How To Do Just About Everything
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Thousands of Americans are being hired for US Government Contracts in Iraq, Kuwait or Afghanistan. I have been contracted on six US and one foreign government contract overseas. Things you should know and consider before taking a contract and when preparing to work in the Iraqi war zone.
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Facts about living in Iraq: Almost all US government contractors live on military bases or in secure compounds in Iraq, surrounded by concrete blast walls, guard posts, chain link fences and concertina wire (a type of barbed wire). Security is very strict with all contractors required to carry military identification cards. All travel is done by either armored convoy (with armored SUVs) or by helicopter. All contractors travelling outside of compounds wear protective body armor vests and helmets while traveling. In more dangerous locations you may be required to wear your body armor and helmets during the work day or at least have it with you. All locations are subject to mortar or rocket attacks, some occasionally, and some almost daily. Warning systems and bunkers are provided for these events
Fast Food, Iraq by Charles Buchanan
Money and Shopping: All locations have some access to a Post Exchange (PX), the Army Air Force Exchange (AFFES). The PX may be a trailer or a building. The small ones have basics like soap, deodorant, candy, sodas, magazines, books, toothpaste and just necessities. The larger the base the more that is available, to include: TVs, computers, microwaves, irons, coolers, chairs, cleaning supplies, frozen meats, BBQ grills, clothing, games, DVDs, canned food, microwave food and military souvenirs. US Contractors have access and can pay with cash, debit or credit card for items. Large PX stores will have $100 check cashing for cash, when funds are available. Local Military Finance will cash a check, if you are on your company list of authorized personnel, for $200. When they have funds available (sometimes not for weeks) you can get $20 over purchase, when checking out at the PX, if you use a debit card. You need this for spending at the local, on base, bizarre of local goods, and for on post fast food. Large bases have; Burger King, Cinnabun, Subway, Church’s Chicken, Taco Bell, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Green Bean Coffee and Baskin Robbins.
What to bring to Iraq: Bring enough clothes to cover several days wait for returned laundry. Reminder: It is extremely hot in the summer and can be pretty cold in the winter. Laundry service is covered on base contracts, but bring your own laundry bag. You must have enough prescription medicine for 90 days, if you take prescription medication. (you should also have someone back in the states that can renew and send any additional prescription medication, they are not available for refill in Iraq.) Bring enough soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream and personal items for thirty days. Although PX facilities are available, they may be out of certain items temporarily or you may not have access for a week or more. Bring your laptop, most places have internet access or you can purchase it. Bring envelopes, regular letter and card mail is free from the war zone to the US without a stamp. All mail from the US to Iraq goes to a New York address (APO) and must meet postal regulations (figure ten days to two weeks for mail). Bring sunscreen and bug repellent. I also recommend you bring an extra pillow, one set of single sheets and two pillow cases, and at least two towels.
Documents to bring: Current US Passport and a copy of your passport photo page, makes it easier to replace your passport if it is lost or stolen (kept separate from your passport. You will need this just to get into Iraq. Current social security card (most companies will want copies of this in country, so it is a good item to have). Current state driver’s license, required to drive on US military bases. And an international shot record, tell your doctor you need one, they are yellow and your doctor should fill out all shots, keep it with you and put all inoculations on it. This can save you having to repeat a series of shots. Debit card, check book, credit cards and cash. Credit cards and cash are needed for emergencies, if you have to evacuate or you have a problem during travel these will be invaluable. Copies of your current, up to date, resume, with copies of supporting documents and references with contact information. Many contracts have turnover of employees and will promote from within.
photo by Charles Buchanan
Living conditions in Iraq: Most US Government contractors in Iraq live in containerized housing. This consists of a prefabricated building made of metal with two separate bedrooms that share a flush toilet, sink and bath. You may be in similar quarters with a joint shower and bath unit located close by. In more primitive remote sites you may live in a tent with wooden floors and walls. All living accommodations for US Government Contractors will be air conditioned. Typically you have a desk, a chair, a single bed with mattress and some type of wardrobe for your clothes. Power is 220 and will burn up American 110 appliances, like your hairdryer or DVD player. The PX usually has 220 / 110 appliances but check the box. American items usually need a voltage regulator, again available at the PX. You also need to make certain you use a surge protector on all electrical items. Power has a tendency to go out unpredictably, on generators.
photo by Charles Buchanan
Recreation: You will be a captive audience in Iraq. No one goes outside the safety of the bases without a good reason and security. You do have free MWR facilities (Morale Welfare and Recreation) on all the bases. This goes from Red Cross free books, cards and letter materials, to recreation centers with free to use computers (internet cafes), phone banks (you pay) and free pool tables, cards, TV, DVD checkout and sports programs. AFN (Armed Forces Network) is available for a charge at most bases and is free at recreation centers and dining facilities. Larger camps have swimming pools, hold sports rallies, have USO shows, may have a movie theater and hold events on base, they may also have a continuing education center for online education.
Food: US Contractors in Iraq will usually eat at a Military Dining Facility. The food is good and plentiful with a great variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, entrées and desserts, the larger the dining facility the bigger the variety. Steak, lobster, shrimp, hamburgers, chicken and fish are regularly served. The PX also offers meats for BBQ and sandwiches, frozen entrees for your microwave and a full line of non alcoholic beer and drinks. Alcohol is illegal in the war zone to US Contractors and US Military personnel in Iraq, as part of the US Government contracting agreement.
tanks photo by Charles Buchanan
Living and working in Iraq can have its challenges but can be rewarding in both the satisfaction of supporting our troops and in many cases working with and directly helping the Iraqi people. I hope the information here helps you have a smooth transition to working in Iraq.
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