LOGCAP IV INFO

This is also for ITT

Blacksnake-thanks for info. Are they any tests at GV-medical, physical,or written that could keep someone from going to Afghanistan?

Sparky in White Lake, Michigan said: Blacksnake-thanks for info. Are they any tests at GV-medical, physical,or written that could keep someone from going to Afghanistan?

Great question Sparky. I am curious myself.

jjamesbarnes in Jacksonville, Florida said: Great question Sparky. I am curious myself.

Where r u in the process? Just started clearance process, who knows how long before I get to GV, I'll just have to wait and see! Good luck to you!!

I can only speak for Itt processing,but I am pretty sure they and fluor process together,I know Electricians have to take a test,but heavy equipment/Truck drivers do not(my husbands skill),you will do LOTS OF COMPUTER WORK,Learning about the country you are going to ,taking a few Military quizzes,but they are easy,if you pay attention!!! I am waiting for position approval from ITT,as soon as it comes down,I will be sent a link to schedule my medical and dental,which is the last thing i have left to do,They make the appointments,you go to there Dr's,The medical is pretty straight forward,no eating after midnight,blood,x-rays,if you are over 40-ekg,take all meds you currently take so it can be documented,very important,I am excited,cannot wait to go,was in Iraq,with KBR,last summer,we all know what happened there!!!When you get the call to go and finish up all this,DO NOT OVER-PACK,You can send a trunk over and it will get there in about 2 weeks(again speaking from experience) My husband is in a conex,with 2 other guys,VERY TIGHT QUARTERS!!!,so,don't take the kitchen sink!(lLOL),BUY some good rubber boots,he got a great pair at tractor supply,a little pricey,but he said they keep his feet dry,he does also have 2 prs of steel-toes,1 he took,the other mailed in the trunk,if i can help anybody in any way-jacy.piong@yahoo.com

Sparky in White Lake, Michigan said: Where r u in the process? Just started clearance process, who knows how long before I get to GV, I'll just have to wait and see! Good luck to you!!

Thanks Sparks,

All my medical and dental was complete early February, sent finger prints 2nd week of February then heard nothing until this past Thursday when I Got a SF86 Packet emailed. Accrording to the HR gut several weeks ago guy my SF85P was in industrial securety then I get this email saying I was nominated to apply for the SF86 for what thats worth. I was suprised at the amount of questions they asked even about ex wife. I spent a lot of time calling my references informing them that they may be getting a call then of course they had plenty of questions as well.

Hi I am currently working for DynCorp. I heard they have a contract with Fluor saying they will not hire anyone working in Afghanistan. Has anyone else heard about this conflict of interest contract are is there away to get around it. The contract is up in July and the rumors are going around like always about KBR is was granted the new contract. Any ideas on which direction to go with this?

cjfam in Houston, Texas said: Hi I am currently working for DynCorp. I heard they have a contract with Fluor saying they will not hire anyone working in Afghanistan. Has anyone else heard about this conflict of interest contract are is there away to get around it. The contract is up in July and the rumors are going around like always about KBR is was granted the new contract. Any ideas on which direction to go with this?

Rumor i believe, I would ask Salty Dog or Gone Fishing they have there ears to the ground over there and they may know more about this.

What is the avg salary for security officers does anyone know

cjfam in Houston, Texas said: Hi I am currently working for DynCorp. I heard they have a contract with Fluor saying they will not hire anyone working in Afghanistan. Has anyone else heard about this conflict of interest contract are is there away to get around it. The contract is up in July and the rumors are going around like always about KBR is was granted the new contract. Any ideas on which direction to go with this?

The agreement is between Fluor and ITT, not DynCorp. ITT is one of Fluor's subs. I wouldn't stress to much about those contract rumors, both Fluor and ITT should have this for another couple of years. The government now realized how painful a transition can be and is not anxious to repeat it.

WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE WORKING OVER THERE IN AFGHANISTAN? HOW DANGEROUS IS IT? DO THE WORKERS GET HURT AT ALL?

bella42704 in Wilmington, North Carolina said: WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE WORKING OVER THERE IN AFGHANISTAN? HOW DANGEROUS IS IT? DO THE WORKERS GET HURT AT ALL?

