KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Oluwakemi,
It is good to hear your process is going well. I am one of those still waiting to get my itinerary. It is definitely nerve racking, so much to do so little time. So much to pack...not enough (lbs) space!!@@@!! Don't forget about us....

Switch,
I have to agree with everyone that your posts are comforting. I look forward to these posts daily, I check them more than my stocks... It has to be stressful for you and the kids. I don't have kids but it is really stressful now that I realize I will be away from husband for so long. We have never been separated. We have lived and worked together for over 6 years. So it will be bittersweet for sure. We both work in the semiconductor industry and there are layoffs all the time. I keep asking myself am I making the best choice for us, all I can do is find peace in the fact that we will be in a better position in a year. Anywhoo...is anyone out there supposed to start processing on the 10th of November?

Off subject....Is it just me or is anyone else out there ready for this whole election biz to be over?...jeeze....

OMG, I am so tickled for this forum. We started this process over a month and a half ago and I was grateful for it then, as well as Deb who answered so many questions and talked to me. He got sent home for his high blood pressure and now that we have it under control we are waiting for them to send the travel arrangements so he can go back to Houston. It seems that they are leaving to get into theater fairly quickly, he is HVAC so on his paperwork it said he had a critical position. I can't imagine how those of you with small children are doing this, I like to think I am a fairly strong person. It came down to him leaving the first time and all I could do was cry like a baby, but that was in between making sure he was packed, and had everything. Alot of people have been less than supportive when they find out what path we have chosen. Both hubby and I were prior military, and I am proud of the fact that he is choosing to support our troops, but the money is a good incentive too! Good luck to all of you, and as the others, I will continue to read and laugh and sometimes comment. I enjoy these but I tend to be a lurker!

Thanks for the comments but i want to say that i love reading everyones questions and answers. This forum is quite addicting to say the least. I also find myself checking in to see if there are any questions i can help someone with or learn something new myself.Im still a newbie and have lots to learn but this site has been sooooo much help. I too have found that a lot of people dont support our decision for my husband to go to Iraq. When it first happened i was in tears and thought how can they be so mean? Bottom line is that the economy isnt good, work is hard to find and we all want more for our families. I have to believe in my heart that it will all work out. I hear, "how could you let him go" 'Wont your children miss him" Of course we will all miss him but we need food on the table and a roof over our head!
Now that i am in Houston all the guys say the same thing, that work is slow all over the States. This is a wonderful opportunity to make some really good money taxfree plus i have one less to do laundry for !!!
Well we are off to dinner. We have to be up at 5.30am to go to the processing center to weigh his luggage and heaven knows what.

Hey Spawn.... if you don't mind I sent off an email to ya... a few Q's about the position I'm looking at with KBR.

Also another q for ya.... What's the weather like over there?
Hope you brought plenty of warm clothing!

THX!

Hi, husband leaving out this AM from Houston. We were very careful on the weight and packing. Glad we were because he called me and told me there were people going through thier bags and putting them into containers for the Salvation Army. There were quite a few that had over the limit and they are telling them to reduce the weights. He said a lot of tee shirts, pants and some were throwing things like vitimins in there.
We had his bag at 34 lbs and his carry on just under 15 lbs. He is wearing his steel toed boots, which I wish I could remember the brand because he hates steel toed but said these were the most comfortable shoes he has had in a long time and doesnt even relize that they are steel toed, and he is carrying/wearing his coat so they wont weigh it. As far as shampoos and personals I sent him with a few little bottles to carry him over until he gets there and he can purchase those items when he arrives at the base.

Just Received my itinerary, will be starting the process on next Monday. I will keep you all updated.

I've been reading your posts and they are very informative. I am schedule to process in Houston on Nov. 24, 2008. I had a hysterectomy surgery in late August, I no longer need/or take the pain med, do you think I should bring them with me to Houston for the medical. I read that the blood screening is very thorough. Also, my BP reading lately is from 123/80 - 140/88, what is the norm for processing before they will send you to the dr.
Working for KBR will be a life changing for me especially helpful in paying my student loans. Thanks again for you input.

