Not as Dangerous in Iraq for Contractors as it was?

[Pig-Pen]

I read in another part of the IIF that KBR is not paying as much to go to Iraq as thy were because some mentally retarded person in that company has decided that Iraq is not as dangerous as it used to be. Copy and past this link to your browser and decide for yourself. http://icasualties.org/oif/Civ.aspx

[firedawg2000]

Totally false information. I'm here in Iraq with KBR. Everybody's pay is just fine. Nothing has changed.

However, there are more players involved then just KBR. Other contractors are bidding on jobs with DOD at lower cost. They save the military money, but at the expense of the employee. KBR is the highest paying contractor out here as far as I know. These other little companies that are popping up every where don't even come close.

[s1rGr1nG0]

Firedawg is absolutely correct. I'm with KBR down in Kuwait and we don't get as much as they do in Iraq because they are considered in a "hot" zone. Our base pay may be the same but they get a higher percentage uplifts for being in Iraq. Other companies may pay more per month than KBR but thier contracts are shorter, no R&R, and when your contract is up there is no guarantee they will extend it.

[LakewayDaze!]

Firedawg is absolutely correct. I'm with KBR down in Kuwait and we don't get as much as they do in Iraq because they are considered in a "hot" zone. Our base pay may be the same but they get a higher percentage uplifts for being in Iraq. Other companies may pay more per month than KBR but thier contracts are shorter, no R&R, and when your contract is up there is no guarantee they will extend it.


This is correct. Depending on the job you have some companies will gaurantee you up to 15K a month. The catch is you have to complete a certain amount of work. If you don't finish you don't make as much. If it takes you 8 hours a day or 18, you have to finish so much per month. Most companies besides KBR offer 6 month contracts which is not very long in this environment. I know we work 7 days a week and 12 hours a day. I have been doing this for going on 21 months. It gets old, trust me. If I took a 6 month contrct I would basically have to start looking for a job right away because that 6 month contract is over before you know it. Things have gotten a lot better for some and worse for others. It all depends who you ask and what there gripe level is. :) I am about done. Who wants my spot? There are a lot of people on this forum in IRAQ. I am sure they can tell you some more. I don't have the patience to think right now as I am on my 11th hour and ready to go home. MRR should be clocking in soon and he will be rested. LOL

[movetopi]

I worked in Iraq for 11 months on a 1 year contract and I was making almost $11K a month. Now as you can see I was making good money. As for KBR a friend that left KBR to come to my company with better bennies then KBR and better pay then KBR was very happy to be there with my company. Now you say that you are happy to be with KBR and that is good for you but don't go around saying that they are the best company around when other can prove you wrong. and yes I got home leave every 90 days and yes I only worked 6 days a week so if you are going to say something be sure you are right in what you are saying.

[LakewayDaze!]

It's not really worth arguing about is it?? If you were happy I say great for you. Have a great day!! :drunk:

[Javabear]

I worked in Iraq for 11 months on a 1 year contract and I was making almost $11K a month. Now as you can see I was making good money. As for KBR a friend that left KBR to come to my company with better bennies then KBR and better pay then KBR was very happy to be there with my company. Now you say that you are happy to be with KBR and that is good for you but don't go around saying that they are the best company around when other can prove you wrong. and yes I got home leave every 90 days and yes I only worked 6 days a week so if you are going to say something be sure you are right in what you are saying.

I am here in Iraq with KBR now. Who was the contractor you were working for and how do I get in touch with them? $11k/month would certainly shorten the duration I would spend here.

[firedawg2000]

I worked in Iraq for 11 months on a 1 year contract and I was making almost $11K a month. Now as you can see I was making good money. As for KBR a friend that left KBR to come to my company with better bennies then KBR and better pay then KBR was very happy to be there with my company. Now you say that you are happy to be with KBR and that is good for you but don't go around saying that they are the best company around when other can prove you wrong. and yes I got home leave every 90 days and yes I only worked 6 days a week so if you are going to say something be sure you are right in what you are saying.

If you're going to compare your company to KBR and claim to be the better of the two then you should post the name of your company instead of keeping the name anonymous. I'm familiar with a lot of contractors out here and what they're paying people because the employees love to talk about it like yourself, but if you're interested in a fair comparison then you should post the name for all to see.

[garryzeno]

Can you say, ITT??? :drunk:

[firedawg2000]

ITT are low ballers. Just like Dyncorp, just like CSC, just like D&P, etc. I'm sure he's not representing ITT.

[avid]

ok guys I gotta chime in here I've been only in Kuwait not Iraq but I've been here for 2 years the first 9 months with KBR the rest with ITT I'm still with ITT.

Some facts...........