It's a WAR zone think about it!!!!!

bella42704 in Wilmington, North Carolina said: WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE WORKING OVER THERE IN AFGHANISTAN? HOW DANGEROUS IS IT? DO THE WORKERS GET HURT AT ALL?

My husband has spent nights in the bunker, it happems enough that it is just routine now. But thank God in 3 years so far he has never been hurt.

IS IT REALLY THAT BAD? I MEAN, I CAN'T EVEN FATHOM WHAT IS IT GONNA BE LIKE OVER THERE.

The biggest danger is not paying attention to your surrondings,and the Boredom.You work 7 days a week,12 hr shifts,you have mwr,but sometimes you are to tired to go,internet is all right,you cannot download much,But if you go over with a positive attitude,and be nice to everybody(don't mean to sound all polly-anna here),but really,you are thrown in a mix of all countries,and you are a foreigner as well as most everybody else. It can get pretty scary,if you don't like being in a room with a bunch of people sleeping,sharing a bathroom thet sometimes runs out of hot water,or just runs out,smells you don't know what it is,sand,bugs,heat,the food is good i will say that,I love it,my husband is happy,the money is good,the people you meet become friends for life,but as they said,it is a war zone,and you must be able to wrap your head around that before you even think about trying it.

DO ALOT OF THESE WORKERS GET HURT? OR KILLED?

BLACKSNAKE, HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR HUSBAND BEEN THERE? WAS IT HARD FOR YOU IN THE BEGINNING? I HAVE 3 KIDS AT HOME AND IT WILL BE JUST US. NOT SURE HOW WE ARE GOING TO DEAL BUT I GUESS WE WILL JUST HAVE TO GET USED TO IT. NOT ONLY DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HIS SAFETY, I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT OURS.

Bella, Please enough of the CAPS. We will answer your questions.

I received an email from industrial security saying that they are waiting on the government to approve my CAC card. Then they sent a email saying my investigation is pending adjudication from government. I signed my offer letter on feb. 4, 2011. How long does this take and does it go a little faster if they are reviewing a recent background check. They said they weren't reviewing my sf85 they were reviewing a recent one? Anybody know what any of this means?
G a

Seriously not trying to sound like a smart ass but this is a combat zone. expect combat situations. If it does not happen then it is a good day. That is how I prepared my family. And from reading most of the posts on here I get the same thing from most of the people on here. From the sounds of it most of us are veterans and do not expect any thing less than a hot FOB. My family is prepared that way. Sorry do not mean to sound harsh but that is how I prepared my family and most of my friends over their have said the same thing.

Gone Fishing in Forsyth, Georgia said: Bella, Please enough of the CAPS. We will answer your questions.

Too funny...you read my mind. Something about reading in all caps, makes me a little jumpy!

Sorry Gone Fishing. Typing in all caps is a bad habit of mine.

Thanks for the reality check. And I apoligize if my questions are bothering anyone. But I am not accustomed to any of this. My husband is not a vet so this is all new to me. Just trying to prepare myself (if possible). I'm sure the recruiter does not give you all the grisly details. I thought if I asked people on here I would get the reality of it all.

Bella,
There has been something like 1100 civilian contractors killed in the last 10 years. Yes, it can be dangerous, if you stay here long enough you will have a close call. Like Blacksnake mentioned, you have to pay attention to your surroundings. The danger doesn't always come form outside the camp. We have had interpreters carry bombs into chow halls and blow themselves up, just last summer there was a Afghan National Army soldier turn on his trainers and open fire. Two MPRI contractors died before it was over.

Pay attention, know who belongs and who doesn't, and don't do anything that will increase your risk and you will be OK.

These jobs can be very dangerous and also very rewarding, and not just because of the money. The money brings you here the job keeps you here. You will have to sit through presentations when you are processing, pay attention they aren't giving you the information as a waste of time.

Does anyone know who beat out CSA in kuwait? About a year ago I almost went and worked with them decided not to though.

