally put you off,just to give a few views of what you are going into.

Was seriously considering going myself as I have a lot of Security/Firearms experience,but when I checked around I realised that my lack of "Formal" army training would leave me with a "Sandbag" job with the highest risk factor...

but if you're in the IT end of it you might be safe,the end decision is up to you obviously,do a LOT of research before you decide,dont rely on the company involved for info.

Don't carry a sidearm unless you are ready and willing to use it,and train with it a lot until you are extremely competent(if you arent already),I'd suggest a 45. rather than a 9mm as a single body shot puts someone down in most cases,and in the unlikely(EXTREMELY unlikely) event of you having to put down a suicide bomber yourself(as I said VERY unlikely,but...) you will need that,

and finally,if you do go....GOOD LUCK!

[BelfastMike]

Having worked in the South of Iraq for 2 years, I think you should go for it. If you don't you'll always wonder "what if..."

Whatever the salary is, I'm sure it's enough to keep you comfortable in Thailand for a few years. If you invest it wisely you could make it last longer.

If you get there and realise after a month or two that it's not for you, fair enough. You can always go home again.

Standing in the car park outside work one bright November day, a mortar came whistling through the sky and landed 5 metres from me. Obviously it didn't go off, but that was close enough for me. My contract was up for renewal 2 weeks later and I decided not to stay on. I went to Phuket for 5 months, spent a little bit of my savings and now I've landed a job in Afghan on twice the money.

I found that leave was the key. I could get by for 8-9 weeks without leave. But anymore than that I started feeling the strain. I was lucky though, we had enough staff and lax enough management to ensure that we only worked 6 hours days normally and got at least one "day-off" a week. We were also allowed to have a drink in the evenings. Many companies will boot you out of Theatre if they even sniff alcohol. Because we were all IT/Comms specialists we rigged up our own Dishes for Internet and TV and even had a little computer network running around our Corimechs (cabins). The facilities on some bases are pretty good. American PX's and Canteens are amazing (lobster and steak for dinner Sir?).

Establishing a routine makes the time go faster too. Go to the gym every night, watch a DVD and get your head down early. The time will fly by.

You'll make contacts and gain experience that could see you working all over the world on good money tax-free for the rest of your working life.

Just use the money wisely and get out when the going's good.

All my dosh is going into property back home and hopefully I can retire to Thailand by the time I'm 40.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

(and make sure you get a good life insurance policy)

[Clipped]

khun, rincewind , teddy bear, belfastmike

thank you all for your insights into iraq/afghanistan they are definately appreciated.

[Khun ?]

Be wise with what you earn is the key if you go. Don't listen to unlicensed or unregulated

people that will make you money with your money or some business adveture.

Best thing to do is protect what you earn and use reasonable expectations on

return on investment, and for gods sake don't buy yourself a job ( business) later on.

5, 6% and more easily possible without much risk should do most pretty well, specially when you have a 6 figure paycheck rolling also. Nothing wrong with a money market which pays around 5% at present.

Sure you lose some quality time but it beats living on a budget and small pension for

20, 30+ years later on in life. You will be able to live quite normal and travel when and where you like

without counting your beans day to day like much of the foreigners in Thailand do. In just a few days you will be able to put more in savings than most do in a month or more for the average person, plus you will get more time off for vacations most likely.

If you are lucky like me in some ways, you will end up working your own projects later on.

Think I just earned $10 while typing this message.

Good Luck

[steveromagnino]

If you are lucky like me in some ways, you will end up working your own projects later on.

Think I just earned $10 while typing this message.

Good Luck

I think we should keep quiet.

I met a few non Thais working here as English teachers, and one said to me, 'another day, another dollar'.

Now, I am embarrased to say that I am only paid in baht, but I make considerably more than 35b per day; in fact I make considerably more than that per hour.

Now you are wading in, and saying you might make as much as 350b in the 2 minutes it took you to reply.

I urge you to keep this quiet, some others on this board, might get rather jealous :-)

Other than that, very wise words methinks.

[Khun ?]

It was about 5 minutes and only 320 bht >;0( but it all went to savings which will accure interest

[markuk]

i would think carefully, i myself have worked in some "harsh" environments where attacks and westerners are being killed, and yes i work in the security field so its part of the teritory i suppose. This said Iraq has never really seemed worth it to me and if it is going to be your first exposure to this type of environment then it may not be the most comfortable place to start, you may find you hate it and want to leave after 3 months. Theres plenty of other 'tough' places to start and get a grounding before going to Iraq, some with just as good money. Whatever you do dont base the decsion based purely on the cash!

[casmeri]

Clipped,

There are other important factors in working a remote location besides money and physical risk. I have been here in Iraq four years. First of all; it is important to be here with a well-established, experienced company that has a good relationship with coalition forces and who cares about their employees. There are plenty of companies here who do not meet that criteria. Having a side arm will do nothing to protect you from an IED, rocket or mortar attack.

