KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

thanks... its just that this is all new.. This is not something that most people do..so that is why i decided to look for a forum like this to get advice/comfort from those of you that have been there and done that...

your info is much appreciated

maria campau in Riverside, California said: He is an electrician.. Navy Vet actually so he is excited about going and helping our country/troops in this way.. Thanks for helping me out here... I hope we can keep in touch to kinda comfort/support eachother.. My husband hasnt officially accepted the position but I know its coming down to it... how soon after your husband accepted the position did he go out??

My hubby is an electrician too. It will probably be 2-3 weeks before he getsto Houston. Processing will only be a week. There seems to be a mad rush to get them out there. Electricians are in big demand right now and this is a great opportunity seeing as they raised their pay..

Just received my final call from my recruiter before heading to houston on sunday this 16th.
I am suppost to end up at camp Warrior in Iraq. She said I will be shipping out before Thanksgiving since they will not be processing anyone during that week.

Hi Debbie and thanks again. You’re raising three grandkids? I just took up the chore of helping to raise our eldest son’s 14 mth daughter. Ok 39 board pages–2 days of reading and taking notes and I feel like I am amazingly well informed!!!! Question: if dh’s submits his application now–and he gets he call–can he postpone precessing until after the holidays? I heard/read a entry or two that mentioned you can postpone processing--departure to Houston? Thanks.

yes I know the pay sounds unbelievable....I know it will be a sacrifice on both parts... This is a great opportunity.. I truly appreciate your replies.. Now I feel a whole lot better now than how I have been feeling since we got the call yesterday...

Koko Wilson in Florida said: Hi Debbie and thanks again. You’re raising three grandkids? I just took up the chore of helping to raise our eldest son’s 14 mth daughter. Ok 39 board pages–2 days of reading and taking notes and I feel like I am amazingly well informed!!!! Question: if dh’s submits his application now–and he gets he call–can he postpone precessing until after the holidays? I heard/read a entry or two that mentioned you can postpone processing--departure to Houston? Thanks.

Yes my hubby was meant to process mid oct, we called the recruiter and changed the weeks no problem.

Jeffrey Clarke in North Port, Florida said: Just received my final call from my recruiter before heading to houston on sunday this 16th.
I am suppost to end up at camp Warrior in Iraq. She said I will be shipping out before Thanksgiving since they will not be processing anyone during that week.

Hey Jeff did she say that you electricians will be priority of getting on the next flight, or they are trying to get the majority out before Turkey Day?

Thanks again ladies. I am just in a panic. I know him. He’s never been turned down or away from a job , so I expect they will eventually call. So was holding off sending his resume in. I am not looking forward to this by any means. The job he has here is good–as far as pay in Florida. But this stationary life, being home 24/7 and a full time parent after being away so much, well it is wearing him down. He's always been more of a Hallmark moments kind of a dad. And now with the grand baby in the house–well he was trying to get the kids out–not more in, not that he doesn’t adore her.

They are pushing through the electricians, My recruiter said I will fly out the folowing sunday from when I arrive. She said they are not processing anyone during Turkey week.
So I can only imagine that anyone who flies in this weekend will be pushed through, instead of sitting in houston while they are closed for the holiday.

niece706, Just check the calender again, If you fly to houston on the 16th. You will have to be flying out the following sunday the 24th. since they will be closed all week.

Jeffrey Clarke in North Port, Florida said: niece706, Just check the calender again, If you fly to houston on the 16th. You will have to be flying out the following sunday the 24th. since they will be closed all week.

Yes i will be intersted to see how that works. When i was in Houston 2 weeks ago there were people that had been there 3 weeks. I cant see how they can fly everyone out in one week but on the other hand i cant see them leaving people in the hotels twiddling their fingers. Interesting...

Anybody on this board. Does anybody know if KBR Recruiter Yolanka (2004) is still there? Was my recruiter, would like to contact her for rehire.
Thanks, nostradaimus@yahoo.com

hey im going out as an electrician on the 17th also. i heard they send us while the others are awaiting a flight.

Jjsvmax in Spring, Texas said: hey im going out as an electrician on the 17th also. i heard they send us while the others are awaiting a flight.

I guess we will know soon enough, See ya on Monday, Sparkey

Jeffrey Clarke in North Port, Florida said: niece706, Just check the calender again, If you fly to houston on the 16th. You will have to be flying out the following sunday the 24th. since they will be closed all week.

