KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

thanks Switch

Ms Sparky in Portland, Oregon said: Yes...KBR monitors all the sites. I always caution people about using their real names, even on my blog. KBR would like it very much if people didn't talk to each other at all. They have that whole "treat our employees like mushrooms" thing going on.

But until you sign the paper...they don't own you. You're not obligated till then. And even then...you won't actually work for KBR. You work for SEII.

There's nothing on these forums and blogs that affects operational security (OPSEC)You're going to Iraq and Afghanistan to support the troops that fight for your freedoms. Don't just give those freedoms up to KBR without a fight.

To protect your family that is working in Iraq and Afghanistan email directly or keep it vague.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

They all do Ms. Sparky, all companies have the same policies. More and more of our other jobs are being outsourced and the unemployment lines get longer every day... and suddenly the economic headlines arrive at your door step.
I enjoy this forum, the pros and cons are interesting and basically it's all about people lending a helping hand and that is great.

madogg in Valparaiso, Indiana said: Sharon,

Can you give me information on the amount of time after your husband applied that he received a response. Also how did KBR get in contact with him. How does he feel about the conditions. Anything else you would find helpful. Thanks for the help

hey madogg, after a few of today's posts i'm not sure what i should say. i know it did take a while to receive a response (afraid to be too specific about how long) and a recruiter contacted him via email.

As for the living conditions, they vary from site to site - tents or hoochies, shared rooms to private with shared baths. where he is is very cold and getting colder.

Sharon Fogleman in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: hey madogg, after a few of today's posts i'm not sure what i should say. i know it did take a while to receive a response (afraid to be too specific about how long) and a recruiter contacted him via email.

As for the living conditions, they vary from site to site - tents or hoochies, shared rooms to private with shared baths. where he is is very cold and getting colder.

Sharon,

I understand your concern. Well I am having trouble getting any info, would you mind emailing some info. If not I understand. my email is john.madogg.smith@gmail.com. Thanks

Hello gang. I am in the early stages of the application process but have actally talked to a recruiter - more than once. I really don't have any information on the practical side of going to Iraq and have a few questions (that I don't think are subversive enough to get big brother angry):

1. If you get chosen and shipped to the Mid East, does KBR offer medical benefits and do they include dependent benefits?
2. Are there uniforms issued or do you have to pack everything you'll be wearing in your 44 pounds worth of checked luggage?
3. Do they have coin-operated laundry facilities or do clothes get washed by elves in the back?
4. Having heard conflicting reports, how often do you get R&R and how many days at a time?
5. If the new president gets in and shuts things down within a month, does everybody get shipped home with them? And what are the odds of early termination of a tour?

I know I'll have more questions and hope y'all have the answers to them.

1. YES/YES Aetna Ins
2. No, you wear your own clothes
3. Some camps do your laundry and like where my hubby is he does his own but you don't have to pay.
4. You get 3 r&r 10days paid but you can take 16
5. Only if Obama makes it in the white house and lets hope that don't happen.

mellypryor in Fort Worth, Texas said: 1. YES/YES Aetna Ins
2. No, you wear your own clothes
3. Some camps do your laundry and like where my hubby is he does his own but you don't have to pay.
4. You get 3 r&r 10days paid but you can take 16
5. Only if Obama makes it in the white house and lets hope that don't happen.

Thank you mellypryor. Sounds like you'd have to pack a wide variety of clothes given the temperature fluctuations and wash them frequently. Can you buy that kind of stuff over there pretty easily? Are there PXs or other facilities to buy the toiletry items, at least in Bagdad?

My hubby does wash once a week. What he did was pack 6 pair of jeans and then the pair he had on made 7~he took 7 polo type shirts (short sleeves collar) and under clothes. When he got there I sent him his winter clothes. You can buy most anything at the PX.

You can get what you need through the PX if you are assigned to a camp that has a PX, some have no PX or one to small to handle clothing. Your family will have to send you items you need if that happens.