My hubbys blood pressure was always 140/90 and when he got to med day they said it was "128/80" it has never been that. We think they just overlook the bp.

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: Oluwakemi,
It is good to hear your process is going well. I am one of those still waiting to get my itinerary. It is definitely nerve racking, so much to do so little time. So much to pack...not enough (lbs) space!!@@@!! Don't forget about us....

Switch,
I have to agree with everyone that your posts are comforting. I look forward to these posts daily, I check them more than my stocks... It has to be stressful for you and the kids. I don't have kids but it is really stressful now that I realize I will be away from husband for so long. We have never been separated. We have lived and worked together for over 6 years. So it will be bittersweet for sure. We both work in the semiconductor industry and there are layoffs all the time. I keep asking myself am I making the best choice for us, all I can do is find peace in the fact that we will be in a better position in a year. Anywhoo...is anyone out there supposed to start processing on the 10th of November?

I start my process in Houston on the 24th of November. I am lookin for someone who will be there on the 24th.

Anyone going in to Houston on the 30th? inittogether, glad you posted, never thought of carrying the jacket, great idea, thanks.

mellypryor in Fort Worth, Texas said: My hubbys blood pressure was always 140/90 and when he got to med day they said it was "128/80" it has never been that. We think they just overlook the bp.

I don't know what they look for as "normal" (probably just not hypertension or in need of meds to control?), and not to scare anyone, but I don't believe they overlook bp.

My husband said one guy had a bp that was running high because he was nervous and they gave him and hour or so for him to get it down. It didn't come down and he left on a bus. I have no idea how hight it was, though.

Only mentioning this so people with high bp (or suspected) can have a heads up and see their dr. if necessary. If you have high bp you are okay to go as long as you are on meds for it and it is controlled.

Crystal01 in Maine said: I don't know what they look for as "normal" (probably just not hypertension or in need of meds to control?), QUOTE]

Wanted to clarify, I only meant that your bp wouldn't be considered "normal" if you were in need of meds and weren't on them to controll it. As long as you are on a med. you are all set. Paperwork says to make sure you have a year supply with you, I believe?

switch in Austin, Texas said: Thanks for the comments but i want to say that i love reading everyones questions and answers. This forum is quite addicting to say the least. I also find myself checking in to see if there are any questions i can help someone with or learn something new myself.Im still a newbie and have lots to learn but this site has been sooooo much help. I too have found that a lot of people dont support our decision for my husband to go to Iraq. When it first happened i was in tears and thought how can they be so mean? Bottom line is that the economy isnt good, work is hard to find and we all want more for our families. I have to believe in my heart that it will all work out. I hear, "how could you let him go" 'Wont your children miss him" Of course we will all miss him but we need food on the table and a roof over our head!
Now that i am in Houston all the guys say the same thing, that work is slow all over the States. This is a wonderful opportunity to make some really good money taxfree plus i have one less to do laundry for !!!
Well we are off to dinner. We have to be up at 5.30am to go to the processing center to weigh his luggage and heaven knows what.

Aww man, I was there before then so I should have tried to meet you Switch. Where are you guys staying? I'm in the Days Hotel. I know it was hard for you. I am trying to play catchup but won't be able to reply to everything right now. Have to turn in early as the shuttle comes at 4am... :(
So begings my long day doing medical and passport....

Fyre in Atlanta, Georgia said: Aww man, I was there before then so I should have tried to meet you Switch. Where are you guys staying? I'm in the Days Hotel. I know it was hard for you. I am trying to play catchup but won't be able to reply to everything right now. Have to turn in early as the shuttle comes at 4am... :(
So begings my long day doing medical and passport....

