LOGCAP IV INFO

the duke in Houston, Texas said: Well there's about 30 in one class about to head ur way next week and my class has all the tradesmen in it and some will head out next week and others the following.. sparkies got almost an extra week of training

30?! KBR was pushing through hundreds at a time lol, they had 1/3 of a mall to use for a processing center. 30 seems much more manageable.

HVAC-1 in Kansas City, Missouri said: 30?! KBR was pushing through hundreds at a time lol, they had 1/3 of a mall to use for a processing center. 30 seems much more manageable.

There pushing about thirty or so a week Outta gv sometimes more sometimes less..there's about 20 in my tradesman class and then about 20 or so nontradesman all showed up last sunday some will leave next thurs and then sparkys leave the following tues or third...

That will be interesting- the last time I went overseas there was more HVAC than your group total. I really don't know what they did to test your types.. My qualification test with KBR was identifying the voltage in a control circuit, and 5 types of refrigeration metering devices. At least FLUOR is asking for my EPA certs and a verifiable 5 years work experience in my feild. Not that it matters so much anyways. Overseas wiring is normally set with the countries standard. Should be EU color coding and voltages. I am no electrician though i dabble in it.. but it gave me great pleasure to watch the fresh guys short things by wiring based on 110 with a US color coding..

Yea it'll be interesting to c how its put in over there just something new to get used to...

the duke in Houston, Texas said: Yea it'll be interesting to c how its put in over there just something new to get used to...

You have both systems here 50 & 60 HZ, then you have a 3rd, the Afghan way. There are a hundreds of buildings that local contractors have built on bases over the years. Their opinion is that the grounds are not really required to make it work, so they cut them off, and why use properly sized wire when this smaller stuff is cheaper and it still works. Oh, and wire nuts or terminal strips, not required. Have fun Duke.

It was opened yesterday and submitted so now I can start my count down The eqip site. The other cool part is a start a seasonal job today so time will go by fast.

WooHoo! Just got the email saying the PSIP portal has been opened and I have 5 days to complete! Motion forward after being stagnant for the past 3 weeks or so!!! :-D

HVAC-1 in Kansas City, Missouri said: How does that company pay... are they local here in KC? Any HVAC work with them?

No, they are in a union contractor in atlanta georgia ibew local 613. I believe they are strictly an electrical shop.

Hi everyone,

I've recently been offered a plumbing position in Afghanistan; probably in the Kabul area from the sounds of it. It sounds like a great opportunity and part of me is very excited to begin such an adventure, however, I'm still 50/50 on the matter.

I certainly do understand the hazards of living and working in a war zone and I wouldn't even be considering the position if the threat of an insurgent attack was something that I couldn't accept as part of the job. What really concerns me though, is the high potential for illness related to the toxic conditions on the ground there. I've read a lot of recent research which points to toxic dust, burn pits and uranium contamination from spent munitions as being the culprits of numerous health problems in soldiers and contractors returning from the region. These include debilitating and sometimes fatal respiratory, cardio vascular and neurological disorders in individuals seemingly healthy and fit before deployment.

Believe me, I'm not trying to make this decision harder that it already is by bringing this stuff up but these are factors that we should be weighing before we deploy. Is anyone else concerned about theses issues? Can some of the guys and gals who have completed contracts over there comment on conditions on the ground and the overall health of the personnel? You can email me if you dont want to talk about it on the forum. unbroken_will@yahoo.com

Thanks.

All my paperwork is done and emailed out now my its on them

Passed the electrical cert. Test... wasn't worried but was relieved cause I really didn't want to carry 20 lbs of books anymore..

Don't forget the pollution factor...Kabul is one of the worse polluted aresa in the world. The city is designed for what-les than a million inhabitants yet has almost 5-6 million. You don't realize how polluted it is until you get home...aside from the insurgecny, demonstrations and everything else, it would help to know what company your going to. Example, if you know for sure your going to be attached to the military contract wise, you'll be more protected and secure and like everyone else - protected wise. However, if your going to a company like ASG/SOC,Supreme you'll be living in the city or the outskirts and be protected by local hire security or PSC (Expat/FN)...

graefboy in lodi, California said: It was opened yesterday and submitted so now I can start my count down The eqip site. The other cool part is a start a seasonal job today so time will go by fast.

sweet! I finished mine this morning and just waiting for my IS person to review it so I can certify!!