Debbie

P J Richardson in Spring, Texas said: Red, I'll try your ???'s one at a time:
1. I don't know what the PSM Academy is.
2. You will probably be at Dubai about 1-3 days.
3. You won't need a calling card, they have lines that can call the Houston Metro area.
4. The MWR is full of workout stuff at Camp Victory.
5. My wife is going back for her 3rd tour.
6. My wife is also AA or Black I prefer, she keeps her hair straight - although she was a licensed hairdresser.
7. If you are going to Victory, the PX there is big. Take clothes, toiletries and order additional stuff on the web and have it sent to you via mail.
8. My wife lived in a trailer type building where she had one side that she could lock, another person had the other side that she could lock and they shared a bathroom.
I am going back as well (to another location) and I am scheduled to start my processing on 11/10 as well.

Thanks PJ for the info...where are you going? Your wife's 3rd tour, wow... You guys are really trying to do some things.
Are we allowed to to bring our own laptops, I am supposed to get one for my job, but all my music and entertainment is on my laptop. I have been told no phones. Is that true?

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: Thanks PJ for the info...where are you going? Your wife's 3rd tour, wow... You guys are really trying to do some things.
Are we allowed to to bring our own laptops, I am supposed to get one for my job, but all my music and entertainment is on my laptop. I have been told no phones. Is that true?

Red, my email address is improvizer@yahoo.com. Email me and I'll give you more info about locations. Yes, we are trying to get a few things done. About the laptops, some sites say yes and some say no - my wife will find out about your prospective location, I'll let you know... Cell phones, NO. Security issue. But, if you live in Houston you don't have to worry about that. The phones there will call Houston. As far as your music goes, I have a suggestion for that, too.

Hello Everyone, my husband is scheduled to start processing in Houston on November 17th and was told he would be going to 'Base C2A'. Does anyone know where this is, most of the camps are referred to by names like 'victory' or 'freedom'. Was told by the recruiter that it was North of Baghdad. Thanks for any information.

Sorry if I'm off topic with this, but you never know unless you ask. I can't find the position desired w/KBR, but I have with Dyncorp and EG&G. Also can't seem to find much info (blogs, etc.) such as salaries, benifits, facilities, etc. for these other company's. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I just read an article that was published in The New York Times yesterday that said.Pentagon finds KBR violated its contract with the Electrical work in Iraq. It said that there may be some cuts and delay in payment. Having said that does anyone know if this will affect the employees in Iraq? Do you think they will drop the wages, cut back on people, hire less?
I cant really understand this because they have just been awarded another big project in Iraq. Comments?
I notice the forum has been a bit quiet recently, Shame. Its such a useful tool for info..

switch in Austin, Texas said: Hi, I just read an article that was published in The New York Times yesterday that said.Pentagon finds KBR violated its contract with the Electrical work in Iraq. It said that there may be some cuts and delay in payment. Having said that does anyone know if this will affect the employees in Iraq? Do you think they will drop the wages, cut back on people, hire less?
I cant really understand this because they have just been awarded another big project in Iraq. Comments?
I notice the forum has been a bit quiet recently, Shame. Its such a useful tool for info..

I just blogged about this! And the new contracts. It's not over yet. Check out my post "KBR Must Have Nasty Photos of Someone in DoD" It's mind boggling.
mssparky.com/2008/10/kbr-must-have-nasty-photos-of-someone-in-dod/

I wouldn't worry too much about cut backs. I don't think there is anyone in DoD that has the nerve to kick KBR out of Iraq....but if the Dem's win in November the DoD has a new boss and you never know. McCain might do it too. Logistically...it would be difficult and is not likely.

Here's the New York Times Article for those who want to read it.
mssparky.com/2008/10/pentagon-finds-company-kbr-violated-its-contract/

Stay informed...and keep and eye on the New York Times...there will be more.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Last training module during processing is NBC Training. NBC is Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare.....

In this training, you learn how to use "Mop" gear, which is a Chemical suit, including a gas mask. In order to get a good seal with the gas mask, you have to shave your face. :(

My Beard is gone.. I feel naked :(

Dimes.

hey Adam,
Have you heard yet when you are leaving? What is the processing time right now?