Hey FYRE ,sorry i didnt get to meet you.I was at the processing center from 7am till 1.30pm today. I saw all the new people with the brown strings around their necks. Were you there?
I was the only one there with children waiting for my hubby to leave. What a long morning . They weighed their luggage and then had a meeting at 9.30 to receive their packets with passports,flight itinery and a letter of authorization. About 10 or so people did not receive the letter. OMG stressful !!! come back at 11.30 to check for this letter. Still no letter !! The airport bus pulls up at 12.30. Flights are leaving at 4.00pm for london then onto Dubai. Then at 1.30 a guy appears with some letters of authorization. My husband was one of them Yeah and on the bus he jumps.They continue to wait another 20 minutes for the rest of the letters and i think that everyone made it. It was all a last minute scramble and very unorganised. Papers are always seemingly lost in the shuffle. Anyway he left today and although sad, i am relieved that he got through the week and that he is travelling with such a great group of guys. I know that they will watch out for eachother on the way. I had a great couple of days with some wonderful people. I hope that the group that you meet are just as nice. I got to visit with Kemi today and meet Tina, I hope that you both get out soon,it was an honor to meet you both. Take care.

Fyre in Atlanta, Georgia said: Aww man, I was there before then so I should have tried to meet you Switch. Where are you guys staying? I'm in the Days Hotel. I know it was hard for you. I am trying to play catchup but won't be able to reply to everything right now. Have to turn in early as the shuttle comes at 4am... :(
So begings my long day doing medical and passport....

Btexas. When i was in Houston we met a guy on medical hold. He had been on Darvaset (not sure of spelling), he had not taken any for at least a week. It showed up on his blood work and he did not fly today because of it. He had a letter from the doctor. Bring everything with you, pills, doctors notes to validate the fact should something show up. People seem to show up with documents missing etc, it will delay you. Bring absolutely everything. You dont want to hang around any longer than you have to.

Well, i just got a call from my hubby. He has arrived in Dubai. It was 10pm there and 12pm here so thats a 10 hour time difference. He was at the hotel and will be flying into Bagdad tomorrow morning.he was in good spirits just tired. Apparently you can buy a $6 phone card to call home. We spoke for about 6-7 minutes and he still had time left on the card.I feel so relieved to have talked to him.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Well, i just got a call from my hubby. He has arrived in Dubai. It was 10pm there and 12pm here so thats a 10 hour time difference. He was at the hotel and will be flying into Bagdad tomorrow morning.he was in good spirits just tired. Apparently you can buy a $6 phone card to call home. We spoke for about 6-7 minutes and he still had time left on the card.I feel so relieved to have talked to him.

That's great that you were able to speak with him. He is flying to Baghdad tomorrow? I heard that people usually stay in Dubai 2-3 days...

Im not sure about 2 or 3 days. We heard that if you arrive at night they usually fly you in the next day. He will leave early morning. There were some people going on to Afghanistan and he said they were flying that night. Maybe cos they are electricians they are moving fast ? They had their layover in London only one and a half hours. Some people go through Amsterdam.
Does anyone know how long the flight is from Dubai to Bagdad ?

inittogether in Mooresville, North Carolina said: Hi, husband leaving out this AM from Houston. We were very careful on the weight and packing. Glad we were because he called me and told me there were people going through thier bags and putting them into containers for the Salvation Army. There were quite a few that had over the limit and they are telling them to reduce the weights. He said a lot of tee shirts, pants and some were throwing things like vitimins in there.
We had his bag at 34 lbs and his carry on just under 15 lbs. He is wearing his steel toed boots, which I wish I could remember the brand because he hates steel toed but said these were the most comfortable shoes he has had in a long time and doesnt even relize that they are steel toed, and he is carrying/wearing his coat so they wont weigh it. As far as shampoos and personals I sent him with a few little bottles to carry him over until he gets there and he can purchase those items when he arrives at the base.

