KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

hi all
new to this forum,i've just applied for a vehicle mechanics position with kbr in iraq what i would like to know is if i will have to go to houston for my processing as kbr have a hq here in the uk.many thanks

chrisd in Llanelli, United Kingdom said: hi all
new to this forum,i've just applied for a vehicle mechanics position with kbr in iraq what i would like to know is if i will have to go to houston for my processing as kbr have a hq here in the uk.many thanks

im not sure but i do know that there were several folks from africa and europe here so you just might. ask your recruiter to be sure. good luck

Oluwakemi in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: MG...thank you so much for the information. Another question, how soon do they tell you that you've passed your medical? and if you pass your medical is that the guarantee that you'll for sure sign your contract? also, you mention the time it takes to get to the testing facilities (45/30 minutes), i'm assuming KBR provides the transport there?

Also, do they give you all the vaccinations at once? and did you have any side effects from taking them?

thank you

after the actual testing is completed you will sit around and wait for the results of the drug test. if you pass that then you will wait some more if you dont your put on a bus and sent home the medical is pretty simple if you have high blood pressure (not good) they will give you some time to get it down but not a whole lot of time.
i had no problems with my med but some folks had to go back andrepeat some tests if your over 40 then you must take an ekg. yes all transportation is provided (buses)i had 4 vaccines and i will need to follow up in country in a month for another shot and then in six months for two more shots for typhoid a and b hope this helps good luck and take care

spawn in Katy, Texas said: after the actual testing is completed you will sit around and wait for the results of the drug test. if you pass that then you will wait some more if you dont your put on a bus and sent home the medical is pretty simple if you have high blood pressure (not good) they will give you some time to get it down but not a whole lot of time.
i had no problems with my med but some folks had to go back andrepeat some tests if your over 40 then you must take an ekg. yes all transportation is provided (buses)i had 4 vaccines and i will need to follow up in country in a month for another shot and then in six months for two more shots for typhoid a and b hope this helps good luck and take care

Who is paying for the trip back if someone doesn't pass the physical? I know people on blood pressure meds, can they apply or is that a no-go right away? An English lady I know wanted to know if she can apply because she comes up positive on the TB test but doesn't have tuberculosis. I can't remember the name of the medications she had to take for a year, I believe it is called INH but I am not sure. Anyone familiar with this? I am telling everyone about this forum. People helping people, how awesome is that?? Best wishes to all!

spawn in Katy, Texas said: first of all you have to report to the processing center by 5 a.m if you already have your passport then you dont have to go to the passport office you will go directly to the drug testing facility and after that you will proceed to the medical facility, they are two different locations takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get to the first location because houston traffic is insane! then its about 30 minutes to the second facility where you will be tested for hearing and eyesight,blood tests (6 vials worth) and pray you get a good nurse. next is a physical... turn and cough.... then its off to the vaccination trailer hope you like needles.. after that you can get a bite to eat or sooner if you want also you must not eat anything starting at midnight the night before until after your blood has been drawn but what sucks is that even after you get completely finished with all that you have to sit and wait for the drug test results to come back now if you are clean then you will be put on a bus and brought back to the DC whereupon you will take another class which is called PRT its a computer lab and takes about 45 minutes. this may not sound so bad but you must remember that you ar

You said Computer Lab? Does everyone have to be good on the compter?
My husband is going in as an electrician and not that great on the computer. Also do you know of an electrical test that they are taking in Houston?
I guess you will hear tomorrow when you are leaving. As far as processing was it just you that finished on friday or everyone?, that seems so short, i wondered whether other people did more training revelant to their job?Take care and stay safe

thank you so much Spawn for the helpful information....best of luck to you

Just checking in to see if any electricians in Iraq or Afghanistan have seen any raise on their checks yet.

Also, has any journeyman been upgraded to Master once they got over there?

It's already been confirmed that the plumbers didn't get the raised they were promised.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Sassynwitty in Killeen, Texas said: Who is paying for the trip back if someone doesn't pass the physical? I know people on blood pressure meds, can they apply or is that a no-go right away? An English lady I know wanted to know if she can apply because she comes up positive on the TB test but doesn't have tuberculosis. I can't remember the name of the medications she had to take for a year, I believe it is called INH but I am not sure. Anyone familiar with this? I am telling everyone about this forum. People helping people, how awesome is that?? Best wishes to all!