Okay. Sounds like KBR LOGCAP won't be going away any time soon, I won't grow a beard any time soon. And I'm guessing Dimes is already "over there." Now all I gotta do is get past the online application process. Have had four short conversations with a recruiter but he must have an awful lot of other priorities because it's always, "Hey, cool, looks okay, call me in a couple of days." I really have to wonder if they aren't waiting for election results before they start doing massive hiring again. Until then it's only the "must have" folks who will get the call. Does this sound reasonable?

Why do you think Dimes is 'over there'? He only went in last sunday. Are they processing superfast that you know?

Whoops. As I was skimming the boards as a newby, I thought he had done the processing and was dispatching to the ME. Sorry.

Oh. I was just wondering. My husband goes to Houston tomorrow and we wanted to know what the timeframe was right now.

To Oluwakami and Tina. I know that you are going to Houston tomorrow. Just wanted to say Good Luck and Stay Safe.

switch in Austin, Texas said: To Oluwakami and Tina. I know that you are going to Houston tomorrow. Just wanted to say Good Luck and Stay Safe.

Hope your hubby is on his way. Keep me posted and hopefully you will see him next weekend.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: Hope your hubby is on his way. Keep me posted and hopefully you will see him next weekend.

Debbie

Debbie,
He leaves tomorrow. Its chaos here!! Ill keep you posted.

thank you so much Switch....perhaps once i've arrived in Iraq I will be able to advise.

I can relate to the choas. It will all come together and hope his travel to Houston is good. Will check back in a couple of days.

Debbie

switch in Austin, Texas said: To Oluwakami and Tina. I know that you are going to Houston tomorrow. Just wanted to say Good Luck and Stay Safe.

Thank you Switch. I will try and keep up with everyone and hopefully see Kemi tomorrow.

Hello, my husband was just hired and from what he was told they are in desperate need of electricians. I can't imagine that they would be hiring so many if they were anticipating cutting back, that would be a huge waste of money. Just my thoughts.

Oluwakemi and Tina, I will be visiting my husband in Houston next weekend, so if you see someone with 3 daughters walking around and talking with a British accent please come say Hi !!!

Adam Covington in Gallatin, Tennessee said: Last training module during processing is NBC Training. NBC is Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare.....

In this training, you learn how to use "Mop" gear, which is a Chemical suit, including a gas mask. In order to get a good seal with the gas mask, you have to shave your face. :(

My Beard is gone.. I feel naked :(

Dimes.

don't forget the mop bucket!

amsadorra in Houston, Texas said: Hello, my husband was just hired and from what he was told they are in desperate need of electricians. I can't imagine that they would be hiring so many if they were anticipating cutting back, that would be a huge waste of money. Just my thoughts.

Highly unlikely that KBR will be laying off any electricians soon. But don't think for one minute KBR has any problem wasting tax payer money. They don't even blink an eye.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Cool!...hope to see you Switch

Hey guys, Sorry I haven't been as active here as I would like to be.... VERY busy week.

I am still in Houston, just did my last course and now I am waiting for a flight. Seems the delay is caused from the Government side, not KBR. Expect 14 days.

Any of you coming this week, ill be here to welcome you. haha

CIao!
Dimes

I've been thinking about heading out to Iraq with KBR. I’ve already been green lit for the job, just need to say yes, do the dental and wabi and head down to Houston. I have a few decades time in heavy construction, including overseas work. Found this forum a few days ago, it has been a wealth of information and confirmed my thoughts on what it would be like. I was a little surprised about the trades making only 86-88k/year (with the exception of electricians now). But having worked in other parts of the country I know that’s big money for a lot of people applying for these jobs. I’ll probably be taking the job because like ‘Blue’ it’s a foot in the door for a better job, the experience, I like to travel and oh, the paycheck.:) Who knows I might be on the first flight back home or I might be in a forum like this in three years on my third tour gripping about how much everything sucks.