Michael Omalley in Fort Collins, Colorado said: Hi everyone,

I've recently been offered a plumbing position in Afghanistan; probably in the Kabul area from the sounds of it. It sounds like a great opportunity and part of me is very excited to begin such an adventure, however, I'm still 50/50 on the matter.

I certainly do understand the hazards of living and working in a war zone and I wouldn't even be considering the position if the threat of an insurgent attack was something that I couldn't accept as part of the job. What really concerns me though, is the high potential for illness related to the toxic conditions on the ground there. I've read a lot of recent research which points to toxic dust, burn pits and uranium contamination from spent munitions as being the culprits of numerous health problems in soldiers and contractors returning from the region. These include debilitating and sometimes fatal respiratory, cardio vascular and neurological disorders in individuals seemingly healthy and fit before deployment.

Believe me, I'm not trying to make this decision harder that it already is by bringing this stuff up but these are factors that we should be weighing before we deploy. Is anyone else concerned about theses issues? Can some of the guys and gals who have completed contracts over there comment on conditions on the ground and the overall health of the personnel? You can email me if you dont want to talk about it on the forum. unbroken_will@yahoo.com

Thanks.

No offense Michael, and I am quite skeptical, but you sound a little like an attorney or attorney representative trying to find out if there is the potential for a class action suit against Fluor or the Governement for work conditions....... Almost exactly like the people that were contacting Ground Zero workers asking about health problems and then once they got some information, passing along information saying they needed to contact an attorney.......

Texas Doll in Katy, Texas said: No offense Michael, and I am quite skeptical, but you sound a little like an attorney or attorney representative trying to find out if there is the potential for a class action suit against Fluor or the Governement for work conditions....... Almost exactly like the people that were contacting Ground Zero workers asking about health problems and then once they got some information, passing along information saying they needed to contact an attorney.......

oops *Government..... and you may be true to what you are saying.... just the way you have worded your statements and the question phrasing makes it seem to me there is more than meets the eye.... especially asking people to comment on "the overall health of personnel".........

the duke in Houston, Texas said: Passed the electrical cert. Test... wasn't worried but was relieved cause I really didn't want to carry 20 lbs of books anymore..

CONGRATS!!! Now you can relax a little!!! One step closer!

Thanks doll... still got cpr sat and a full on week of training...before I get shipped out the following tues

Texas Doll in Katy, Texas said: oops *Government..... and you may be true to what you are saying.... just the way you have worded your statements and the question phrasing makes it seem to me there is more than meets the eye.... especially asking people to comment on "the overall health of personnel".........

Huh... Well, I hate to disappoint you Texas Doll, but nope, I'm not an attorney, just a plumber. I was attempting to word my comment in a manner intelligent and non offensive to the people that do this for a living or are considering it, as I am myself. That just happens to be the way I write. But, why is the overall health of the personnel a subject for attorneys and not prospective employees anyhow? Shouldn't that be something people are willing to openly discuss before taking the job? I don't know, maybe I'm the only one that's read about this stuff but it's all over the internet yet I don't see anyone asking any questions here. This is a pretty serious decision to make and I would like to get an idea of what the hazards actually are, that's all.

Hey Michael,

You didn't disappoint me, I am actually neutral in that respect. That is great that you have done research and I don't disagree that everyone should do their research and know what they are walking into before they take any position. Never said a person's health is not something to be considered for any perspective job. And I don't consider any position "just a ...." actually I hold higher respect for plumbers, electricians and any other trade in higher respect than attorneys. And it is really cool that you wanted to word things intelligently as well as not offending anyone, but not really sure how asking if anyone has suffered health issues upon their return really could be considered offensive. There are many, many things to be considered when taking a position that is considered hazardous.

My skepticism comes from a few things in your post as I am in the medical field and will be going overseas in a medical capacity and very, very rarely do people that are not in the medical field utilize the terminology that you used in your post. Even most physicians when talking to their patients do not use the terminology you utilized. But, I have read letters from attorneys asking if people are experiencing certain 'symptoms' and medical diagnosis as well as most television commercials or print ads wanting to sue drug companies word things in the same way. Plus most attorneys/representatives do ask about others to create referrals.