KBR
7 days a week 12 hours a day
share a small bedroom with 1 other person
share a small bathroom with 4 other people
lockdown (cannot go anywhere but work and your room) almost the full 9 months I was with them
14 days r-r total every 16 weeks
good money compared to home


ITT
6 days a week 12 hours a day
bedroom by myself
bathroom by myself
no lockdown (when I'm not at work I can do what I want where I want)
14 days r-r total every 26 weeks
WAY BETTER MONEY THAN KBR :happy64: :wave: :shhh:

[Jerry]

.... No one is chimeing in from CSA? Its it because the westreners are getting paid a little more than the TCN's? :drunk:

[Jerry]

From EAGLE or AE/COM out there... would love to hear from you Stewart & Stevenson as well... Oshkosh we all know you gig is up it was fun whule it lasted though... if its help ITT is currently doing a 700 man mass hire. www.itt.com under "Systems Division" ...oh and Eagle... you guys out on 40 need to start applying too. You didn't meet your mission and ITT is taking that too you have 2 months. Especially you guys who covered down for A E COM who just hit ground from loosing the Italy contract... Maurice, Barry, and the rest of the "European Dream Team" get your butts in gear and get over here because we got some Bradleys to do!!!


Jerry

[Jerry]

ITT are low ballers. Just like Dyncorp, just like CSC, just like D&P, etc. I'm sure he's not representing ITT.
Actually ITT is the best paying for maintenance with the most days off in Kuwait.

[s1rGr1nG0]

ok guys I gotta chime in here I've been only in Kuwait not Iraq but I've been here for 2 years the first 9 months with KBR the rest with ITT I'm still with ITT.

Some facts...........

KBR
7 days a week 12 hours a day
share a small bedroom with 1 other person
share a small bathroom with 4 other people
lockdown (cannot go anywhere but work and your room) almost the full 9 months I was with them14 days r-r total every 16 weeks
good money compared to home


ITT
6 days a week 12 hours a day
bedroom by myself
bathroom by myself
no lockdown (when I'm not at work I can do what I want where I want)
14 days r-r total every 26 weeks
WAY BETTER MONEY THAN KBR :happy64: :wave: :shhh:

What you mentioned about KBR above is not completely right. Yes, we have been on lockdown periodically. The longest was for about 7 weeks and I have been here since January of 2004. I have been back for about 4 months now and there has been NO lockdown the entire time. We pretty much come and go as we please any other time. Also, I have had a single room and bathroom to myself virtually the whole time I have been here.

As for the R&R every 26 weeks with ITT. That might be well and good for some people, but, I have a wife and 6 year old daughter at home that I want to see so working 6 months at a time with no break won't cut it for me regardless of how much they pay.

I'm not slamming ITT or any of the other contracting companies out there. I know there are good people busting thier asses everyday for them as well as KBR. We all came here for money. Some people have priorities in other areas. Hell, I have considered trying to move to ITT but looking at my current situation I decided it was better for me to stay where I'm at.

[s1rGr1nG0]

Hey Jerry, ITT does mostly maintenance type work?? What about admin and IT stuff? They have much of that? Just....curious! :D

[Jerry]

What you mentioned about KBR above is not completely right. Yes, we have been on lockdown periodically. The longest was for about 7 weeks and I have been here since January of 2004. I have been back for about 4 months now and there has been NO lockdown the entire time. We pretty much come and go as we please any other time. Also, I have had a single room and bathroom to myself virtually the whole time I have been here.

As for the R&R every 26 weeks with ITT. That might be well and good for some people, but, I have a wife and 6 year old daughter at home that I want to see so working 6 months at a time with no break won't cut it for me regardless of how much they pay.

I'm not slamming ITT or any of the other contracting companies out there. I know there are good people busting thier asses everyday for them as well as KBR. We all came here for money. Some people have priorities in other areas. Hell, I have considered trying to move to ITT but looking at my current situation I decided it was better for me to stay where I'm at.

Not to seem challanging but....

KBR does not allow you to rent a car or provide you with a Kuwait Drivers licence. Also you can not sopnser anyone in Kuwait because you can't get a civil I.D. and NBK won't let you have a bank account without a civil I.D.

You also cannot have visitors at the compounds... ITT can... overnight even :D

We also earn time and a half and over time. I will give you all one thing though... You LNO Tiwanna is the greatest.

Jerry

[Jerry]

Hey Jerry, ITT does mostly maintenance type work?? What about admin and IT stuff? They have much of that? Just....curious! :D
Actually since ITT has been around since Alexander Grahm Bell commo is thier thing. They do alot for AMC.

[s1rGr1nG0]

Not to seem challanging but....

KBR does not allow you to rent a car or provide you with a Kuwait Drivers licence. Also you can not sopnser anyone in Kuwait because you can't get a civil I.D. and NBK won't let you have a bank account without a civil I.D.