kbr will send you home on there dime but still it sucks to fail that bcuz you have to take a drug rehab program approved by kbr on your dime it takes 6 months and then you must wait an additional 6 months to reapply. BP meds are ok as long as they help your BP if its under control then you should be ok as far as the other stuff, sorry cant help you there good luck and take care

switch in Austin, Texas said: You said Computer Lab? Does everyone have to be good on the compter?
My husband is going in as an electrician and not that great on the computer. Also do you know of an electrical test that they are taking in Houston?
I guess you will hear tomorrow when you are leaving. As far as processing was it just you that finished on friday or everyone?, that seems so short, i wondered whether other people did more training revelant to their job?Take care and stay safe

its real easy you just read the info and click the next button answer a question then proceed to the next section its pretty easy and you dont need any real computer skills he will get thru it fine i assure you. there are a bunch of electricians in my group and they did struggle but got thru it.... kidding kidding. yes i finished on friday but many people still have things to get done i guess i just got lucky in that regard. good luck and take care
MG

MG...I want to thank you for your supportive comments. I have appreciated your detailed by-play of processing. For me it took the fear out of it. I have applied for many jobs with KBR in the last few weeks and I hope that eventually one of my prayers will be answered and I will get that lucky phone call. One thing that I really want to ask though... to be hired by KBR...is it who you know or what you know that will get you the job? I have heard it said that it is who you know that is more important...what do you think?

Sincerely,
Kim in WA State

Hubby hasn't said anything, so, I guess that would be no.

spawn in Katy, Texas said: its real easy you just read the info and click the next button answer a question then proceed to the next section its pretty easy and you dont need any real computer skills he will get thru it fine i assure you. there are a bunch of electricians in my group and they did struggle but got thru it.... kidding kidding. yes i finished on friday but many people still have things to get done i guess i just got lucky in that regard. good luck and take care
MG

I want to say a big thank you too for all the info that you have given us. Just out of curiousity did you ever meet up with KIKI from the forum? Take care, we will be thinking of you and wishing you a safe adventure. Keep us posted when you can..

Kim81 in Ypsilanti, Michigan said: The above article was copied from CNN's website, it was written by a
CNN Reporter covering every day life in Iraq. Please pay special attention to the third paragraph. Thanks:)

Where is the link to the article? Apologies if this has already been answered?

spawn in Katy, Texas said: kbr will send you home on there dime but still it sucks to fail that bcuz you have to take a drug rehab program approved by kbr on your dime it takes 6 months and then you must wait an additional 6 months to reapply. BP meds are ok as long as they help your BP if its under control then you should be ok as far as the other stuff, sorry cant help you there good luck and take care

Thanks so much for your reply! Meaning if they finding illegal drugs in your system then you have to do the REHAB program to prove you did it? Makes sense though, if you work with someone who can't function without taking illegal drugs then it gets pretty dangerous for everyone. Alcohol is not allowed in Iraq or Afghanistan from what I have heard. That's probably pretty rough on someone who's used to that "one little" beer every day. Could be an issue unless they offer something like a "detox" program. So, all in all, it could be a rough year for many people. Lots of crossword puzzles or reading to distract, I guess?

Hey Spawn, How was it today? whats the news? Did you hear when you and everyone are heading out yet? I bet you are itching to get going. Hope you got caught up on on your laundry !!!

switch in Austin, Texas said: Hey Spawn, How was it today? whats the news? Did you hear when you and everyone are heading out yet? I bet you are itching to get going. Hope you got caught up on on your laundry !!!

im procrastinating on my laundry today was kinda dull still no word on my flight i never did meet kiki but i never did get in touch with her either so...maybe i will try and find her anyway just go up to every gal and ask "are you kiki" that would probably get me some strange looks. lol

spawn in Katy, Texas said: im procrastinating on my laundry today was kinda dull still no word on my flight i never did meet kiki but i never did get in touch with her either so...maybe i will try and find her anyway just go up to every gal and ask "are you kiki" that would probably get me some strange looks. lol

Do you just check in the processing center in the morning and they say no flight today? Has anybody heard anything? maybe they have people flying to Iraq sooner?
Shame you didnt meet Kiki, i havent seen her online since she left. Roughly how many people came in the first day and then how many were left after Tuesday? Did they ever upgrade your hotel, i hear they change you when it gets close to flying out is that right?

Mizsnoot in Tacoma, Washington said: MG...I want to thank you for your supportive comments. I have appreciated your detailed by-play of processing. For me it took the fear out of it. I have applied for many jobs with KBR in the last few weeks and I hope that eventually one of my prayers will be answered and I will get that lucky phone call. One thing that I really want to ask though... to be hired by KBR...is it who you know or what you know that will get you the job? I have heard it said that it is who you know that is more important...what do you think?