Your husband flew out Monday? He must of gone with my hubby, is he an electrician? Yes i was there when they started weighing bags, They have boxes for salvation army or goodwill that you throw the extra items in. Some of the guys put stuff in other peoples bags that weighed less if they were going to the same destination. For you guys that are on a budget and dont have much to take, you can raid these boxes there is some good stuff there !!

switch in Austin, Texas said: Im not sure about 2 or 3 days. We heard that if you arrive at night they usually fly you in the next day. He will leave early morning. There were some people going on to Afghanistan and he said they were flying that night. Maybe cos they are electricians they are moving fast ? They had their layover in London only one and a half hours. Some people go through Amsterdam.
Does anyone know how long the flight is from Dubai to Bagdad ?

Here with nick in dubai tell the guy you love him already he won't stop talking about you

kngdvd in Woburn, Massachusetts said: Here with nick in dubai tell the guy you love him already he won't stop talking about you

OMG tell him i love him. Tell him to go straight to bed and not leave the hotel. Ive heard about those women in Dubai !!!!!
Did i meet you in Houston?

kngdvd in Woburn, Massachusetts said: Here with nick in dubai tell the guy you love him already he won't stop talking about you

Are you the one that came with a buddy? Were you at the same hotel as us ? Im blown away. Small small world.....

switch in Austin, Texas said: OMG tell him i love him. Tell him to go straight to bed and not leave the hotel. Ive heard about those women in Dubai !!!!!
Did i meet you in Houston?

How awesome that you have that link with your husband. I am so happy for you!

Hopefully he will run into my husband, as well, within the next couple of days. :)

Crystal01 in Maine said: How awesome that you have that link with your husband. I am so happy for you!

Hopefully he will run into my husband, as well, within the next couple of days. :)

Thanks Crystal. You just never know what is going to happen on this forum or who will meet who. Im feeling so good right now...

im flying to houstoun on the 30th

Fyre in Atlanta, Georgia said: Aww man, I was there before then so I should have tried to meet you Switch. Where are you guys staying? I'm in the Days Hotel. I know it was hard for you. I am trying to play catchup but won't be able to reply to everything right now. Have to turn in early as the shuttle comes at 4am... :(
So begings my long day doing medical and passport....

How did medical go for you? My husband said it was the hardest day...

adam kirk in belfast, United Kingdom said: im flying to houstoun on the 30th

Hi Adam, good luck with processing. When i was in Houston i didnt meet anyone from your neck of the woods. They will find you quite a novelty!! You are going over as an electrician right. Do you have to abide to American standards and code ? You should find lots of info on this site. Is it getting bad over there workwise?

Hey Switch My husband is with yours (Nick, right), he says Hey from Dubai. My DH was able to IM me today when they got there. I read this forum all the time and he asked me to let you know they were there.

switch in Austin, Texas said: O.K. i just got word that it is wheels up for my husband on monday !! That was really quick, 8 days. I think that is just for electricians though, he said there were quite a few left. I am leaving tomorrow morning to spend the weekend with him. FYRE if you get sent to la quinta, look out for me, or on monday if you see a distraught female with 3 kids saying goodbye to her husband come over and say Hi. Fyre i hope it all works out for you and try to keep us posted. As wifes we worry about our husbands a lot but we also think of all the other people out there and especially the ones that have shared on this site. Good luck, take care and stay safe.

Hey, is there anyone on this forum who has been in Iraq or Afgan recently, or who has heard directly from someone over there. I'm wondering what the actual working condtions are like. Is it 7 12's or 7 14's? Is KBR letting the electricians do there work correctly? I've heard so many rumors. I have a job if I want it at KBR, but I am working steady now. I was a little put off by them when they told me that with 20 years experience, 12 years or so as a foreman, and 4 years as a Master Liscenced Contractor on the side, that I didn't have what they thought was Master level experience. Not sure what they are after there I guess. Anyway I haven't said no yet, but if I leave a "secure" job I want to know very well what the actual conditions are. It's a good opportunity to serve my country and make decent money doing it, as long as we are allowed to do work we can feel good about.