You also cannot have visitors at the compounds... ITT can... overnight even :D

We also earn time and a half and over time. I will give you all one thing though... You LNO Tiwanna is the greatest.

Jerry

Hehe, not be be challenging either, BUT...we are going through the process of getting our Visa18's right now. They are flying us to Bahrain for a day or two to get them and then back. Also, I have several friends who have rental cars. Usually several people will get together, (one or two dayshift people with one or two nightshift people), and split the cost of the car. So the bank account and rental car thing will be taken care of shortly. You are right about the no outsiders allowed in our compounds. I'm sure the Filipinos would make a bit more money if that was the case! :D

It sucks going into town for a night out then having to do 160KpH to get back before midnight!

[MasterMason]

Some of you out there might not know it but I am a long time contractor 15 Years +, almost 10 years in Kuwait (ITT and CSA) CSA SUCKS, Haiti with Brown and Root, Europe with Lockheed, Italy with Lockheed.

In my opinion all Companies dealing in Government contracts are just about the same, you get what the contract SOW and local labor laws entitle you to, and no more. It is one hell of a life but you can make a lot of Money.

All you folks in Iraq keep you heads down. I have seen to many people get complacent and not go home

The contractors in Kuwait never forget you are in a Muslim country no matter how many Shopping Malls and Mc Donald’s you see.

[MEALTICKET]

Has anyone heard if DYNCORP has medical insurance or dental insurance packages that will cover you thru R&R?

[firedawg2000]

It's true that ITT, CSC, and others give you more freedom to roam about the country. KBR treat their personnel similar to how the military treats theres. Let's be realistic though. IT'S FREAK"N KUWAIT! No booze unless you want to pay 80 bucks for bottle of JD or absolute, then you have to drink it behind close doors, you have no shot at Kuwaiti women unless you're muslim too, and the only other women are of asian decent who i personally dont find attractive at all. Not to mention no clubs or social events of any kind in public. If you like to shop at malls then maybe Kuwait would be a good country for you.

I spent a year in Kuwait and was able to pretty much go into town as I pleased, but I stayed away from the city quite often because Kuwait just flat out sucks. If the job was in Dubai or Bahrain it would be a whole different story.

[s1rGr1nG0]

It's true that ITT, CSC, and others give you more freedom to roam about the country. KBR treat their personnel similar to how the military treats theres. Let's be realistic though. IT'S FREAK"N KUWAIT! No booze unless you want to pay 80 bucks for bottle of JD or absolute, then you have to drink it behind close doors, you have no shot at Kuwaiti women unless you're muslim too, and the only other women are of asian decent who i personally dont find attractive at all. Not to mention no clubs or social events of any kind in public. If you like to shop at malls then maybe Kuwait would be a good country for you.

I spent a year in Kuwait and was able to pretty much go into town as I pleased, but I stayed away from the city quite often because Kuwait just flat out sucks. If the job was in Dubai or Bahrain it would be a whole different story.

Once again Firedawg is correct. I go into town every now and then JUST TO HAVE SOMETHING TO DO! Me being married I really can't run around chasing Filipinos and you can only see so many fake watch and pirated movie shops before even that gets old!

[avid]

What you mentioned about KBR above is not completely right. Yes, we have been on lockdown periodically. The longest was for about 7 weeks and I have been here since January of 2004. I have been back for about 4 months now and there has been NO lockdown the entire time. We pretty much come and go as we please any other time. Also, I have had a single room and bathroom to myself virtually the whole time I have been here.

As for the R&R every 26 weeks with ITT. That might be well and good for some people, but, I have a wife and 6 year old daughter at home that I want to see so working 6 months at a time with no break won't cut it for me regardless of how much they pay.

I'm not slamming ITT or any of the other contracting companies out there. I know there are good people busting thier asses everyday for them as well as KBR. We all came here for money. Some people have priorities in other areas. Hell, I have considered trying to move to ITT but looking at my current situation I decided it was better for me to stay where I'm at.

well I was with KBRtask order 58 from jan2004 to nov 2004 and on lockdown for almost the whole time actually only made it to town 4 times in that nine months and NEVER I REPEAT NEVER had a room to myself however did see lots of people that were in the buddy system did get thier own lots of things so if KBR works for you great 'cause ITT works for me and without all the kindergarten type behavior that is displayed by so many KBR people I'm not infering that twords you just my opinion of alot of the people I dealt with while I was there
J. :wave:

[s1rGr1nG0]

well I was with KBRtask order 58 from jan2004 to nov 2004 and on lockdown for almost the whole time actually only made it to town 4 times in that nine months and NEVER I REPEAT NEVER had a room to myself however did see lots of people that were in the buddy system did get thier own lots of things so if KBR works for you great 'cause ITT works for me and without all the kindergarten type behavior that is displayed by so many KBR people I'm not infering that twords you just my opinion of alot of the people I dealt with while I was there
J. :wave:

Therein lies your problem. I was also in TO 58 from January 04 until about 3 weeks ago (Retrograde). I was not part of a "buddy" system. Just got lucky on rooms when I first got there. The biggest problem in that TO, (now 87), is the powers that be micro managing it to death. It took me well over a year to get out of there and I can say without a doubt that not all TO's are run like that. There are a lot of whiners and pricks here but it's like that everywhere. You can't please everyone all of the time.