There are many jerks here; chances are you will report to one. Some companies have many childish rules that defy common sense and create an oppressive work and living environment. You could be surrounded by incompetent and inexperienced personnel who got their job because of a buddy or relative. In an environment where decisions impact your personal safety; it is hard to tolerate that for long.

These are issues that affect how long you last here far more than the infrequent IDF attacks. If you are lucky, find a nice niche with a good company and great co-workers; you may actually enjoy the experience and stay long enough to build up that nest egg.

It is very easy to lose your job here; for a perceived transgression of the rules or just getting on someone's bad side or to make room for your supervisor's cousin or new brother-in-law. If you come; do not buy anything on time payments!

Calculate how much you can make where you are now if you work 14 hours a day, seven days a week and compare.

Good luck to you; maybe I will see you over here!

[pilgrim2505]

Clipped,

There are other important factors in working a remote location besides money and physical risk. I have been here in Iraq four years. First of all; it is important to be here with a well-established, experienced company that has a good relationship with coalition forces and who cares about their employees. There are plenty of companies here who do not meet that criteria. Having a side arm will do nothing to protect you from an IED, rocket or mortar attack.

There are many jerks here; chances are you will report to one. Some companies have many childish rules that defy common sense and create an oppressive work and living environment. You could be surrounded by incompetent and inexperienced personnel who got their job because of a buddy or relative. In an environment where decisions impact your personal safety; it is hard to tolerate that for long.

These are issues that affect how long you last here far more than the infrequent IDF attacks. If you are lucky, find a nice niche with a good company and great co-workers; you may actually enjoy the experience and stay long enough to build up that nest egg.

It is very easy to lose your job here; for a perceived transgression of the rules or just getting on someone's bad side or to make room for your supervisor's cousin or new brother-in-law. If you come; do not buy anything on time payments!

Calculate how much you can make where you are now if you work 14 hours a day, seven days a week and compare.

Good luck to you; maybe I will see you over here!

If you listen to nothing else listen to this post. I am fortunate not to have been sent to Iraq but constantly work in hostile environments in Afghanistan, Africa etc, if nothing else I am constantly looking at ways to avoid going to Iraq. I have lost 3 of my greatest friends in that but hole of a country and I personally consider it to be hel_l on earth there is not a more dangerous place on this planet.

If you do choose to go find out about the company that will be providing your security, find out the level of armour “your” vehicle will have, they vary from car to car and are rated using a B scaling system. find out specifically your working / accommodation locations and distance between the two. Time on roads is not fun time! If you need further information I suggest you could ask “casmeri” failing that I would be happy to help you further with company reputations etc.

Be very aware this is a dangerous place and if you don’t need the money consider alternatives. There’s no point being the richest man in the grave yard. As for walking around the streets alone just try and recall the stories of ken Bigley to name a few…

[beano2274]

Has anyone got any websites where people can find out about these so called jobs in Iraq, Afghanistan etc. Information would be appreciated.

Edited May 3, 2007 by endure
No email addresses in posts please.

[lannarebirth]

who in his right mind would want to be part of Warlord Bush and his british puppets war effort??? no money in the world is worth to be sinking that low

I suppose there are some true believers out there, but to involve yourself in war simply because it pays well is just immoral IMO.

[JimsKnight]

who in his right mind would want to be part of Warlord Bush and his british puppets war effort??? no money in the world is worth to be sinking that low

I suppose there are some true believers out there, but to involve yourself in war simply because it pays well is just immoral IMO.

I partly agree with you, but only partly.

The only big winners out of the Gulf War II aftermath are the foreign/military aid contractors and mercena- sorry I mean security operatives. Often, and this isn't a big gripe against you guys, but the head honchos of these ops tend to remind of the Offshore platform folk. Total Nepotistic wnkers who will shanghai you the first chance they get.

But money is what helps keep us alive, especially in SE asia where If you're broke your quite literally fcked!

So the boys will go aroaming back to the danger zone!

[skullyman2727]

ive recently been offered a job in Iraq..but...well you know, kinda afraid of getting shot or hit by a bomb...

has anyone ever been employed in a hostile environment?and was it worth it?

there will be a team of 50-80 security personel to 'try' and keep things secure and will be issued a personal firearm to safeguard myself...

so what do you guys think of the situation in Iraq....because if things start to settle down by next year, this is an excellent oppurtunity to get my foot in the door, or shot off.

Hello Clipped,,

A response to your question about going to Iraq. I spent 19 months there in 2003 to 2004 as a security contractor. It was an eye opener coming from 17 years as a police officer. The third day there I was catching a helo lift from Bagdad to Basra our helo was fired at from different positions and were able to get out of the area with no injuries. And I was in a number of fire fights and lost some good friends. That is the hard part for anyone. But on the good side I met some of the finest people I have ever met in my life. Also the money I made, I was able to pay for both of my sons college and my retirement. I wish you the best of luck in your decision.

All The Best,

Skullyman2727

[lannarebirth]

who in his right mind would want to be part of Warlord Bush and his british puppets war effort??? no money in the world is worth to be sinking that low

I suppose there are some true believers out there, but to involve yourself in war simply because it pays well is just immoral IMO.

