KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

TammyKutts in North Dakota said: I am supposed to be goint to Houston on the 1st and I have read a lot of posts about what to bring and not to bring. My question is will I be able to call home and what about the use of the internet? Does everyone get a laptop or just a few and if I dont will I be able to find one to use? Does it cost anything?

My husband calls once, sometimes twice a day. Buy a domestic calling card to take with you. All the bases have Houston numbers. You can take a laptop with you, i belive you have to buy access from the PX. About 25 a week or 80 a month ?. Depending on which camp you are at. People will probably be more than happy to share and maybe split the cost.They also have computers on the base for free but you have to wait a few weeks to get a log in number from KBR.

Thanks switch, I was actually wondering about that myself. I think I will be issued a laptop, but I want to bring my own. 80.00/month...pricey.

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: Thanks switch, I was actually wondering about that myself. I think I will be issued a laptop, but I want to bring my own. 80.00/month...pricey.

Dont quote me on that. I know someone at camp victory now and he got a week of access for about 26 i think. How is your eye ? You are leaving tonight yes ? The very best of luck to you.

blckmrvl said: Im sure well meet neice 706 what's ur email? I haven't got my ticket yet but im lookin like every hour lol. Im goin to sharana.....warehousin. Let me kno when u get ur ticket.....vice versa

Okay, I know someone that is in Sharana now, if he hasn't moved. My email is niece706@yahoo.com, once you send me yours I can keep in contact with you. I plan on bringing me a lapttop to keep in touch with everyone and family of course.

switch in Austin, Texas said: My husband calls once, sometimes twice a day. Buy a domestic calling card to take with you. All the bases have Houston numbers. You can take a laptop with you, i belive you have to buy access from the PX. About 25 a week or 80 a month ?. Depending on which camp you are at. People will probably be more than happy to share and maybe split the cost.They also have computers on the base for free but you have to wait a few weeks to get a log in number from KBR.

We were told to buy a prepaid cell phone for me to keep here and program it with a houston area code and zip code. I activated it today so while my husband is in houston he will be able to call me from the hotel and in iraq it would be as a local call. This way it only costs me a little bit to talk to him.

blckmrvl said: Im sure well meet neice 706 what's ur email? I haven't got my ticket yet but im lookin like every hour lol. Im goin to sharana.....warehousin. Let me kno when u get ur ticket.....vice versa

Oh, and I will be sure to let you know when I get my ticket...Have you sent your supplemental paperwork back to the call center yet? I did tha like Monday last week.

btexas in Beaumont, Texas said: Hey Cool Jay in NC, I hope to meet you in Houston. Look for brown skin female with glasses. Here's my email graceandmercy62@sbcglobal.net.

Hey Btexas, we are two of the same kind. I will be in glasses as well, but I will be processing on the 17th...Doubt if I'll be there, but I'll be sure to let you all know how it went. Where are you going Iraq or Affi?

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: Niece706,
This is soo messed up.. I was trying to get some last minute playful photos of my niece and my dog. Guess what My niece threw my dog's heavy tire ball and hit me in the eye. Now I have a shiner...LOL!!! so if any of you see the light-skinned chick with a shiner. Well that would be me. Arghhhhhhh!!!! Now it looks like my husband whooped on me before I fled the country. Not cool. ;) LOL!!!

LOL, are you serious??? WOW,dang, well at least we know the truth as to what happened...lol...Well did you get the pictures? Those are going to have to last for sometime.....I am trying to do the same thing here.....Take and abundance of pics, and eat all of the good food, (like I need to be eating all this mess).....lol.....

wirenutts wife in California said: We were told to buy a prepaid cell phone for me to keep here and program it with a houston area code and zip code. I activated it today so while my husband is in houston he will be able to call me from the hotel and in iraq it would be as a local call. This way it only costs me a little bit to talk to him.