Sincerely,
Kim in WA State

it might help you if you knew someone but as far as i know they will hire you based no your qualifications the way i heard about them was from my friends wife's stepdad but its not like he had any real clout with the company (hes a heavy machine operator in iraq) so i just posted my resume and got lucky i guess. maybe if your a rehire it helps to know people too. hope this helps alleviate some of your apprehension i understand your concerns though just stay strong and be patient and it will happen sooner or later mkay? good luck and take care of yourself

MG

spawn in Katy, Texas said: yes im finished with processing and im waiting no flights on weekends i have seen small children there but no other family is allowed in th DC i dont know when i will fly

apparently i was wrong about the weekend flight there are flights on saturday

hello all
i have two questions to ask anyone who knows any info,
does kbr give a color test during processing?
will they accept a laminated social security card?
thanks for any response =)

ellevehc in Sheridan, Arkansas said: hello all
i have two questions to ask anyone who knows any info,
does kbr give a color test during processing?
will they accept a laminated social security card?
thanks for any response =)

yes and no

switch in Austin, Texas said: Do you just check in the processing center in the morning and they say no flight today? Has anybody heard anything? maybe they have people flying to Iraq sooner?
Shame you didnt meet Kiki, i havent seen her online since she left. Roughly how many people came in the first day and then how many were left after Tuesday? Did they ever upgrade your hotel, i hear they change you when it gets close to flying out is that right?

i go in for my C.A.C tommorrow (wednesday) at four p.m also some guys i met got there C.A.C today and it looks like they're leaving thursday so maybe i'll be leaving friday. the people who are done with processing and just waiting have to attend whats called a holdover meeting and they read off a list of folks who are scheduled for a flight. still in the same hotel about 250 or so folks were in my group and only a handful didnt survive tuesday about 7 or so.

I am a rehire and my previous recruiter is not with KBR anymore. Anybody please send me a name/phone number in Houston of a recruiter to my email nostradaimus@yahoo.com Thanks

switch in Austin, Texas said: Does anyone know in regards to a journeyman electrician, do they have to take a code test or electrical test whilst processing in Houston?? Any more info would be appreciated. thanks

Not sure if this was answered yet or not...

My husband had to take one (Master). He said it was pretty easy, though. I believe everyone passed. And it wasn't a code test, per se. Just random questions.

Quick question, my husband said that he heard that if he stayed on 4 more months at the end of his year, instead of demoting, that you got a pretty good perk/raise?

Anyone know if that's true and if so, is there a general rule on the amount of increase?

There is no increase at end of contract. We were told the same thing but my husband is on his second year and he is still making the same base as stated on contract he signed in Houston. As usually Houston tells people stuff all the time and it is bogus information.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: There is no increase at end of contract. We were told the same thing but my husband is on his second year and he is still making the same base as stated on contract he signed in Houston. As usually Houston tells people stuff all the time and it is bogus information.

Debbie

Interesting. I'll have to let my husband know that. Thanks for the info. :)

Is there any lower base pay than food service and do you know what the base pay for an electrician?s apprentice is?

millied in Raleigh, North Carolina said: Is there any lower base pay than food service and do you know what the base pay for an electrician?s apprentice is?

I just heard from my friend at D9 that the electricians (licensed in the states) are getting higher than base pay.

I worked base pay for 23 months, the same as all of the trades while little girls handing out towels and flirting with the soldiers in the MWR made thousands more a year. Frustrating as all get out. I was ROWPU, considered "unskilled" labour even though I have a degree in Advanced Water Treatment.

My mantra everyday was "Nobody ever promised you a rose garden, & Life is not fair, deal with it."

It is only now after sitting here waiting on surgeries for months that I am extremely frustrated and pissed at this company. I was injured in a mortar attack (herniated discs in back, neck, and torn meniscus in left knee.) Told the "medic". He gave me MOTRIN!!! Worked another 15 months not realizing how much damage I had done till I could barely walk and finally had to leave.

Do your research on the DBA NOW. Defense Base Act. It can save your family.

www.chestnutlegal.com/dba.html

Hope this helps some people out there. I know it is helping me talk about this a little.

3 years over there, "let go" because of injury & not even one phone call, e-mail, or letter acknowledging my existence in a WAR ZONE for my country.

Mark.

Mark-crazedchef,

I hear this so often. I'm sorry. I appreciate your commitment.