Yes, I seen that I was thinking the 23rd as well, but when asking a recruiter, she said that they are not bringing anyone in, but they will just take care of the one's that are there and will still being doing deployments that week up until Turkey Day or the day before...but, we'll see...

switch in Austin, Texas said: Try not to listen to other peoples negative opinions.When we first looked into this everybody had so much to say about it. I would rather live in a shoebox than let my husband go, what about your kids? icant understand why you are doing this ...it goes on and on. QUOTE]

Hi switch, I have been reading you comments through the weeks and my husband was in Houston when yours was there. I asked him about if he had seen any familys there and he said he had and I am guessing it was yours. I think you were around when they were weighing in the bags and the guys had to put some of thier belongings in the salvation army box. By the way if you seen a man getting a pair of insulated Carharts out of the box that was him. I was hoping to get out there myself but couldnt work it in the way I was hoping.

I totally agree with you on what mean things people can say to you when they hear what we have decided to do. I had someone, a family member on his side, tell me if I didnt love him anymore just divorce him dont send him over there to get killed. And a lot more than that.
I dont understand what people are thinking when comments like that are made. It is a tough enough decision and even harder when it starts happening. Me and the children are handling it the best we can and it is to better our living. Times are tough all over right now and people have got to go where the work is.
I too talk to my husband at least twice a day and if I am up for it or he just wants to tell me something he gives me a call in the middle of the night, daytime there.
He is in Afganistan, a electrician. He was originally supposed to go to Bagram but was moved to Kandahar. From there is to be going to different camps as needed, called CJOA.Even though he was originally told one place he said that he would be sent where needed.
Makes sense. I find the only complainers are the ones that have not paid attention.

The first month was probably the worst for us. The conditions are no where near home and it take a bit to get use to the extreme heat, sand, and the long hours. But the calls home and care packages helped to get over the hump.

The living conditions vary from camp to camp, some very good other not do good. But nothing that is unbearable, just makes the adjustment a bit more difficult.

In regards to the money that also varies depending on the job you go for. We have had some issues with payroll in the 17 months but it always follows R&R. One month our check was only $997.00 for the month. Had to wait until the following month to get the rest of our month. KBR pays up to $850.00 for airfare for R&R but the tickets cost $600.00 or more over the re-imbursment. Employees must pay for the ticket in full the month prior to R&R and you receive your $850.00 the following month after they have returned from R&R. Makes for some very short checks for two months.

Hope this helps you out. Keep in touch and I will try to answer any questions you have come up. There are many others on this forum that will share their information also.

Debbie

lostwithouthim in piedmont, North Carolina said:

Is your hubby Rory?

lostwithouthim in piedmont, North Carolina said:

Yes he probably saw me. I was the one with the 3 girls in tow. I stayed at the processing center till they left on the bus. There was some good stuff in that box,im glad he got to take the carharts.I heard about that rotation thing going on in Afghan and Iraq. Does he like it over there. There used to be someone on this site thats husband is in Kandahar, hes an electrician too. Will his base be at Kandahar and then he travels from camp to camp, does he like it ?

You can set your time for processing to your convience. No problem except if he is an electrician they will be pushing for ASAP processing.

Debbie

So far its going he said it was OK. He said he was trying to get his-self adjusted. He is also keeping a journal, thought that was a neat idea. I think as he gets a routine down he will be fine. This is an big experience for him and I truly think he will enjoy it. Yes he will be on a rotation type of thing, but according to what he was told Kandahar will be where he goes back to? But he is take all belongings with him so who knows. He was supposed to be out of there and to the new camp yesterday but there was a holdup. So he is supposed to be on the next Helicopter ride to go to Tarin. I am sitting here waiting on his call now. Only thing is unless I want a 2-3 AM phone call I wont know when he is going until the morning. Right now during the days they have him working in the material yard seperating who knows what.

No not Rory. Name is Dean, don't know if they were calling him Zachary there or not.

D427 in The Northeast said: As far as the WABI goes it's about safety, teamwork, quality over deadlines and not taking shortcuts. Remember that and you'll pass with no problem.

When you work for KBR follow all safety protocols, don't be late, follow instructions and you'll be a happy drone. If you are a rebel without a cause you are going to be a rebel without a job.

Thank you for the reply-- I will take the test tomorrow and report back!
Funny what you said about being a 'drone'-- I just want to get over there, do a good job, and get paid. No interest in being a rebel! That said, I have never been involved such a strict pass/fail process like this before being that I come from the business world (rather than military/contractor world). I've got lots of acronyms to memorize!

Does anyone have information about the medical form you fill out once you get to Houston? How do you present the doctor's note for medications?

Hi Debbie, Switch and others. & Congrats to all of you already on your way. Seems dh has made up his mind this is what he wants to do. Sorry but I have a few questions just to clear up some matters.

1. I understand that there are not ATMs available at all camps and they do not always work–so it is best to have cash on hand? Not that there is a lot to spend it on over there. How do they go about getting cash if ATMs do not work?