[firedawg2000]

if KBR works for you great cause ITT works for me and without all the kindergarten type behavior that is displayed by so many KBR people I'm not infering that twords you just my opinion of alot of the people I dealt with while I was there
J. :wave:

Can't argue with that. Although I had my own room, car, etc. Certain levels of management and departments get special privileges no doubt about it. I'm in HSE and I noticed I had a few extra luxuries then others. I wasn't part of the good ole boy club, that's just how it workout for me.

Hard to imagine ITT pays more and treats their employees with more respect, but if you say so then I'll take your word for it. Just hope your not being biased because you obviously have a grudge against KBR.

[avid]

[

Hard to imagine ITT pays more and treats their employees with more respect, but if you say so then I'll take your word for it. Just hope your not being biased because you obviously have a grudge against KBR.[/QUOTE]

no grudge here, infact if/when this money train runs out I'd go back to KBR if I could not find anything else that paid better. Tha fact is that at ITT I make more money $ about $1000 per month and work less hours than I did at KBR as well as getting more respect. And at the end of the day it really is about the $. :happy64:

[psychojerm]

Totally false information. I'm here in Iraq with KBR. Everybody's pay is just fine. Nothing has changed.

However, there are more players involved then just KBR. Other contractors are bidding on jobs with DOD at lower cost. They save the military money, but at the expense of the employee. KBR is the highest paying contractor out here as far as I know. These other little companies that are popping up every where don't even come close.

this is interesting. I work with one of the other major contractors and everything I ever heard about KBR as far as pay was that they were really giving their employees there the shaft. One of the lower paying companies from what I knew. Then again, no real first hand info, but I always heard stories of people over there making like 60k-70k a year with them. I'm sure that it depends on who you are though as it does with every company. We had a few people come work for us from KBR. of course those people would have negative things to say as most do when they leave a company.

i'll tell you what company I'm with in a PM if you want to know, but posting info such as this freely in public is really frowned upon for us, so I won't.

[Jspence]

The other contractors pay the employee more on average, because in most cases they are providing manpower only...or atleast mostly. KBR has the biggest contract, however the have the biggest overhead. They provide the billeting for themselves and the soldiers, as well as food, recreation, build the camps for them and so on. So they require more people and their pay won't be as good as a company with lower overhead naturally. I just got back in May and never had a problem with what I got paid. And most of the folks that worked with me made atleast 80k, mind you of course it'll be less if you take R&R's that figure is based on a complete year's worth of work. But trust me for what some of them did over there, assuming you didn't get fragged, it's the easiest 70k they ever made.....Just my experience and what I know about the different contractors over there.

Jspence

[Silver Spoon]

Anyone on here from KBR working @ Camp ***?
That's where my husband is working and the houches are not that great in # so some guys are sharing tents until one becomes available. Even then you still gotta share with a roomy and the bathroom is shared by 4. As for my Husband when he was first transferred from Camp *** all the guys were put into a tent. Not him though he was able to bunk with his buddy who had his own houch.

Where's Keith....we would all like to know the name of that "company" :rolleye03

[firedawg2000]

Anyone on here from KBR working @ Camp ***?
That's where my husband is working and the houches are not that great in # so some guys are sharing tents until one becomes available. Even then you still gotta share with a roomy and the bathroom is shared by 4. As for my Husband when he was first transferred from Camp *** all the guys were put into a tent. Not him though he was able to bunk with his buddy who had his own houch.

Where's Keith....we would all like to know the name of that "company" :rolleye03

Camp what??? It's OK to say the name. The insurgents know exactly where the camps are. They're mostly old bases for the Saddam regime so it's no big secret.

Anyway, your husbands camp sounds a lot like mine because that's the exact situation here. Hard structure living containers (hooches) are all occupied and more are supposed to be on the way (I'll believe it when I see it). In the mean time people like me have to live in tents. We're all put on a waiting list that's based on time in coutry and as soon as a hooch is freed up the next in line gets to move out of the tent.

I'm not sure what your concern is, but I hope this helps.