When he gets over there usually there are numbers on the phone. He calls me and then i call him back. We have free long distance on our phone package. They are Houston numbers.

wirenutts wife in California said: Okay… my husband is scheduled to be in Houston on the 16th for processing. (We have yet to receive his travel packet) When his recruiter told him that he could have him there by then we were surprised.
I have a few questions for you guys........
What exactly has to be done before he gets there?
What is the likelihood of his orders changing once he gets in Dubai? He is worried that they will fluff up where he is going to get him there and change it once they have him there.
Is the KBR credit union still signing people up for an account at the processing center? We do not have a checking account and it is hard for us to get one due to Chexsystems. We want to make sure that this is still an option for us and not be stranded without a way for me to get his checks.
Also I would like to talk to other wives whose husband is there or planning to leave soon. Maybe we can be each other’s support system!! I know I’ll need it. With three kids, a full time job, and going to school full time, I think that until I get that first check I will be extremely stressed and worried. One thing that keeps me going is constantly repeating …money money mooonnnneyyy money!!
If anyone has information that they think would be important to know please let me know. We are both nervous as to this whole thing because it seems to be going very fast.

Where is your husband going Iraq? what camp ? electrician ?
My hubby just went over. In regards to camps, once you get over there they will send you where they need you. My hubby told me today what they tell you in Houston means nothing. Hubby will be told at the end of the week after training where he will end up so we shall see..

switch in Austin, Texas said: Where is your husband going Iraq? what camp ? electrician ?
My hubby just went over. In regards to camps, once you get over there they will send you where they need you. My hubby told me today what they tell you in Houston means nothing. Hubby will be told at the end of the week after training where he will end up so we shall see..

my recruiter told me she already had a job assignment for me and that i will be going to bagram airbase this was 3 weeks ago because she was able to get me and my tool buddy out at the same time and stationed at the same place. am i to believe what she says or????

Yea I sent my supplemental info 2

oldmitter sparky in sierra vista, Arizona said: my recruiter told me she already had a job assignment for me and that i will be going to bagram airbase this was 3 weeks ago because she was able to get me and my tool buddy out at the same time and stationed at the same place. am i to believe what she says or????

I cant really answer you on that. I do know that there are 2 buddies in my husbands group that came together. We will see at the end of the week where they will end up. Its my understanding that it is out of the recruiters hands when you are over there. It depends where the greatest need is when you get over there.

Hey Cool Jay NC, I am supposed to be going to bagram. What about you?

Hey Tammy Kutts in N Dakota, I am going to Houston to process on Dec 1, too. I hope to see you there.

btexas in Beaumont, Texas said: Hey Tammy Kutts in N Dakota, I am going to Houston to process on Dec 1, too. I hope to see you there.

I am going back to good old Anaconda, or as it is now referred to as Joint Base Balad....lol

niece706 in The Little "A", Georgia said: Hey Btexas, we are two of the same kind. I will be in glasses as well, but I will be processing on the 17th...Doubt if I'll be there, but I'll be sure to let you all know how it went. Where are you going Iraq or Affi?

Hey niece706 from Georgia (I love the beautiful state of Georgia), good to know someone like me. I hope to see you in Houston or Iraq. Yes, Please keep in touch. If you want feel free to email at graceandmercy62@sbcglobal.net.

Cool Jay in NC in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I am going back to good old Anaconda, or as it is now referred to as Joint Base Balad....lol

Did you say you were a re-hire. What does that mean? (are you returning from R&R or have you completed your contract and continuing for another year?)
What is your occupation? What is it like at Joint Base Balad?

switch in Austin, Texas said: I cant really answer you on that. I do know that there are 2 buddies in my husbands group that came together. We will see at the end of the week where they will end up. Its my understanding that it is out of the recruiters hands when you are over there. It depends where the greatest need is when you get over there.

is it me or do they keep you in the dark until you get your itenery to fly to houston

wirenutts wife in California said: We were told to buy a prepaid cell phone for me to keep here and program it with a houston area code and zip code. I activated it today so while my husband is in houston he will be able to call me from the hotel and in iraq it would be as a local call. This way it only costs me a little bit to talk to him.

what part of cali are you guys from?