Also, for anyone that does want to share anything about themselves... I say go right ahead, but I would be careful about sharing others information without their consent as that can be deemed as a HIPAA violation as it does not only apply to healthcare providers when it comes to medical confidentiality. Personal identifiable information would be sharing names, diagnosis, medical complaints, symptoms, and medications of someone else without their consent.

And like "Contract Worker" said, you might provide more details in order to get more accurate information in the respect of where you would be located. That would play into things much more than just working in Afghanistan or around Kabul. It would be like trying to compare someone that lives in NYC or out in the country to someone that lives in Pasadena or Deer Park, TX where all the chemical plants are locasted.

He had some very good points about protection and living environment, general population vs. military base when it comes to being able to accurate assess the situation. There are many more factors that go into things when it comes to things when ti comes to "general health of personnel".

Whatever you decide, GOOD LUCK!!!! I hope you find the information you are looking for. If you do decide to go, and it is with Fluor, be patient.... it is hurry, hurry, hurry, then wait, wait, wait :-D but for me, I have decided the risks are worth the rewards and worth the amount of patience that is involved.

@ duke:

but you are almost halfway there... each day is a day closer!! and CPR training is a breeze.. figuring they are teaching the new 2010 AHA guidelines, so you may be learning only hands only CPR... if that is the case.... once you call for help, pump on the chest non-stop until medical personnel arrive, push at least 2" and rate of about 100 per minute.... just think of the bee gees song "Staying Alive" and that is the rate you want to go :-D If they teach you breathing... it should be 30 compressions to 2 breath ratio :-) and starting CPR immediately really does make a difference between life and death.... I could ramble on statistic after statistic as part of my current position is working with 1st year medical students and introducing them to cardiac arrest management and exposing them to survival statistics with/without bystander CPR.

Doll thanks for the tips great insight ... haven't don't cpr training in about 10 years.... but will be doing it for 8 hrs tomorrow

Duke:

DAMN!! 8 hours??? crap, I don't know what they are going to be teaching ya'll.... unless they are building in extra time for skills testing.... but due to the fact there will be limited medics available and it won't be the same 911 ability to call for extra manpower, they may be showing you some things like bag valve masks, and other things to be able to assist the medic should there be a cardiac arrest....... i would love for you to fill me in on what they teach ya'll!!! I was thinking ya'll were taking a 4 hour class LOL Ya'll will probably be taught the breathing and maybe even some first aid. They may be doing Heartsaver First Aid, not just a Heartsaver class, and those classes are 8 hours. But that is just mere speculation on my part... really have no clue and class length also depends on the class size and number of instructors available for skills...... let me know! would love to hear how they are working that!

Michael Omalley in Fort Collins, Colorado said: Huh... Well, I hate to disappoint you Texas Doll, but nope, I'm not an attorney, just a plumber. I was attempting to word my comment in a manner intelligent and non offensive to the people that do this for a living or are considering it, as I am myself. That just happens to be the way I write. But, why is the overall health of the personnel a subject for attorneys and not prospective employees anyhow? Shouldn't that be something people are willing to openly discuss before taking the job? I don't know, maybe I'm the only one that's read about this stuff but it's all over the internet yet I don't see anyone asking any questions here. This is a pretty serious decision to make and I would like to get an idea of what the hazards actually are, that's all.

I agree with TX Doll... You sound like you're trolling the board for info with ill intentions. You word your response much like a commercial for a class action suit. I would suggest you go elsewhere for that type of info- trying to solicit unintentional information from people under the guise you are helping them can cause them their own set of legality issues based on employment contracts we sign and disclosures regarding the country. Depleted uranium is what you're reffering to, and it's anywhere in the world that has had a modern war. This type of contract has it's risks.. you wouldnt pay a plumber 6 figures otherwise, or any other trade in my own opinion. It is clearly disclosed and discussed everywhere I look.

one last question/observation for you Mike.... if you were truly on the up and up with the questions you were asking, why would you worry about offending anyone? What could be deemed offensive from asking things unless your motives were different than what you stated; or why would it ever cross your mind that someone might be offended by your questions if they were pure? Just food for thought....... You seemed to get a little passively defensive there for a few sentences.....