I'm glad to see the US experience in Iraq, Afghanistan might be the catalyst for American labor laws in foreign countries for Americans on American Government contracts, that would be a huge plus. But I am surprised that some people went into this thinking that’s what the deal was. From what I understand, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, KBR will pay for your Demob back home if you or they terminate the contract, which either can do at anytime. So I really don’t understand what the griping is about unless you are a victim of violent crime or get wounded/disabled. And I really have to scratch my head when I see it coming from people with 1+ tours under their belt. One of my favorite sayings is ‘all construction companies suck, some just suck a little less then others’, whether you are working for Joe the Plumber or a Multinational. Anyone with more then 5 years in the business already knows this.

My primary concern is getting into a two person can with a decent room mate and an internet connection.

Oh, and for all of you think that if/when Obama gets elected on Nov4th and decides to pull the plug in Iraq that everyone over there is going to be unemployed. It's gonna take at least 2 years to demob from Iraq and clean up. But that isn't going to happen anyways, the US is there to stay for the short term future.

D427 in Boston, Massachusetts said: I'm glad to see the US experience in Iraq, Afghanistan might be the catalyst for American labor laws in foreign countries for Americans on American Government contracts, that would be a huge plus.

That is one of my primary agendas. Although my blog....www.MsSparky.com is a primary conduit for information into and out of Iraq, I work consistently to get those labor laws changed. The fact that it is an election year makes trying to get the attention of a politician on this topic difficult. I do have the support of the IBEW, Senator Dorgan and others and it has been forwarded to Committee. I will keep working on it while at the same time calling KBR to task and helping those going over to be as informed as possible and go over with eyes wide open.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

i'm in the same position as you D427.
been contacted and told yes,i just need to decide. i'm working now so i'm not sure if i want to give up the sure thing for a little more money.
But i've also wondered the same thing, if it's so bad why not just quit and go home.
the other poster said her spouse got there and they changed his job title and pay grade?
ywo words...see ya!

i think if you put up with that kind of crap you get what you deserve.

Hello D427 in Boston or sprplmbr in Colorado,

When you applied, what was the phone interview like? I have some experience and have applied for a position or two but didn't know what to expect if / when they call. Any tips or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Roger

Dimes, are you saying all the flights out of huston are delayed 14 days. My husband had to come home after his processing for passport delay, but it is straight now and they have his passport. He went back this morning. He is under the impression he will be 'wheels up' in a day or two...

Rgrjackson in Tampa, Florida said: Hello D427 in Boston or sprplmbr in Colorado,

When you applied, what was the phone interview like? I have some experience and have applied for a position or two but didn't know what to expect if / when they call. Any tips or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Roger

i think if they call you're pretty much hired. the guy i talked to knew nothing of plumbing so it wasn't really an "interview".
more of when do you want to start and here's what you do next.

sprplmbr in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: i think if they call you're pretty much hired. the guy i talked to knew nothing of plumbing so it wasn't really an "interview".
more of when do you want to start and here's what you do next.

Thanks for the fast reply.

When did you apply for whatever position you applied for? Just wanted to judge the timetable it took for you to get a callback.

Thanks again,

Roger

no problem,
i sent in my resume through their website a few weeks ago, i think it was Sat the 11th? i had an e-mail the next Tues when i got home from work. called back and forth the next day and recieved the employment packet later that week via e-mail. thats where i stand now.

I have a few questions I hope someone can help answer. I have been reading the forums and have found a wealth of information. My husband has been contacted and had the phone call where they tell him a bunch of stuff. He has to do the wabi, dental, background check and all the other stuff. He worked for LSI for 2 1/2 years so he knows pretty much about living conditions and all that. I just wanted to ask about processing and stuff. Thanks for any help anyone can give me. Ok..
My questions..

