How to get a job in a warzone.

This is probably this most common question I get. "How do I get in?". This is as complex a question as the people that ask. It depends on your background, length of experience and the conditions on the ground.

For example, right now it is fairly easy to get on at Fluor or KBR in Afghanistan due to it ramping up. In Iraq however it is getting more difficult due to the impending drawdown of military and contractor forces. If you are a skilled indivual holding a license (electrician, engineer, lawyer, architect, medical (doctor, nurse, etc) you will find it much easier. If you have been putting off taking that journeman electrician test, now would be a good time to do so.

One thing that has changed with the economy, is that the companies can be choosier as the amount of resumes has increased. One thing that has not changed is that the job sucks, you will be a long way from home, generally working 80+ hours, 7 days, month in month out. You measure time by how long you have till R&R and dred the flight back. This is hard to explain to folks that haven't experienced it either in military or prior civilian contracting.

It is the hardest thing to get used to, the constant grind of mind-numbing work. Work that you would have an admin or less do at home you do yourself in the warzone. Mainly because the choice of top administrative help is slim due to the conditions. Also because the government or the companies that employ are never staffed to 100%, usually in the 70-80 pct range.

So what do you do? How do you get noticed? Believe me, one you have to be patient. A normal quick response is 2-3 weeks and two you have to be persisent. Keep applying for the same and similar jobs. What happens oftentimes as the flood comes in and they pick the top few for a specific position and then the rest get filed away never to be looked at again. When a new opening comes up, they go to the most recent pool of applicants. If you haven't applied again you won't get picked up. You have to be both patient and persistent, otherwise forget it. One fact is true, they don't care about you, your experience may be the most extensive in your particular field, but when it comes to wartime contracting all are the same, just a number to fill a slot. Keep that in mind and you will do much better.

Blackhawk Trip - LOUD

WARNING - TURN DOWN YOUR SOUND

Expat Warzone Life

The purpose of this blog is to provide insight for folks interested in working in the warzone (Iraq/Afghanistan) and provide a real gauge on what to expect, especially for those who have not served in the military. This can be a very rewarding experience both personally and financially and provide future resume and career potential as well. Despite the myths, contractors in war zones on average make 100k per year. That is on average. Of course there are those that make 400k, but those are few and far between. In general, a skilled trade (master electrician, plumber, etc) can expect to make 120-150k per year. There is a tax benefit which will be discussed later, but that should be the expectation. Later I'll followup with more detail on relative pay expectations for trades and other professional skills. These will be relative and give you an idea if it's worth it for you or not.

The security situation since 911 particularly has increased the requirement the government has placed on US expact contractors. Specifically, all US expats and some foreign nationals working in the warzone or most other government contractors now have to undergo pretty invasive background screening. This typically starts with completing the SF85P form or possibly the SF86 thru e-Qip. So many folks have asked me about whether they would pass the background check based on their situation. It's complicated and really depends on the individual.

I've known guys with felonies on their record (more than 7 years ago) that were able to get cleared. Some pretty serious felonies actually. That is something to consider prior to quitting your job. If you have any of those types of issues you may want to consider this. I know Fluor and KBR both have a pretty sophisticated prescreening system now. It wouldn't hurt you to be honest with the security folks and lay out your situation. They will tell you what they think. Worst case is they say 'no chance'. It's better than quitting your job and then ending up losing this one to because the background check comes back 'unfavorable'.

I have seen this happen more than once. A guy seems squeeky clean and shows up for processing, obviously knowing he has an issue but hoping no one will find out. They will. Trust me, they will. So, if you have unpaid child support arrears, felonies within 7 years, DUI's, etc make sure you take care of these items before trying for this type of job! You are wasting your time if you don't because it could exclude you from future work, especially if you lie on the SF85p, SF85 or SF86 questionnaires. Be mindful of this and be honest both with the security folk and yourself to save yourself a lot of heartache.