and if you are that worried about it by only reading about it the things you say, it might be a better decision for you not to go, because instead of making the best of the situation and understand it is not the US and you are making the money (as HVAC said) you are making because you are in a hazardous environment, you would be looking for every little thing wrong and be a very negative influence. None of us need people like that over there. Peace out and make the best decision for you..... no one can make that decision for you.... if the issues you brought up were really such a problem, the press would be all over it, as well as anti-war activists.... just like they were all over the issues the firefighters, medics and rescue workers experienced at Ground Zero. Think about that. we have been over there for almost 10 years. You also have to take into consideration the 'source' of the data you are reading..... Are they websites run by attorneys? Are there any facts behind the claims, or mere speculation....

Sorry ya'll... these are all valid things to consider when statements are made that instill worry are made.....

You know, after reading Mike's posting you have a point Texas...I've heard of all sorts of questions on the forums and in-country however, and no offense Mike, WTF? It is what it is...take the job or not...why so concerned with all of these poetential ground hazards other then the pollution aspect. The comment of "recent research which points to toxic dust, burn pits and uranium contamination from spent munitions" where have you heard or read that about Kabul???? Sure, not to say it does or doesn't exist but WTF!!..Texas Doll, I think you hit a home run and Mike, if your legit and I'm not saying you aren't but, the above ciitation should be the least of your concerns.

Texas Doll in Katy, Texas said: Duke:

DAMN!! 8 hours??? crap, I don't know what they are going to be teaching ya'll.... unless they are building in extra time for skills testing.... but due to the fact there will be limited medics available and it won't be the same 911 ability to call for extra manpower, they may be showing you some things like bag valve masks, and other things to be able to assist the medic should there be a cardiac arrest....... i would love for you to fill me in on what they teach ya'll!!! I was thinking ya'll were taking a 4 hour class LOL Ya'll will probably be taught the breathing and maybe even some first aid. They may be doing Heartsaver First Aid, not just a Heartsaver class, and those classes are 8 hours. But that is just mere speculation on my part... really have no clue and class length also depends on the class size and number of instructors available for skills...... let me know! would love to hear how they are working that!

The last class I took furnished by KBR at least was slotted for a time like that, but we finished in a couple hours. I imagine it might last maybe 4 hours with that few of people. Just a slide show, some practical testing and questions, plus card issue.

Wow! I feel like I'm being accused of doing something wrong here. Don't assume that you know who I am and what my motives are because you obviously do not. I am seeking opinions from people with experience on these bases. I'm not soliciting personal information or offering to help anyone. I realize that people are somewhat sensitive about this and that is why I tried to word my comments in such a way as not to offend; the definition of which is: to cause to feel annoyed, upset or resentful. . . mmmkay?

Yes, I have researched this subject somewhat extensively over the past few months and yes, I have retained some technical terminology. But, I'm not pretending I know anything but what I've read and that's why I'm asking others for their opinions. Furthermore, I have nothing else to do but research this. You see, it's like this. . . I have no goddamn job. But according to you, if I have questions or concerns I should just walk away and pass up the opportunity instead of asking the opinion of others that have actually been there.

I am not interested in cyber-debates and I'm not looking to collect information from anyone; except what I need to make an intelligent decision. It would seem that the opinion of you two is that there is no such issue and from the sounds of it, HVAC Kansas has actually spent time in the middle east perhaps. Okay great, thanks for your input. I really do appreciate it!

MICHAEL O'MALLEY, ATTORNEY AT LAW 1444 STUART STREET
DENVER, CO 80204
(303) ***-****

Mike...It is what it is in the area of envriomental concerns, burn pits ect...? We all take the chance and is it worth it? I couldn't tell you. I don't think anyone can tell you. You have still failed to provide any relevant information which might help any of us to give you a more specific answer to your question...What company are we talking about first of all. You asked nothing but a generality question on the "hazards" of the envrionment. Most people want to know just the basics of phone support, quality of life, support from employer so why don't you try to rephrase the question and you'll get a lot of help, I'm sure...for waht you asked...pollution. Anything more you need to kind of tell us other than plumbing...Flour, DI, SOC, Tetra?