I partly agree with you, but only partly.

The only big winners out of the Gulf War II aftermath are the foreign/military aid contractors and mercena- sorry I mean security operatives. Often, and this isn't a big gripe against you guys, but the head honchos of these ops tend to remind of the Offshore platform folk. Total Nepotistic wnkers who will shanghai you the first chance they get.

But money is what helps keep us alive, especially in SE asia where If you're broke your quite literally fcked!

So the boys will go aroaming back to the danger zone!

Well, it takes all kinds I guess. I used to have a civilian career (merchant marine officer) whereby a condition of receiving my license was to take an oath to support any war efforts if called upon to do so. Fortunately, that only happened once (first Gulf War) and it was not hard for me to find a replacement (chief mate) wanted to make the big money the voyages paid. Ironically,I was paid the same for working to bring all the war materials home after the war.

I'm not really sure what the war in the middle east is about, though I suspect it's just a scheme to spend as much money as possible to maintain economic growth where none might exist otherwise. While I'm generally against war, I do feel there are time when it is a necessary evil. At such times I would expect a nation would behind such an endeavour and that almost all activities would be conducted by some branch of the military. The idea of "civilian contractors" is repugnant to me.

As for the coonass toolpushers; during a point in my carreer where I wanted to make extra money in my vacation time, I took a job as master of an oil supply vessel. I had to deal with toolpushers who for whatever reason thought they had more authority than the master of an ocean going vessel. I don't envy anyone who has to work with such people.

[roderick17]

I worked in Basra for 12 months and had a ball. I left Basra last January . If you are single and have no responsibilities, what do you have to lose ?? I'd say take the challenge and see what Iraq is like for yourself

Roderick

[No beleeeeve!]

So after about five posts requesting contact information for job opportunities in Iraq, no one posted anything!

Why the secret???

I've been thinking of going myself. Between two careers, I have 27 years experience in security/investigations, and in the psychiatric/medical field. I was raised in Detroit so hearing bullets flying by is nothing new, it's how we celebrated our holidays (but of course nothing compared to Iraq, that much I know).

I'm single, no kids, I don't drink alcohol, and going through the hiring process now for corrections but always open to moving overseas for a better opportunity. Plus, I survived living in South Korea for six months! I also lived in BKK for 2.5 years which was a breeze.

I have a simple life. I train at the gym and jiu jitsu academy, read and write a lot...so living a simple life there would be normal to me. All I need is a computer and a place to workout or run. I'm an avid backpacker and rock climber so sparse conditions are fine too.

I just want a 1-5 year opportunity where I can save enough money in addition to what I already have to secure my retirement in Asia.

Again...where can I begin my job search for Iraq?????????????

Thanks in advance!

[beechguy]

So after about five posts requesting contact information for job opportunities in Iraq, no one posted anything!

Why the secret???

I've been thinking of going myself. Between two careers, I have 27 years experience in security/investigations, and in the psychiatric/medical field. I was raised in Detroit so hearing bullets flying by is nothing new, it's how we celebrated our holidays (but of course nothing compared to Iraq, that much I know).

I'm single, no kids, I don't drink alcohol, and going through the hiring process now for corrections but always open to moving overseas for a better opportunity. Plus, I survived living in South Korea for six months! I also lived in BKK for 2.5 years which was a breeze.

I have a simple life. I train at the gym and jiu jitsu academy, read and write a lot...so living a simple life there would be normal to me. All I need is a computer and a place to workout or run. I'm an avid backpacker and rock climber so sparse conditions are fine too.

I just want a 1-5 year opportunity where I can save enough money in addition to what I already have to secure my retirement in Asia.

Again...where can I begin my job search for Iraq?????????????

Thanks in advance!

You could start with L-3 Commmunications, Raytheon, or Dyncorp. I'm sure a search of job palcement firms would have others.

[Jamie]

So after about five posts requesting contact information for job opportunities in Iraq, no one posted anything!

Why the secret???

I've been thinking of going myself. Between two careers, I have 27 years experience in security/investigations, and in the psychiatric/medical field. I was raised in Detroit so hearing bullets flying by is nothing new, it's how we celebrated our holidays (but of course nothing compared to Iraq, that much I know).

I'm single, no kids, I don't drink alcohol, and going through the hiring process now for corrections but always open to moving overseas for a better opportunity. Plus, I survived living in South Korea for six months! I also lived in BKK for 2.5 years which was a breeze.

I have a simple life. I train at the gym and jiu jitsu academy, read and write a lot...so living a simple life there would be normal to me. All I need is a computer and a place to workout or run. I'm an avid backpacker and rock climber so sparse conditions are fine too.

I just want a 1-5 year opportunity where I can save enough money in addition to what I already have to secure my retirement in Asia.

Again...where can I begin my job search for Iraq?????????????

Thanks in advance!

Not sure what the problem is. All you have to do is do a search by google or yahoo etc for "Iraq jobs," "Iraq security jobs" etc etc. There should be a number of sites you can investigate. I know there are sites because I was just looking at them last week.