Bella, I've been in country for over 2 months now...first time overseas working on LOGCap project. So far it has been exciting being in another country and supporting our fellow military. You do hear alot of things going on...it is a combat zone..but if you really think about it, danger is everywhere. You can get in a car accident back in the States or get robbed at gunpoint..(at least where I'm from). Logcap is not for everybody, living conditions are poor to some people. I'm a construction worker (electrician) back in the States, so I'm use to being out on the road, renting out crappy rooms to save a buck. We are all out here for our own reasons..but one thing is clear...you are taking risks, and sacrificing family to be overhere.

It is very hard in the beginning,just getting used to the quiet,I have no children at home,the have all flown the nest.My husband and i worked together for 15 yrs,24/7 I was with him,so when he left,it was a shock to the system. Now,a year later,I have been to Iraq,i am home,getting ready to go to Afghanistan,where he is,but i will not be with him. The best advice i can give you,is,spend lots of time with your man,do not ask alot of questions,as far as people getting killed or hurt,the vibe will come off to him,and make him edgy even before he gets there,It is a good thing y'all are doing,it will get easier,the time flies,it really does.Pack him light,send a trunk,and send care packages once a month,stay positive,for yourself,children and most important for him. he does not want to do this anymore than you want him to,but,sadly,this is what it has come down to. I miss my Husband,I have bad days ,well all do here in the states,and over there,but to make it easy,smile.

Blacksnake in Winston Salem, North Carolina said: It is very hard in the beginning,just getting used to the quiet,I have no children at home,the have all flown the nest.My husband and i worked together for 15 yrs,24/7 I was with him,so when he left,it was a shock to the system. Now,a year later,I have been to Iraq,i am home,getting ready to go to Afghanistan,where he is,but i will not be with him. The best advice i can give you,is,spend lots of time with your man,do not ask alot of questions,as far as people getting killed or hurt,the vibe will come off to him,and make him edgy even before he gets there,It is a good thing y'all are doing,it will get easier,the time flies,it really does.Pack him light,send a trunk,and send care packages once a month,stay positive,for yourself,children and most important for him. he does not want to do this anymore than you want him to,but,sadly,this is what it has come down to. I miss my Husband,I have bad days ,well all do here in the states,and over there,but to make it easy,smile.

WHAT TYPE OF TRUNK DO YOU SEND? ARE THERE SPECIAL ONES? NOT JUST A REGULAR POSTAL BOX? AND WHAT TYPE OF STUFF SHOULD I HOLD BACK TO MAIL LATER? ANY OTHER BIG TIPS? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND UNDERSTANDING. I NEEDED SOMEONE THAT UNDERSTANDS. MY FAMILY IS NOT BIG ON THE IDEA AT ALL SO I CAN'T TALK TO THEM.

ARE YOU A CONTRACT WORKER ALSO?

e-mail me at jacy.piong@yahoo.com,I will give you list after list of stuff you can use,or not,but i found it helpful

Help, need advice on R&R flights! My husband just arrived in country last week so we are a ways off from our first R&R. I was using expedia and research prices to get an idea. It looks like booking round trip is going to be much more cost effective as well as booking during midweek. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

I've always used cheaptickets.com I dont know if the prices are the same but thats what i have always used.

DOESN'T THE COMPANY PAY FOR THE FLIGHTS FOR R&R?

bella42704 in Wilmington, North Carolina said: DOESN'T THE COMPANY PAY FOR THE FLIGHTS FOR R&R?

Depends on the company. Most give you an allowance that reimburses you. They don't book them or make reservations.

They do,I used kayak when he came in in Dec,on tuesday it is the best day to book,the cheapest make sure you get the insurance,it was around 75.00,but worth it peace of mind,our round trip w/insurance was 1000.00

chatterbox in Goose Creek, South Carolina said: Help, need advice on R&R flights! My husband just arrived in country last week so we are a ways off from our first R&R. I was using expedia and research prices to get an idea. It looks like booking round trip is going to be much more cost effective as well as booking during midweek. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

I check a couple of the websites, most of the time end up with expedia. Just paid $1247 for the non-stop to Atlanta then a short jump home even though I hate that non-stop flight (15hours 50 min). American and United tend to be the cheapest, but i'll pay the extra not to go through London. You other layover options are Paris and Amsterdam. My favorite is the KLM Amsterdam stop, it's only a 2 hour layover, then on to Atlanta, flight time is the same as the non-stop. You get Delta miles on KLM and it's a nicer flight than the Delta one.