Contract Worker in Nashville, Tennessee said: You know, after reading Mike's posting you have a point Texas...I've heard of all sorts of questions on the forums and in-country however, and no offense Mike, WTF? It is what it is...take the job or not...why so concerned with all of these poetential ground hazards other then the pollution aspect. The comment of "recent research which points to toxic dust, burn pits and uranium contamination from spent munitions" where have you heard or read that about Kabul???? Sure, not to say it does or doesn't exist but WTF!!..Texas Doll, I think you hit a home run and Mike, if your legit and I'm not saying you aren't but, the above ciitation should be the least of your concerns.

There are several articles about it online. Not Kabul in particular but Afghanistan. Just google the terms. And why should it be the least of my concerns, it can possibly be an invisible risk that people are not even aware of.

HVAC-1 in Kansas City, Missouri said: MICHAEL O'MALLEY, ATTORNEY AT LAW 1444 STUART STREET
DENVER, CO 80204
(303) ***-****

HAHA!

LOL Contract... thanks.... I can't say for sure, and don't want to say he isn't a plumber or he isn't on the up and up, but ambulance chasing attorneys are pretty consistent in their approach... instead of asking what type of symptoms people may/may not be experiencing, they ask specific questions which cause people to look for things that may/may not be there......

wonder if he is pulling the same stuff on the KBR page? And if all of a sudden someone comes on asking about health issues and not using the medical jargon, along with volunteering to be contacted privately if someone is not interested in sharing on the forum, it might be a revised persona still trying to find someone that will fall for it..... meaning if he really isn't a plumber....

just be careful when people ask for medical information..... lot of places you can innocently get in hot water without realizing it.... always only speak for yourself unless you have consent ... the person receiving the information is not the one held responsible ... the person disseminating the information is..... plus that is a good motto to live by in everything.... makes for a lot less gossip and stories spread that may not be entirely true :-)

I found it under personal injury attorneys. Several similar type cases in the Denver market. If I learned nothing else in college I learned the proper way to search and locate information online. It wouldn't let me post the number online. As a lawyer there is probably legality in not identifying yourself by name. That being said a tag like Legaleagle would have been a little obvious.

It would be too coincidental to somehow share the name of a "labor attorney" in the same region asking questions of that nature..

BTW burn pits.. that is on national news because of the long term environmental impacts. It's not like we jump into the pit rummage through trash and use the ash to make tribal war marks on our faces.

michael.... here you go.... read what you want to read, believe what you want to believe.... take into consideration the sources of your information, and also take into account that if those things you state are true and credible, NIH (national institute of health) and CDC (Center for Disease Control) would have statements, there would be publicity.... just like there is for PTSD, just like the publicity for the lung disease for the Ground Zero workers.

Are you saying you would make such a life altering decision based on what complete strangers tell you on a forum? That you are going to solicit medical information from people that have no idea who you are? Seriously?

What is offensive is that you really consider yourself more intelligent and informed than those of us on this forum. I have googled everything I can about Afghanistan - before and after I accepted my offer... and not once have I had anything come back warning of health issues... being shot or kidnapped, yes, and other than the expected temporary breathing problems such as an upper respirtory infection - I think called the Bagram Hack - that typically occur with a change in climate and atmosphere and even with a change in the seasons for some in the states - heck - when the houston rodeo is in town and you spend any time out there, most get a sinus and/or URI (and those of us that volunteer on committees out there even have a name for it... the Cowboy Crud) but with acclimation to surroundings, the symptoms go away.

No, i have not been over there, but I have done plenty of research. If you are unemployed and want a job then take it... if you are that concerned about things, I would say that is your answer..... I am employed with a very good stable job, and I have accepted a position. AND I am in the medical field... so hmmmmmm.... do the math......

Texas Doll in Katy, Texas said: are you serious HVAC??? that is too fricking funny!!!!

BUSTED!!!

you should have put the phone number in there and we all could call him giving fake symptoms and get all his hopes up LOL

I will say, he is not the smartest attorney out there..... using his own name and real location...... no wonder he is out there ambulance chasing......

and 'just a medic and HVAC' busted his ass LOL Too funny!

Exactly. Thats not me, I'm not an attorney

well, if you are not an attorney... then take all of your 'information' that you are quoting, take them to a PHYSICIAN and have him/her give you their opinion of the source of the information, the validity of it, and whether there have been any articles in medical journals.