I just checked into my hotel, wow what a reality check. No more Miss Princess, I guess I should get used to it. When they said check in at the Hilton...I got my hopes up. I wonder if I can switch hotels. Probably to much to ask. Well, accommodations will probably get worse from now on...jeeze

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: I just checked into my hotel, wow what a reality check. No more Miss Princess, I guess I should get used to it. When they said check in at the Hilton...I got my hopes up. I wonder if I can switch hotels. Probably to much to ask. Well, accommodations will probably get worse from now on...jeeze

does the hilton suck i thought that was the nice hotel?

redbuddafly, are you at the Hilton. I just checked into Americas Best Value Inn. The driver said we will be moved to the Hilton later in the week it is just full now.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Where is your husband going Iraq? what camp ? electrician ?
My hubby just went over. In regards to camps, once you get over there they will send you where they need you. My hubby told me today what they tell you in Houston means nothing. Hubby will be told at the end of the week after training where he will end up so we shall see..

He is supposed to be going to Iraq but we'll see!! His recruiter has been very honest and told him that he will probably get sent somewhere else. Yes he is an electrician. quick question... His recruiter told him that they have to take and electrical exam in Houston and how well you do pretty much determines where you go. i.e. if you do really well you get sent where your skills are needed. Has anybody else heard this?

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: I just checked into my hotel, wow what a reality check. No more Miss Princess, I guess I should get used to it. When they said check in at the Hilton...I got my hopes up. I wonder if I can switch hotels. Probably to much to ask. Well, accommodations will probably get worse from now on...jeeze

which hotel did u get? we were in la quinta but understand the days inn is not too great.Remember with KBR you are allowed to use ALL facilities of the Hilton and Marriott. Laundry room, fitness, computers etc. Only problem is you have to take taxis. At least you got a room by yourself right. Get lots of sleep the bus comes early.

oldmitter sparky in sierra vista, Arizona said: what part of cali are you guys from?

San Diego area. (Oceanside) Right now we live 1 block from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. I love it here! hopefully hubby won't miss it too bad! lol

switch in Austin, Texas said: When he gets over there usually there are numbers on the phone. He calls me and then i call him back. We have free long distance on our phone package. They are Houston numbers.

I wish I would have known that before I bought the phone!! Oh well! at least now I can make sure I get his call where ever I happen to be.

wirenutts wife in California said: He is supposed to be going to Iraq but we'll see!! His recruiter has been very honest and told him that he will probably get sent somewhere else. Yes he is an electrician. quick question... His recruiter told him that they have to take and electrical exam in Houston and how well you do pretty much determines where you go. i.e. if you do really well you get sent where your skills are needed. Has anybody else heard this?

My hubby knew a while back he was going to Iraq. Yes they give you an electrical test in Houston. I cant remember which day it was. its not a pass or fail test they just want to know that you are a true electrician and not some idiot. They have a few code books on hand but you also have access to the online code book, which my hubby couldnt do cos he is not too good on the computer.When they get to Bagdad they have one week of training and then they have a test, this test i think is more important and will determine your placement.

When your itinerary says Check in at The Hilton Hotel. This is just a gathering place where you will be taken by bus to other hotels. Some people will stay at the Hilton, the majority to smaller hotels. Some people will go to the hilton later in the week when others have flown out.

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: I just checked into my hotel, wow what a reality check. No more Miss Princess, I guess I should get used to it. When they said check in at the Hilton...I got my hopes up. I wonder if I can switch hotels. Probably to much to ask. Well, accommodations will probably get worse from now on...jeeze

y do you think things will get worse

oldmitter sparky in sierra vista, Arizona said: does the hilton suck i thought that was the nice hotel?

She got her hopes up thinking she was going to stay at the Hilton. They obviously put her in some other hotel. Yes the Hilton in Greenspoint is very nice indeed.

oldmitter sparky in sierra vista, Arizona said: is it me or do they keep you in the dark until you get your itenery to fly to houston

even then they will keep you in the dark....

btexas in Beaumont, Texas said: Hey niece706 from Georgia (I love the beautiful state of Georgia), good to know someone like me. I hope to see you in Houston or Iraq. Yes, Please keep in touch. If you want feel free to email at graceandmercy62@sbcglobal.net.