1. What is the wabi like? Hes worried about it.
2. He has 2 broken teeth they have been this way for years. will this cause him not get not to get the dental cleared?
2. Who pays for the dental? Us or Kbr?
3. Does the Wabi cost anything?
4. Is the Wabi and dental done before going to Houston?
5. He was hired for HVAC mechanic (tactical vehicle). Does anyone know what they are paid? No one has said.
6. How long after the wabi, background and dental do they send you to houston?
7. i have read conflicting info on cell phones. When he was there before he was able to have an Iraqi cellphone that he bought phone cards for. Are they still allowed? I understand that some bases say no but in general are they not allowed?
8. How do i figure out when he will get his first check?
9. When is he considered officially hired?

Wow I know alot of questions LOL... Ok a breather...

Thanks alot for anyone who answers my questions..

Heres what i know, others can fill you in on the rest. I dont think the Wabi test is hard, common sense. You dont pay for Wabi.The Wabi and dental have to be completed before going to Houston. YOU pay for dental and any work that needs to be completed.Depends on dentist, my husband had a broken tooth but no decay so they signed him off, depends how bad it is.After completion it is usually quick, maybe 2 weeks but you can ask for a specific date i think. They fly into Houston every Sunday . Time for his paycheck will go in the last saturday of each month and you will receive your paycheck the friday after. Thats all i know, im still learning!! hope it helps..

Sprpplmbr, it's a cost plus job. Which means it's not an incentive contract. KBR gets paid for warm bodies, I'm sure some of the people who get hired are marginal at best which would explain why job titles and pay gets changed in country. Seems like to me that the work force is older workers, marginally skilled workers, down on their luck trades people or the adventurous.

Rgrjackson, I applied quite a while ago and never heard back from KBR, which I thought was odd because my resume is a recruiter’s dream. About a month ago I stumbled on a direct contact email for a recruiter and emailed him. He sent me to another recruiter who I talked to on the phone he pulled my resume up from the KBR site and said, 'wow, how did I miss this one'. KBR gets a lot of applications and the recruiters seem more then a bit busy. Direct phone contact is your best bet in getting noticed it would seem. I have more then a few years experience in the position I applied for so for me the phone interview was more about information about the conditions and a little about the work over there and what the next step would be.

Alexi, I can answer your question about the WABI because I took one about 8 months ago (not for KBR). It’s a workplace aptitude test. Which means companies use it to find good employees interested in being team players. It really has nothing to do with learned knowledge. Someone in this forum put it well a while ago with a sample question like this. You finish your work assignment early you a) help others finish their work or b) take a nap. To answer your questions it seems like all the trades get paid the same (except for licensed electricians) $86-88k/year

There have been several comments about getting into a frequent flyer program to take advantage of the R&R travel. What airline(s) should we be signing up with???

Does anyone know about "Telic Corp"???...they said to be employing for LOGCAP n KBR in Kuwait...is there any truth to this?

Swo in Houston, Texas said: There have been several comments about getting into a frequent flyer program to take advantage of the R&R travel. What airline(s) should we be signing up with???

I am a former KBR employee ready for rehire. I had my frequent flyer account with Continental, chose this one because I live in Houston.
I still get upgraded to first class.
Also only the last leg of your journey will count, meaning meaning between any point in Europe and the US.
Good luck and Gos Bless

I am scheduled to go to Houston 11/30. Took forever to get in with KBR but hope I am all set now. I have a question for any KBR vets. I am wondering what type of clothing to bring. I know jeans are ok, but are BDU's better in that climate? Seems they would be cooler. Also, hiking style boots or good desert boots? how about shirts? collared polos or again the BDU style collared shirts? Thanks

kenk in Fort Myers, Florida said: I am scheduled to go to Houston 11/30. Took forever to get in with KBR but hope I am all set now. I have a question for any KBR vets. I am wondering what type of clothing to bring. I know jeans are ok, but are BDU's better in that climate? Seems they would be cooler. Also, hiking style boots or good desert boots? how about shirts? collared polos or again the BDU style collared shirts? Thanks

My view...shoes were steel toes shoes, jeans normal cut( none of that goofy looking wide waist where you have to walk with a hand on the belt :) )
short sleeve polos. If you choose khaki pants, get one that do not need ironing.
Anyway you wil be given a list when you get to Houston.
GGood Luck