11 Dec 08 - Questions

11 Dec 08 - Questions

I do get questions in the comments at times and unless I connect via my personal PC in my hooch, I can't reply.  So I'll try to reply/inform to few questions here.  First, I'm a contractor. A contractor is a civilian who works for the Army here through a company.  Contractors work for the Army directly or indirectly and get paid by their respective companies.  There are also DAX here. DAX are civilians directly employed by the Army (GS types). They are civilians who work for the Army and get paid by the Army.  There are also military personnel here (of course). From my informal survey, I'd say 1/3 to 1/2 of all Contractors and DAX are former military. I'm ex-Navy.

 

People have asked about how to get a job over here (What are you Crazy!) My best recommendation is to google 'jobs in Iraq' or 'jobs in Afghanistan'.  But seriously, are you Crazy! (and yes, I am crazy)

 

The intent of this blog is to provide a description and some pictures (pics) of what a contractor can experience at a large Army base in Iraq.  This is only one view point as conditions can vary significantly from base to base.  I try not provide my opinion or how I 'feel' or how I think others may 'feel' about being over here.  For the most part everyone over here is to do a job, not to make any political statement.

 

Please DO realize that Balad is a large base and comes with some good amenities (a PX, post office, DFAC with hot food, sidewalks, etc.)  There are probably about a hundred smaller (sometimes very small) FOBs (Forward Operational Base) and outposts in Iraq that have none of these comforts.  Those guys (military and civilian contractors) live in tents, eat MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and walk in the mud when it rains (sidewalks are nice!)  I've been at a few FOBs so I really enjoy being at Balad.

 

My work schedule is 7 AM to 7 PM, every day.  And yes, that means every single day.  Some contractors have one day off a week.  It's in their contract.  The DAX at the command where I work, have 1/2 of Sunday off.  For military and DAX any time off is at the discretion of their Commander.  If one is sick you can of course take a sick day off but in 3.5 years of being in Iraq, I've never been sick, ever.

 

On all of the bases I've been at in Iraq the Army has built very few 'hard structures'.  Just about all the buildings at Balad were already here (compliments of the Iraqi Air Force).  After the invasion, the US Army just moved in. So we're fortunate to have two pools, a movie theater and gymnasium as these were already here.  Even the aircraft hangers were already here (built by Yugoslavians in the 80's).  The only 'hard structure' that I can think of that the Army has built here has been the DFAC.

 

Another question has been what do I pay for? In short, not much.  Food at the DFAC is free, housing is free, gas is free, mailing letters is free (only letters are free), the movie theater is free, the gym is free and flying on milair (military aircraft) is free.  In short, one can get around here on a daily basis never needing any cash.  Now Taco Bell DOES charge as do all the junk food places and mailing haji movies does cost me (and I'm happy to pay).  And if you want popcorn with your movie, you'll pay for that as well. And anything you buy at the PX (general store) will of course cost.

 

Finally I'll end this post with if you've read this far, you deserve a reward.  I mention 'haji movies' above and haji movies are simply illegal copies of regular movies.  Some are 'DVD quality' (which I'll buy) and some are 'theater quality' (think guy in a trench coat sneaking a camcorder in to the theater back home, and I don't buy these).  If you'd like a 'haji movie' or two, just leave a comment on the blog here and your email and I'll contact you and get your address.  I'm Happy to do this for you since you've visited my blog and hey, I already get a lot of free stuff compliments of the US taxpayer.

R/Chris