I'm not sure if you are familiar with the website American Contractors In Iraq. She's a DBA expert and has assisted quite a few KBR wounded deal with DBA. Also, Aaron Walter is a great DBA attorney if you need one and runs the Defense Base Act Blog. I have links to both those sites from my blog at mssparky.com/

I also wrote a post about the American Contractors In Iraq website. You can get to that here: mssparky.com/2008/08/jana-crowder-is-american-contractors-in-iraq-dot-com/

I always tell people going to work for KBR to "Trust but Verify". And be informed!! Find out what KBR WON'T do for you if you are injured or come back with a disease. If you think KBR tells you everything you are mistaken.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Ms Sparky in Portland, Oregon said: Mark-crazedchef,

I hear this so often. I'm sorry. I appreciate your commitment.

I'm not sure if you are familiar with the website American Contractors In Iraq. She's a DBA expert and has assisted quite a few KBR wounded deal with DBA. Also, Aaron Walter is a great DBA attorney if you need one and runs the Defense Base Act Blog. I have links to both those sites from my blog at mssparky.com/

I also wrote a post about the American Contractors In Iraq website. You can get to that here: mssparky.com/2008/08/jana-crowder-is-american-contractors-in-iraq-dot-com/

I always tell people going to work for KBR to "Trust but Verify". And be informed!! Find out what KBR WON'T do for you if you are injured or come back with a disease. If you think KBR tells you everything you are mistaken.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Hello,

Funny,

Been reading your blog for the past couple of hours. Joe Tedesco, what a PRICK! He will fit in perfectly at that snake pit at Victory.

Aaron is my attorney since 5 days of coming home. Dealt with this company for too long to take anything for granted.

Have a bunch of electrical yellow border alerts. Might see if I can dig them up for you.

Mark,

This post is specifically directed to those KBR employees who are already stationed in Iraq or those who have been previously there. Can anyone give me an estimate of about how much it would cost to have internet access on your own personal laptop in your room once you get to Iraq, specifically Camp Ananaconda? I plan to bring my own personal laptop equipped with a wireless network card to keep in my room, so wondering how I go about getting internet access while over there? I've heard rumored that it will cost about $80 a month. Is there any particular ISP (internet service provider) which most KBR employees use? I don't want to have to depend on the internet cafe's they have there.

Thanks.

crazedchef in San Antonio, Texas said: Hello,

Funny,

Been reading your blog for the past couple of hours. Joe Tedesco, what a PRICK! He will fit in perfectly at that snake pit at Victory.

Aaron is my attorney since 5 days of coming home. Dealt with this company for too long to take anything for granted.

Have a bunch of electrical yellow border alerts. Might see if I can dig them up for you.

Mark,

Cool! Email me if you need anything. I'll do what I can.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

For those of you who have been to Houston for the processing, do you know whether or not there's a place for you to exercise, let's say if you're a runner (perhaps an indoor treadmill)??

And also, for the women who've been through processing do you have any spare time at the end of the day after processing to let's say to pamper yourself, for instance to find some place close there in Houston to get a manicure?

I just wanna know if I'll be able to at least pamper me when I want to while I'm going through all this stuff...*lol*

Oluwakemi in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: For those of you who have been to Houston for the processing, do you know whether or not there's a place for you to exercise, let's say if you're a runner (perhaps an indoor treadmill)??

And also, for the women who've been through processing do you have any spare time at the end of the day after processing to let's say to pamper yourself, for instance to find some place close there in Houston to get a manicure?

I just wanna know if I'll be able to at least pamper me when I want to while I'm going through all this stuff...*lol*

If the hotel has a gym you can use that.

Good luck finding someplace to pamper yourself, lol! The "mall" (if you can call it that) next door has a salon. Perhaps the do manis and pedis there?

Oluwakemi in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: For those of you who have been to Houston for the processing, do you know whether or not there's a place for you to exercise, let's say if you're a runner (perhaps an indoor treadmill)??

And also, for the women who've been through processing do you have any spare time at the end of the day after processing to let's say to pamper yourself, for instance to find some place close there in Houston to get a manicure?

I just wanna know if I'll be able to at least pamper me when I want to while I'm going through all this stuff...*lol*

Oh, and for free time, my husband wasn't getting back to the room until 10pm or so on some of the nights. I guess you'd have time on the weekends or a few of the days where they got done early...

Thanks for the feedback Crystal01....You know a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, so I'm sure I'll rustle up someway of pampering myself even if it's just a hot bubble bath...*lol*...thanks again.

Hey Spawn, whats the latest? when are you flying out?

Question for those of you who have actually been stationed at Camp Anaconda at any time.....does KBR provide your bed linen, towels or must you supply your own? Also has anyone had any problems with camel spiders or other insects in their hooch and if so what did you do to keep them at bay?