2. Is the background check complicated? This is done online, correct? After the call–and before Houston. Wow this gives a whole new meaning to Houston we have a problem! ;-)

3. Ok I have read the boards–actually have 30 pages of notes I shared with dh–but eyes went a bit cross eyed after reading so many posts, so forgive me if I repeat questions others have ask–but can some one please tell me, what to pack as far as clothing. And I know they will send a you can and can not list. But as far as clothing. Are there uniforms? Or are jeans and t-shirts/ polos ok? Considering the heat–later, should they be long sleeved?

4. Also considering the cold–since its any body’s guess till you get over there where–what camp and country-Iraq or Afghanistan you are actually going to–there is the question of winter gear. Fortunately we still have all of his cold weather gear from up north–but I also understand weight limit for travel are 44lbs and his stuff is heavy. How has anyone else gone over there this time of year handled this?

5. I know alcohol is prohibited in theater, but can they smoke? He doesn’t smoke a lot but he does on occasions–and likes a good cigar.

6. Shots–which I know they give them a few of. Does anyone know which inoculations they do? Poor man, he has been out of the country a few times–I just remember a trip he had to South America–but his shot records were forever getting lost so he had a number of.

Thanks in advance for any help and answers you can give me.

O gosh! I forgot to ask–and forgive me what might seema dumb and insignificant question, but there is diet pepsi over there, correct?! This is dh’s only real addiction–as in got to have it everyday!

Koko,
I will try to answer a few of your questions.
1. Reguarding money, they said to take $100.00 to houston to buy misc idems if you want, your housing, transportation and food are all provided in houston. They wii give you a $500.00 cash advancement just before you board the plane to Irag so you will have some spending money till you receive you first check which they said to expect to take 6 weeks.
2. While in theater you wiil have no expenses, housing, food and laundry is provided. The only thing you will need money for is to buy misc items at the px or subway.
3. There nothing to the background check, you fill out some info on-line and they do the rest.
4.Clothing jeans or kacki pants, polo shirt if you are a superviser and t-shirts are ok, not tank-top shirts or shirts with logo and no green or brown shirts, they don't want you to be confused with the troops.
All or most of this info is provide in the package they will e-mail you when you are close to being accepted.

I don't know about diet pepsi, But there better be regular pepsi and coffee, or I am going home or just have my wife send it to me. :)

why i decided to look for a forum like this to get advice/comfort from those of you that have been there and done that...
1.
Maria, I agree so much with this! I do not know how I could have come to terms without all of these posts/ board/ forum. Switch, I got to tell you I cried when I read the “your dh sending his love post” from another member gone over there with your dh–after landing in country.

Koko, is dh a electrician and what county in florida do you hale from?

Hi, yes he is an electrician. We are in Seminole County, but we are originally from Iowa. Relocated here after dh's business closed it doors last summer.

O and forgive, I meant to thank you for your answers. I kinda figure they do have pepsi.reg and diet. Military bases we were on in yrs past verseas had them. But never hurts ask. And, yeah my dh would be with you as far as on he way back home if they didn’t. Thanks for the answers

Koko, I ship out to houston this Sunday, If possible I will make more posting of where and what I am doing in theater. I be happy to give you the name and number or e-mail address of my recruiter. She only handles electricians andd diesel mechanics. She was wonderful, very helpful and always there for me if I had any questions.
You can e-mail me direct for her info. jeffc43@msn.com

Koko Wilson in Florida said: why i decided to look for a forum like this to get advice/comfort from those of you that have been there and done that...
1.
Maria, I agree so much with this! I do not know how I could have come to terms without all of these posts/ board/ forum. Switch, I got to tell you I cried when I read the “your dh sending his love post” from another member gone over there with your dh–after landing in country.

Yes it was a wonderful surprise for me ! I cant begin to tell you how much this forum means to me and how it has helped us on our journey. Im glad you read through it, so did i and gathered soooo much info. In regards to clothing, dont forget the shirts have to be collared. We sent a good amount of winter stuff and when he gets to camp i will send some packages out. Apparently he will hear today which camp he is going to . The suspense is killing me, fingers crossed for a good one..

Thank you Jeff for your wonderful offer! I sent you an email. I will keep checking for your posts. I put FROM KBR FORUM on subject line. I am sure this has been asked before but have they told you approx how long your flight oversea is going to be? God's Speed to you.

Hi Switch, fingers crossed for you and hubby! Thanks for the tips on the collars!! So we will go with polos. He is a big fan of T-shirts, they can wear these during down/ off time. Jeff already told me no greens or browns so do not mix with Military–and yeah makes perfect sense. Hugs to you and yours.