Instead of trying to come to a general forum and request people to give you medical information....

That would be making an "informed decision"

But, have to say... things are awfully coincidental..... and a lot of circumstantial evidence out there, counselor.....

Texas, I totally ignored his first blog but I think you were spot on your observations...wow! And with HVAC's find...Mike, I think full disclosure applies. Maybe your not the "attorney" and just the "factfinder" however, I am siding with TD and HAVC...I hope no one has sent you any e-mails...Gone Fishing - where are you?

I think we have a case of someone who, representing a client from a personal injury (real or fabricated) in a law suit, is trying to sue the company and/or person(s) and trying to gather background information from personnel in a totally unacceptable manner in accordance with the type rules set forth in the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct, specificaly rule 7.3.1. Mr. Mike, if you are an attorney or investigator check your law book –your "out of order."

Texas Doll in Katy, Texas said: And like "Contract Worker" said, you might provide more details in order to get more accurate information in the respect of where you would be located. That would play into things much more than just working in Afghanistan or around Kabul. It would be like trying to compare someone that lives in NYC or out in the country to someone that lives in Pasadena or Deer Park, TX where all the chemical plants are locasted.

He had some very good points about protection and living environment, general population vs. military base when it comes to being able to accurate assess the situation. There are many more factors that go into things when it comes to things when ti comes to "general health of personnel".

Whatever you decide, GOOD LUCK!!!! I hope you find the information you are looking for. If you do decide to go, and it is with Fluor, be patient.... it is hurry, hurry, hurry, then wait, wait, wait :-D but for me, I have decided the risks are worth the rewards and worth the amount of patience that is involved.

I would not email this person if were you.

Ksniper777 in San Antonio, Texas said: I would not email this person if were you.

heck..... no way in hell I would email him..... no worries there.... LOL.... from his first post he made on here he sounded fishy..... and I really hope no one does.... I don't believe for one minute he is a plumber....not from the very first post he made.... honestly that post you referenced was more made because I realized I could be sounding a little attacking and kinda like a b#$%# and I wanted to get across, not really to him, but to the forum that so many factors play into things.... it was more being on the facetious and sarcastic side with the posts that were giving him the benefit of the doubt.... actually was seeing if he would provide more information - and he never would come out and give a company, or anything, was yet another red flag as to his claims of being a plumber.... I was fishing......

So I have been applying for LOGCAP jobs over a year now.. no luck! Any suggestions???

bmh9289 said: So I have been applying for LOGCAP jobs over a year now.. no luck! Any suggestions???

Just keep at it I applied for over 2 years before I got the a call. Change up your resume if you can look for words that pop. Also if you have any cert. or licenses make sure you have those on there. Just keep at it. Everyone on here has been in your shoes for a certain amount of time go back through and read post from 13 months ago when the the duke started and now he is in Greenville.

graefboy in lodi, California said: Just keep at it I applied for over 2 years before I got the a call. Change up your resume if you can look for words that pop. Also if you have any cert. or licenses make sure you have those on there. Just keep at it. Everyone on here has been in your shoes for a certain amount of time go back through and read post from 13 months ago when the the duke started and now he is in Greenville.

Thank you! I appreciate that, its very motivating!!

Actually I started filling out apps online end of last december and got my offer letter jan 17... but I have talked to the recruiters that r here and they said that u should fill out as many apps that apply to u as u can... even if its for the same position just a diff post

Also what I would suggest is to read the job post a few times pick out the key words and incorporate them into ur resume they do use a word generator to weed through the apps

the duke in Houston, Texas said: Also what I would suggest is to read the job post a few times pick out the key words and incorporate them into ur resume they do use a word generator to weed through the apps

very helpful..my resume has mostly food service postitions including my work history overseas so I usually fill out for the food service postions. but I have always wondered if filling out different posts for the same position was fine. Thank you so much duke!

hello duke...i have a friend who recently resigned from KBR after 6 yrs and went home and now he is looking for a job with FL and DYN....he received a call from dyncorp and was interviewd too but denied the position, is there any posibility they can reconsider him for other positions. He applied for Sn ops coord but he has mainly worked in HR, please do let me know

Ant im far from an expert on this subject but my advice would be to have ur friend gear his resume to jobs that he could be qualified for and apply for as many as he could