Oluwakemi in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: Thanks for the feedback Crystal01....You know a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, so I'm sure I'll rustle up someway of pampering myself even if it's just a hot bubble bath...*lol*...thanks again.

Girl...you better soak in that tub as much as you can now. Chances are you will be sharing a shower with someone. No tubs. As far manicures and pedicures go....that was the first think I did when I got back to Dubai. As far as Iraq goes...you are on your own. I found a black scorpion in my room once and we had a problem with sewer roaches in the barracks. Just be careful what you track in and shake out your sheets. Speaking of...at my camp KBR provided linen. But I ended up buying my own. They normally have towels at the PX.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Hey Spawn, whats the latest? when are you flying out?

thank you for your concern. ok first of all i was misinformed they're flights 7 days a week sat and sunday included. i am slated to depart on saturday. everything is in order. i am looking forward to finally getting out of here. i will try to stay in touch with this forum. i have gotten so much info here,i am grateful so i want to give back to those who come after me. im not sure when i will post again but be assured i will when i can. i want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have offered info and thank specifically those who have given me valuable feedback and support. Thank you and God Bless,my prayers are with you and your loved ones.

MG

Ms Sparky.....okay, I've already started my prayers, a black scorpion...God I hate insects....*lol*....but I knew they'd come with this project...*lol*

Thanks so much for the heads up about shaking out my sheets. Hopefully, the first month or so I'm there I'll manage to get some sleep with one eye opened and the other one closed. My kids (all grown) have already been ribbing me about "Mom what'cha gonna do if you see a camel spider?"....insects will be my trial

I figured I wouldn't have access to any pampering while on base but figured while I was still in U.S. (Houston) I'd grab the remnants before I headed to Iraq cause four months is a bit of a stretch without a bubble bath and mani/pedi's...lol

Hello Everyone! I'm going to Houston on 10/19/08 to process for a truck driving position in Iraq. Can someone explain how this works, the first $xx,xxx is tax-free if you stay 330 days out of the year? I'm starting at the end of 2008, so I won't be there 330 days. Will I get taxed to the max?

Spawn, so glad to hear your day has finally come!! you were 2 long weeks in Houston. I want to thank you for all the info that you have given us. It has really made a difference to learn what to expect. I wonder what took you so long to fly out seeing as you had finished processing last week?. Anyway safe travels and i hope that things really work out for you. Keep us updated and we shall look forward to reading future postings from you. By the way get your laundry done tonight!

I have question, does anyone know if the background check is performed before you arrive to Houston or after? Thanks for any info!

Background check is performed prior to your arrival in Houston. You should have received a link from KBR regarding the background check as you only have 72 hours to initiate the background check and get things started.

hol424 in Old Bridge, New Jersey said: I have question, does anyone know if the background check is performed before you arrive to Houston or after? Thanks for any info!

Yes it is done before you go to Houston. It is done online.

I have been reading this forum for abot a week. Thank you all the links about the conditions. But, most of the links are from 04-06. What is it like over their now. Mortor and RPG fire are they hitting with in the base or around the base. As a plumber would i have to leave the base all the time or would i always be doing jobs on the base. I applied for Dyn Corp, and KBR but cant find openings in logcap for fluor. Just wonder don't want to die just to put in some pipe

Mixer Mike in St. Petersburg, Florida said: Hello Everyone! I'm going to Houston on 10/19/08 to process for a truck driving position in Iraq. Can someone explain how this works, the first $xx,xxx is tax-free if you stay 330 days out of the year? I'm starting at the end of 2008, so I won't be there 330 days. Will I get taxed to the max?

It's 330 out of 365. Not necessarily a calender year. We use Kiwi Tax out of Florida when we travel to work. You need to get someone who knows how to apply this law.

www.kiwitax.com/

You can do it all via email and USPS.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

pipelayer in Tallahassee, Florida said: I have been reading this forum for abot a week. Thank you all the links about the conditions. But, most of the links are from 04-06. What is it like over their now. Mortor and RPG fire are they hitting with in the base or around the base. As a plumber would i have to leave the base all the time or would i always be doing jobs on the base. I applied for Dyn Corp, and KBR but cant find openings in logcap for fluor. Just wonder don't want to die just to put in some pipe

It can change at any time. It can be quiet for awhile and then things heat up and mortars and rockets start. You never really know.

As far as working off base. Highly unlikely that you would be performing plumbing work outside of the camp/base. But....I suppose there is always that chance.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/