Host said: What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at KBR?

What do you like best about working at KBR? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?

can you tell me kbr stands for, I am an experienced heavy equipment operator very interested in going overseas to make some cash...but don't know where to go for information...my e-mail is heobillcox@yahoo.com

kerry lewis in Woburn, Massachusetts said: Hey Switch My husband is with yours (Nick, right), he says Hey from Dubai. My DH was able to IM me today when they got there. I read this forum all the time and he asked me to let you know they were there.

Oh my This is so exciting !! Is you husband kngdvd that posted earlier?. I know that i must have met him in Houston (sorry you were not there) i just cant seem to place the face. Did he go with a buddy? Well you must be feeling like me... anxious. I wonder where they will end up?

switch the construction over heres nearly non-exsistant at the minute. yea im an electrician. im not sure what standard i will be working to at the minute. is the tests tough? im looking forward to it

bluecamel in Doha, Qatar said: i really enjoy reading all the speculation about KBR from individual that have never worked for the company. i have been with KBR for just over 4 years. i spent the first 3 years in Iraq (transportation dept) climbed the corporate ladder to upper managemnt and now work with KBR and Shell on the largest construction project in the world.

there are a few contract companies that pay a little more starting out, but the chance for advancement and to make it a career are very slim with those other companies.

I am making almost $165,000 a year and work 8 weeks on 18 days off. I defie anyone to tell me that is not a good job.

Can u tell me where is the best place to learn about overseas jobs??? I am an experienced heavy eqipment operator, very interested in working overseas for a couple of years or so...

adam kirk in belfast, United Kingdom said: switch the construction over heres nearly non-exsistant at the minute. yea im an electrician. im not sure what standard i will be working to at the minute. is the tests tough? im looking forward to it

I dont believe the tests are really hard from what i hear, more like common sense. They give you a code book or one online to assist you. The test that you get on your first day (there is only one test) is not a pass or fail test. Its just to see if you are a true electrician or a blundering idiot !!
They are desperate for electricians, dont worry you will be fine. Is KBR wellknown overthere? My family are from England and my brother tells me all the time how bad it is over there. This will be a great opportunity for you . Good Luck.

adam kirk in belfast, United Kingdom said: im flying to houstoun on the 30th

Where are you going Iraq ? Do you know what camp ?

johnny collins in Charleston, West Virginia said: can you tell me kbr stands for, I am an experienced heavy equipment operator very interested in going overseas to make some cash...but don't know where to go for information...my e-mail is heobillcox@yahoo.com

It used to stand for Kellogg Brown & Root. Now it's just KBR,Inc.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

thanks switch. not really that well known i only heard of them through a friend who was on duty in the army and he told me about them. im not sure where im going yet they mentioned iraq and afghan so whatever it wont bother me. do you know how long the stay in houston is and how long it is after the testing before your sent out.

adam kirk in belfast, United Kingdom said: thanks switch. not really that well known i only heard of them through a friend who was on duty in the army and he told me about them. im not sure where im going yet they mentioned iraq and afghan so whatever it wont bother me. do you know how long the stay in houston is and how long it is after the testing before your sent out.

They are rushing the electricians out ,lucky you !! my hubby arrived sunday 26th October started processing the monday and flew out the monday after.He will be in Bagdad tomorrow. He had friday and sunday off so its really not that bad. The worst day is medical day, Tuesday its quite stressful.Quite a few of them went home for whatever reason.

adam kirk in belfast, United Kingdom said: thanks switch. not really that well known i only heard of them through a friend who was on duty in the army and he told me about them. im not sure where im going yet they mentioned iraq and afghan so whatever it wont bother me. do you know how long the stay in houston is and how long it is after the testing before your sent out.