Blacksnake in Winston Salem, North Carolina said: They do,I used kayak when he came in in Dec,on tuesday it is the best day to book,the cheapest make sure you get the insurance,it was around 75.00,but worth it peace of mind,our round trip w/insurance was 1000.00

Good point about the insurance, but if you ever get delayed coming out of Afghanistan, don't mention it to them. The insurance is null and void if the reason you missed your flight was because you were in a war zone. A buddy just had to use his insurance because of weather here, and they didn't ask where he was coming from.

I signed my offer letter the 18th of Feb in 2010.....Patiently waiting. I'm finally heading to GV on the 20th of March. I had no idea this process could take this long!

Hey I have a few questions. I am divorced and I have a son. I have arranged for his care if I decide to go our of country to work.
As a Refrigeration and HVAC Tech I work for the state of WA now. I work for the National Guard and have my CAC card and a low level security clearance, from working in crypto room and weapons Vaults.
What might I expect to be paid and is there a demand?
I have my passoprt and CAC card and a few other licences. How easy would it be to get hired.
I am 31 today. my son is seven. I can change his standard of living for the rest of his life if I went for three years. I am getting layed off in June. so I am screwed any way. Would it be worth it for me to.
I understand the risks and I figure I can get hurt walking to my mail box. or killed when I go to Seattle.
Thanks for all the help. Jake

Gone Fishing in Forsyth, Georgia said: I check a couple of the websites, most of the time end up with expedia. Just paid $1247 for the non-stop to Atlanta then a short jump home even though I hate that non-stop flight (15hours 50 min). American and United tend to be the cheapest, but i'll pay the extra not to go through London. You other layover options are Paris and Amsterdam. My favorite is the KLM Amsterdam stop, it's only a 2 hour layover, then on to Atlanta, flight time is the same as the non-stop. You get Delta miles on KLM and it's a nicer flight than the Delta one.

I agree 100 percent. Amsterdam Schipol is one of the best airports in the world.Paris sucks big time. It is great to walk around stretch your legs and have a good extra cold beer.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I was wondering if it was preferable to have a non-stop or one-stop flight. I guess it all depends on the traveler. My husband is a smoker so I would imagine he would appreciate a smoke break! I did see that there was an option for alayover in Washington or Atlanta so that might not be so bad. I am going to check out kayak.com too. So far I think we are looking @ about $1400. Not to bad, I am just worried about getting the logistical part right for him.

chatterbox in Goose Creek, South Carolina said: Thanks everyone for your replies. I was wondering if it was preferable to have a non-stop or one-stop flight. I guess it all depends on the traveler. My husband is a smoker so I would imagine he would appreciate a smoke break! I did see that there was an option for alayover in Washington or Atlanta so that might not be so bad. I am going to check out kayak.com too. So far I think we are looking @ about $1400. Not to bad, I am just worried about getting the logistical part right for him.

he will def want a stop if he is a smoker. I'm a smoker and when i went to iraq we stopped in ireland, i probably smoked close to a whole pack in the hour we were there lol.

chatterbox in Goose Creek, South Carolina said: Thanks everyone for your replies. I was wondering if it was preferable to have a non-stop or one-stop flight. I guess it all depends on the traveler. My husband is a smoker so I would imagine he would appreciate a smoke break! I did see that there was an option for alayover in Washington or Atlanta so that might not be so bad. I am going to check out kayak.com too. So far I think we are looking @ about $1400. Not to bad, I am just worried about getting the logistical part right for him.

One thing that helps on long flights is the stop soking patches. The walmart brand works well. Asterdam Schipol airport has 2 or 3 smoking areas.I quit smoking a year ago but I know what it"s like to really want a smoke

Charles Brackett in Boaz, Alabama said: he will def want a stop if he is a smoker. I'm a smoker and when i went to iraq we stopped in ireland, i probably smoked close to a whole pack in the hour we were there lol.

