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[maliaeden]

My husband and I are thinking about him going to Iraq/Kuwait/Afghanistan etc. We aren't sure where to begin. From the posts I've seen so far, there is a lot of disagreement about which companies are worth a darn.
He used to be a plant manager at a smaller local sand plant, now he runs a backhoe digging foundations. (He's the best in the region;) - fastest & cleanest digs! lol) He makes about 60K here in the Midwest.
We have 2 little ones and we're trying to figure out if this is the way to make it to where he can be home more. Currently he works about 85 hours a week, coming home to sleep after the kids are in bed and leaving before they are awake, generally. We think this may be a short term solution, to cut down on the bills we have to pay (if the house payment is gone, that makes it a lot easier!). Yes, we understand it is a year, and it is dangerous, etc. But is the pay really that much better than what he makes now? And what is the first 80K tax free thing about? It's hard to find out any info, since I have no idea where to start. Any help? Thanks, Savannah

[MEALTICKET]

Things would be alot easier for you all. I reccomend both of you check out www.KBRJOBS.COM
It's pretty simple the tax laws over seas state you can make 80k tax free upon not returning to the states but 35 days a year in the US. Meaning you can't come back but 35 days to the US but can go to anyother country for how ever long you would like!

[apostle]

Originally Posted by maliaeden

My husband and I are thinking about him going to Iraq/Kuwait/Afghanistan etc. We aren't sure where to begin. From the posts I've seen so far, there is a lot of disagreement about which companies are worth a darn.
He used to be a plant manager at a smaller local sand plant, now he runs a backhoe digging foundations. (He's the best in the region;) - fastest & cleanest digs! lol) He makes about 60K here in the Midwest.
We have 2 little ones and we're trying to figure out if this is the way to make it to where he can be home more. Currently he works about 85 hours a week, coming home to sleep after the kids are in bed and leaving before they are awake, generally. We think this may be a short term solution, to cut down on the bills we have to pay (if the house payment is gone, that makes it a lot easier!). Yes, we understand it is a year, and it is dangerous, etc. But is the pay really that much better than what he makes now? And what is the first 80K tax free thing about? It's hard to find out any info, since I have no idea where to start. Any help? Thanks, Savannah

I'll put in my two cents here. Yes go to the website, put in the resume, etc. But, there are some things you need to get in writing before you sign up and you need to check with a cpa with international experience. Someone who does overseas contractors returns. One thing I have seen over here is the seperation of families. When I first got here in 03/04 there were many family member teams. But they have split a lot of them up. So if you and your husband want to be in the same place together that needs to be guaranteed in writing, not a verbal promise from someone in Houston. The caution about the cpa is this: I am not sure your household would qualify for the Section 911 code. It is the one that is for the 80,000 limit of non-taxable income. I don't know one way or the other but it would be something to make sure of before you make the decision to come over. If you work for KBR it is relatively safe. Another company will absolutely pay more, but safety might be wanting. Just my 2 cents worth.

[trancemynd]

I, too am also looking into it and am new, and pretty much my whole background is IT work. I havent seen too many post on it, and i have applied, but does anyone have any info on IT jobs over there?

Thanks

[J-boy]

Originally Posted by trancemynd

I, too am also looking into it and am new, and pretty much my whole background is IT work. I havent seen too many post on it, and i have applied, but does anyone have any info on IT jobs over there?

Thanks

Lots of 'em.


Thing is some companies are switching to subcontracting to TCN companies to save on labor.

[paganiniraq]

Originally Posted by maliaeden

My husband and I are thinking about him going to Iraq/Kuwait/Afghanistan etc. We aren't sure where to begin. From the posts I've seen so far, there is a lot of disagreement about which companies are worth a darn.
He used to be a plant manager at a smaller local sand plant, now he runs a backhoe digging foundations. (He's the best in the region;) - fastest & cleanest digs! lol) He makes about 60K here in the Midwest.
We have 2 little ones and we're trying to figure out if this is the way to make it to where he can be home more. Currently he works about 85 hours a week, coming home to sleep after the kids are in bed and leaving before they are awake, generally. We think this may be a short term solution, to cut down on the bills we have to pay (if the house payment is gone, that makes it a lot easier!). Yes, we understand it is a year, and it is dangerous, etc. But is the pay really that much better than what he makes now? And what is the first 80K tax free thing about? It's hard to find out any info, since I have no idea where to start. Any help? Thanks, Savannah

A lot depends on who your husband hires on with but he won't make the 100k or so yearly, some like to claim. At best he'll make maybe 20-25k more than he makes now and for that he has to be away from his family for most of the year, work 12 hour days minimum, 7 days a week, for at least 4 months without a break, work in the desert heat that hits 140F+, rainy seasons that drop to 35F, a supervisor/foreman that couldn't be trusted to manage a BK or MacDonalds back home but is put in charge of people in a war zone.
Once he sends money home to support his family, mortgage, etc, allows a little extra for himself for a few luxuries, covers additional R&R costs, PX trips, phone cards, etc....you might be fortunate to come out with 15K more than he makes now......but the odds are against it.
Your mortgage will not be eliminated in one year.....no matter how hard he works. The divorce rate is extremely high, the living conditions are barely that, phone or computer use usually requires a long wait........
Then there's the danger, as most bases still get mortared and suicide bombers still try to crash the gates.
Look into his face tonight while he sleeps......then ask yourself if you, or your babies, could ever live without him.