Ok, cool. Thanks texas..same to you mine is Niece706...as of right now, I am supposed to be going to Bagram Airforce Base..(BAF)

niece706 in The Little "A", Georgia said: Ok, cool. Thanks texas..same to you mine is Niece706...as of right now, I am supposed to be going to Bagram Airforce Base..(BAF)

Sorry Niece706@yahoo.com

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: I just checked into my hotel, wow what a reality check. No more Miss Princess, I guess I should get used to it. When they said check in at the Hilton...I got my hopes up. I wonder if I can switch hotels. Probably to much to ask. Well, accommodations will probably get worse from now on...jeeze

Oh my..yeah they say that happens at times. How many people seems to be there right now? A lot? WOW, this is going to be soemthing. Let me know how everything goes through out the week. Especially with medical on Tuesday. Did your eye get better?

Your living accomadations will get much worse then the hotels you are currently staying. If you get luck you may get a metal container that is the size of a large walk in closet with two people living in it. Bathrooms and showers will be located within walking distance. Many will end up in tents with 30-40 people and no privacy or a bunk house. You will get use to the hardships fast or you will go home because it will not get better.

I found the cell phone to be more practical as I don't want to miss any calls from him. I can't sit at home and wait for the calls.

Debbie

KBR will keep you in the dark until you go home. My husband says they treat you like a mushroom, feed you garbage and keep you in the dark. He has been there 17 months and getting use to it somwhat. Good luck.

Debbie

yeh I am staying at America's worse... I mean Best;)
It would be nice to move to the Hilton before I head off to the unknown,
but I am thankful to be in the room alone.
Oh my eye is not hat bad, but could be worse in the morning.
Hey Iraqbound I will cya in the morning 0530.

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: I just checked into my hotel, wow what a reality check. No more Miss Princess, I guess I should get used to it. When they said check in at the Hilton...I got my hopes up. I wonder if I can switch hotels. Probably to much to ask. Well, accommodations will probably get worse from now on...jeeze

You don't like the Hilton? The room my husband had was gorgeous. It was all brand new, gorgeous and comfy bedding. Very modern bathroom. Flat screen t.v. I loved it!

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: yeh I am staying at America's worse... I mean Best;)
It would be nice to move to the Hilton before I head off to the unknown,
but I am thankful to be in the room alone.
Oh my eye is not hat bad, but could be worse in the morning.
Hey Iraqbound I will cya in the morning 0530.

Ooops, nevermind. I thought you were at the Hilton and unhappy. I misunderstood. Sorry!

We are not all as lucky as you were crystal !!

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: KBR will keep you in the dark until you go home. My husband says they treat you like a mushroom, feed you garbage and keep you in the dark. He has been there 17 months and getting use to it somwhat. Good luck.

Debbie

mushroom...i like that

I am actually at home right now getting my own bedding and towels for the week, Lysol, bug repellent;)...just like camping;)

Oh yeh crystal...rub it in;)

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: I am actually at home right now getting my own bedding and towels for the week, Lysol, bug repellent;)...just like camping;)

Oh wow, is it that nad??? OMG, got me worried for real now...

redbuddafly in Houston, Texas said: I am actually at home right now getting my own bedding and towels for the week, Lysol, bug repellent;)...just like camping;)

are you serious ? is it really that bad ? have u met anyone at the hotel yet?

you went home to get your own bedding? if you live in Houston why dont you just sleep at home and drive to the processing center everyday? OMG i cant stand this..

Ladies....I am just joking. I would rather stay at the hotel so that I won't miss anything, I am a newbie so I need to be with the crowd. The conditions at the hotel are not that bad, but I did come home after I checked in and I did get my pillow and blanket..and lysol...just cuz. I live about 20-30 min. away from the center so I will probably go home every other day if need be.

Well I am signing off now, long day tomorrow. Keep you all updated. Niece706, stop worrying girl;}