Jumping off into a Warzone Job

So.. You think you want to take on a new adventure? Roll off into the sunset and see the world? Live like a soldier for a while? Do your part for your country? Show your true grit?

All are great ambitions, and frankly most of us veteran warzone contractors have thought some or all of these things. We all have different motivations for going off to do this type of work and really, it's not that important, but certainly knowing your motivations behind doing this work will help you to survive it.

What do I mean by that, well if you're getting into this because maybe your an adventure hound... Well, you could find that in this type of work. Or, you could become incredibly bored because in some places and locations it's 99.9% boredom and safe and you'll probably wash out fast. So, finding the right job in the right location that matches your motivations is very important.

If you're the adventurous type you may want to consider work in the trades doing construction work. These jobs are usually, not always, at locations that are ramping up or tearing down. There will be in locations most likely that will have limited resources, you will live rough, showers may be a luxury, MRE's common.

Or.. if you want to do your part for your country, but aren't that interested in the adventure part you could enlist in the army maybe? Or, possibly you're over the age limit and have say asthma? Still want to do your part? Well, there is a place for you too must likely over there. Possibly you are an accountant.. lots of those jobs in the warzone. You could go work in payroll in Baghdad or in materials in Bagram. Lot's of opportunity.

All of these thoughts are to identify the fact that it is important to try and understand your own motivations for going to the warzone. I'm not knocking or glorifying any of these reasons, all are noble and necessary in this environment, but it's important for your own longevity to understand what your motivations are and match them to the job type as closely as possible.

Another item to understand that I have discussed before is that the programs and projects 'over there' are far larger than any one individual or group of individuals. You will find that you may even make a significant impact while you are there, but when you are gone you will likely not be remembered at all. It's just the way it is. The quicker you can truly understand this the easier things may be on you as you go in and out.

The other thing to remember is, there is no loyalty in this business. We are all a number and you must watch out for yourself. There are lots of companies there, but for most of them you are nothing more than a 'contract employee' at best. Typically you are not even directly employed by the contractor you work for but thru a third party company or subsidiary. That should tell you how they think about you. Again, just the way it is. So with that in mind understand that even though you are probably loyal to those you work with, the company as a whole is not loyal to you. And.. contrary to popular belief even the most senior managers on the largest contract, Logcap are all contract employees with the same benefits as those that work for them and with the same contract mindset.

So, as a whole, take a good inventory of your motivations for this work and you're life will be much easier there. It's very difficult to do this, especially if you've never done this work before and you have nothing to compare it to. Read a lot, read this blog and others on say indeed.com and dangerzonejobs.com that will give you a good bit of info as well.