Shoot to heck with smoking them, by then he maybe eating them! lol

chatterbox in Goose Creek, South Carolina said: Help, need advice on R&R flights! My husband just arrived in country last week so we are a ways off from our first R&R. I was using expedia and research prices to get an idea. It looks like booking round trip is going to be much more cost effective as well as booking during midweek. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Hey Everyone!
I just wanted to add that some FOB's have certain days that they fly into/out of BAF in order to get to Dubai. For example, my husband is stationed in Shank and no flights go to BAF on Mondays or Sundays (I think those are the days). This makes it tricky when you go to plan your R&R because you can't book a flight that leaves Dubai the day after those "no fly" days and you can't have your return flight land the day before one of those "no fly" days. Confused yet? They only allow you to stay in Dubai one night on either end. LOL It was like a really bad math word problem trying to get him the maximum number of days for his R&R while adding in that factor. It may be possible that not all FOB's have these no fly days. My hubby has been gone for almost 6 months now. As someone else says, the time does go by fast...especially when you look back on it. I am sure all wives will attest to the fact that you will have your good days and your bad days. The toughest thing for me so far has been the way other people in our small community (mainly other women) will make judgements about our decision. Many times I have been approached about what my husband is doing and the conversation always ends up with the woman saying something along the lines of "I don't care how much money was involved, I would NEVER let my husband do that." At first it really bothered me, but now I just kind of let it roll off my shoulders. In this regard I have seen a lot of personal growth in myself :)
We have two small children, both boys and I am amazed at how resilient they are!

I'm def doing it for the money. When i was in the army and went to iraq i was married. Well I come home from iraq and she is pregnant with another guys kid. Needless to say after 14 months in iraq. I came home with 5000 dollars and been struggling ever since. I guess you could say it's my fault for getting married on my midtour and for being young. I dont see it as my fault but, I'm def ready to get over there and start making some green

Does anyone know how long it takes the government to approve a CAC?

Jallen, I been waiting since dec.15... that's when I did my sf85p

josh gantt in dallas, Texas said: Jallen, I been waiting since dec.15... that's when I did my sf85p

do you know since i had a cac when i was in the army if i will have to go through that process if so will it take as long as you since i previously had one?

Josh Grant, Well I'm not getting my sf85p reviewed they are reviewing a old background check that I had. Do you know anything about this. My friend said it shouldn't take as long?

DonnaFletcher in Maine said: Hey Everyone!
I just wanted to add that some FOB's have certain days that they fly into/out of BAF in order to get to Dubai. For example, my husband is stationed in Shank and no flights go to BAF on Mondays or Sundays (I think those are the days). This makes it tricky when you go to plan your R&R because you can't book a flight that leaves Dubai the day after those "no fly" days and you can't have your return flight land the day before one of those "no fly" days. Confused yet? They only allow you to stay in Dubai one night on either end. LOL It was like a really bad math word problem trying to get him the maximum number of days for his R&R while adding in that factor. It may be possible that not all FOB's have these no fly days. My hubby has been gone for almost 6 months now. As someone else says, the time does go by fast...especially when you look back on it. I am sure all wives will attest to the fact that you will have your good days and your bad days. The toughest thing for me so far has been the way other people in our small community (mainly other women) will make judgements about our decision. Many times I have been approached about what my husband is doing and the conversation always ends up with the woman saying something along the lines of "I don't care how much money was involved, I would NEVER let my husband do that." At first it really bothered me, but now I just kind of let it roll off my shoulders. In this regard I have seen a lot of personal growth in myself :)
We have two small children, both boys and I am amazed at how resilient they are!

BRAVO!!!! I know how you feel,I have a neighbor who told me it did not look good a single woman in the Neighbor hood,When did I get single I asked her,he's overseas not dead!!! she should buy our House,I would gladly move from ignorance like that!! The questions stem from Jealousy and Ignorance,and I have learned to smile alot