Seriously considering taking a job in Iraq.

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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
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I have an offer to take a contract position in Iraq working for USAID on a security/logistics program. The contract is for 1 year with an option to extend after 6 months.I would have to take a leave of absense from my regular job, not be able to see my wife (not really a problem as she is in the military), probably hurt my advancement here etc. On the upside, it looks like really valuable and interesting work in a very crucial area.
 
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conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
3
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Hope all of your clothes are made of kevlar.



errr...yeah...that's what I meant! :D
 
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Ulfwald

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
May 27, 2000
8,646
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76
Go for it. How many people can actually say they helped to rebuild a country?
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
Originally posted by: conjur
Hope all of your clothes are made of teflon.
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There has only been 1 US contracter killed in Iraq so far. Besides, I am 25. I haven't convinced myself emotionally that I can die yet. (as opposed to logically)
 
Red Dawn

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
3
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Why put yourself in Harms Way to rebuild that sh!thole? The people there won't appreciate you and you would make for an excellent target.
 
dabuddha

dabuddha

Lifer
Apr 10, 2000
19,579
17
81
Originally posted by: Red Dawn
Why put yourself in Harms Way to rebuild that sh!thole? The people there won't appreciate you and you would make for an excellent target.
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Agreed.
 
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Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
27,631
5
81
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Originally posted by: conjur
Hope all of your clothes are made of teflon.
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I think you meant Kevlar...
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No, no, this way he's covered in nonstick coating! Perfect for all his cooking needs!

They could fry all the eggs they wanted to on his washboard abs.
 
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Rogue

Banned
Jan 28, 2000
5,774
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I've considered the same actually. Hell, $250,000 in less than a year will pay off all my bills and let me go to school full time to finish my degree. My recommendation to you is to buy body armor and wear it discretely over there. You will spend a pretty penny on the best stuff, but it's thinner, lighter and provides good protection.
 
Kadarin

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
Originally posted by: Red Dawn
Why put yourself in Harms Way to rebuild that sh!thole? The people there won't appreciate you and you would make for an excellent target.
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I agree as well.
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
Originally posted by: Rogue
I've considered the same actually. Hell, $250,000 in less than a year will pay off all my bills and let me go to school full time to finish my degree. My recommendation to you is to buy body armor and wear it discretely over there. You will spend a pretty penny on the best stuff, but it's thinner, lighter and provides good protection.
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I have to admit the truck full of money is playing a part in my deliberations. Tax free as well if I last at least 8 months in country.
 
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fatbaby

Banned
May 7, 2001
6,427
1
0
Originally posted by: Rogue
I've considered the same actually. Hell, $250,000 in less than a year will pay off all my bills and let me go to school full time to finish my degree. My recommendation to you is to buy body armor and wear it discretely over there. You will spend a pretty penny on the best stuff, but it's thinner, lighter and provides good protection.
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I concur. Theres nothing that provides a sense of security better than this. And its cheaper than a lexus too!
 
Nitemare

Nitemare

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
35,461
4
81
Make sure you have a good life insurance policy, some of the people over there really don't like Americans ;)


I'd advise against it and I'm sure your wife will as well. She's too young to be a widow.

Will you get to carry a weapon to defend yourself?
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
I'm not really worried about getting killed (more worried about getting maimed actually). I could get killed or injured any day walking down the street. Fear IMHO should not be the guiding or deciding factor behind major decisions.

My wife actually said go for it (she is also the one who spent last summer in Columbia where thier is a bounty on US officers).

I am more worried about what it will mean for me when I get back, and whether I will actually do usefull work. I am not too impressed by the stories I am hearing from people who just returned about USAID. They seem to be ....uncoordinated to put it mildly.

I have no information about where I would be specifically, and what our personal protection measures/capabilities will be.
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
Originally posted by: dquan97
Originally posted by: Broohaha
how much scratch we talkin here? and what would you be doin over there?
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I don't have firm details on what it will all come to with travel, expenses, allowances etc...but conservatively something over 100k tax free mostly if I stay for 8 months. I will be working for USAID in security and logistics work.
 
CPA

CPA

Elite Member
Nov 19, 2001
30,322
4
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I'm interested as how you got this job, as in how you applied and such.
 
Babbles

Babbles

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2001
8,253
14
81
I would go for it if I were you.

Once in a lifetime opportunity. Hell if they need analytical chemists I would go for it as well.
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
Originally posted by: CPA
I'm interested as how you got this job, as in how you applied and such.
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Word of mouth from a former coworker who works for the contractor. E-Mailed resume, and two interviews and a BI so far. not really that hard.
 
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