Its not a week of testing. Just that one. The rest is training, lectures, paperwork and learning how to put a special suit and mask on.They will also talk about the camps and living conditions.

thanks for your help its really apreciated. do you know what the medical involves? does it have a fitness test or anything like that? thanks

Yes my husband is kngdvd, he is headed for Camp Speicher. I hope they don't change that on him. He didn't go with a buddy, but I know he made some friends in huston, a Dale, and a Dennis and apparently Nick. Is this your first time going through this too? It hasn't hit me yet how much I will miss him, I am hoping it won't be too hard.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Oh my This is so exciting !! Is you husband kngdvd that posted earlier?. I know that i must have met him in Houston (sorry you were not there) i just cant seem to place the face. Did he go with a buddy? Well you must be feeling like me... anxious. I wonder where they will end up?

adam kirk in belfast, United Kingdom said: thanks for your help its really apreciated. do you know what the medical involves? does it have a fitness test or anything like that? thanks

First thing is the urinalisis, cant eat or drink after 12 night before testing for drugs. Blood work testing for Aids, Hepatitis,Diabetes etc etc. Chest xrays, EKG if over 40,something about blowing air in a tube.That coughing thing they do on men..
I dont think they make you run around or anything. Cant remember anymore but you are there a long time.There is someone on this site that had one today so maybe they will let you know more.

Was he at the same hotel as my hubby do you know? I met a couple of people going to that camp.It was a really nice group so they will be fine. Yes this is our first time. I too hope that they end up where they are meant to go. As it is now i think that they will be moving around a lot. I will be glad when they are all settled. Do you know how long the flight is to Bagdad from Dubai? As long as we continue to have contact it will be o.k. Keep busy..

HEY FYRE, How did the medical go? Are you still in the game ??

I looked it up and although there are no commercial flights between Dubai and Baghdad, it is 860 miles, so I would have to assume that flight will be between 2 and 5 hours. No idea. The poor guys have been traveling almost a whole day now. I think they were at the same hotel, Dave said there was a group of them who had been hanging out together. I do keep busy with my two teenagers and full time job. You sound like your kids are younger that must be hard. Hang in there, if I hear from Dave again I will let you know.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Was he at the same hotel as my hubby do you know? I met a couple of people going to that camp.It was a really nice group so they will be fine. Yes this is our first time. I too hope that they end up where they are meant to go. As it is now i think that they will be moving around a lot. I will be glad when they are all settled. Do you know how long the flight is to Bagdad from Dubai? As long as we continue to have contact it will be o.k. Keep busy..

adam kirk in belfast, United Kingdom said: im flying to houstoun on the 30th

into Houston on the 30th here also adam

The flight time from Dubai to Baghdad is roughly 3 hours or a rough 3 hours. :)

I think they are starting commercial flights out of Baghdad soon, that is if they haven't already.

good stuff kenk. are you an electrician

johnny collins in Charleston, West Virginia said: Can u tell me where is the best place to learn about overseas jobs??? I am an experienced heavy eqipment operator, very interested in working overseas for a couple of years or so...

Hey JC -
I too am looking to get hired on with KBR or DynCorp as an HEO.
Filled out resumes for both of those companies over the week-end.

Check out kbr's web site... www.kbr.com/default.aspx
Then choose "Careers" then the "LOGCAP" option. That's about the only 'Theater' KBR is hiring for Operators at this time.

Also DynCorp..... www.dyn-intl.com/index.aspx
is one of the other three companies that got a chunk of the LOGCAP IV contracts.

I've checked Flour Corp too, the third contractor that LOGCAP IV is divided into,.... www.fluor.com/
but they seem to be a Professional (White Collar) based company. No skilled trade job openings that I see in their listings. *Shrugs*

All I can say about either of the above companies hiring Operators at this time is... Good Luck!
Even though they advertise for our positions I haven't really read anything or about any of us hiring on. It seems Sparky's are their greatest interest right now.