Koko Wilson in Florida said: Thank you Jeff for your wonderful offer! I sent you an email. I will keep checking for your posts. I put FROM KBR FORUM on subject line. I am sure this has been asked before but have they told you approx how long your flight oversea is going to be? God's Speed to you.

Generally flying in and out of country takes a full day depending on where you are flying from in the States. That first flight from Houston to Amsterdam is a long one about 9 hours. The flight from Amsterdam to Dubai is about 6 1/2 hours.

I understood from the clothing package, That only foreman, supervisors need to wear collared shirts, all other can wear tshirts. Since I am going as a electrician, I am only bring tshirts.

Jeffrey Clarke in North Port, Florida said: I understood from the clothing package, That only foreman, supervisors need to wear collared shirts, all other can wear tshirts. Since I am going as a electrician, I am only bring tshirts.

Thats interesting. On our form it said collared shirts. I was undr the assumption it was clean shaven and shirts with collars for everyone. My husband wrinkled his nose at that cos he too lives in Tshirts.You might at least want to take a couple in case. I will speak to my hubby when he calls this morning and ask him about that.

Thanks Jay, Switch and Jeff. Certainly sounds a long flight. It been a while/as in a few yrs since we/ he has been on a long one. Last one was about 4 yrs ago to Maui–longest flight was to Korea for Dh, that one was 21 hrs–my flight commercial, was 14.

My brother is actually on his way over there middle east–Iraq- with his Iowa reserve unit the first of the mth–DEC. A former Marine--He’s a truck driver and went independent a couple of yrs ago and well gas prices made it so he had to make the decision to park his truck and re up into his reserve unit that was getting ready to activate full time again. Its kind of odd as this is the third time they have activated his unit–which was actually my dh’s former unit after he left the active army duty too for about 8 yrs–before he got out to open his own business. But brother’s reserve unit has never made it any further East than a base in Georgia. Each time my brother has been activated before he has been disappointed not to go over and annoyed to have to twiddle his fingers as he had it state side for a yr. So he hoping third time will be the charm for him, I think. He didn’t know about KBR. And I am not sure that he would have gone with KBR if he had cause he is . . . well being in the Marines I believe conditions one with a lifetime love for all things military. & I am glad he/ we didn’t know about KBR, what with the stats on truck drivers. ( I am also not sure how to break it to him–tell him about KBR-- as I do not want him to regret his decision of not doing more research. )

Jeffrey Clarke in North Port, Florida said: I understood from the clothing package, That only foreman, supervisors need to wear collared shirts, all other can wear tshirts. Since I am going as a electrician, I am only bring tshirts.

O.K. just spoke to hubby. Its seems that there is a mix. you are right they are wearing tshirts. He also said a lot will depend on what camp you are on too. I heard that you couldnt wear things with a logo on but he said there were guys wearing longhorn tshirts etc. If you do take long sleeves dont worry about the ironing, they do that in the laundry. hubby says they come out looking all pressed and spiffy.

Thank you Switch. I am still online researching, found a great frontline espisode--covered camp Anaconda as well as other info about out sourcing-- but its outdated 2005. Seems so much of the info online is older--and often not good, but then I take comfort in the fact that it is older news. And yes, I am avoiding--any bad reports--cause I know it will just drive me nuts with worry. Take care and glad you got to talk wtih hubby. Any news on his camp assignment? I understand it important to keep some items off line. By the way, is he using payphones?

what does this CMTS# mean.... new to all this....thanks.

Koko Wilson in Florida said: Thank you Switch. I am still online researching, found a great frontline espisode--covered camp Anaconda as well as other info about out sourcing-- but its outdated 2005. Seems so much of the info online is older--and often not good, but then I take comfort in the fact that it is older news. And yes, I am avoiding--any bad reports--cause I know it will just drive me nuts with worry. Take care and glad you got to talk wtih hubby. Any news on his camp assignment? I understand it important to keep some items off line. By the way, is he using payphones?

No ive been waiting but they didnt tell them their assignments today.I guess he will find out tomorrow. Yes they use payphones. He uses his domestic calling card ,the number comes up on my caller ID and i call him back to save his minutes. There are all sorts of ways to do it. Some people get a Houston cell phone number, then they can call for free.

oldschool,
I received my CMTS# with my travel itinerary. I need this number to check into the hotel and for meals when I arrive houston.

Thank u to everyone-everyones comments have helped in this process!!!! So its official, my husband and I talked it over, and over, and over and cried about it (well, me) and we are going to go through with this... he just has to send his Calif. State Certification and a copy of his drivers license... I know its going to be a huge change for us.

They gave him Dec. 7th as a possible day that he might go out to Houston. He's excited and nervous at the same time... He is super big on family and I know he's going to miss us terribly, especially our 2 year old.. And Im due with our 2nd baby in April... If he leaves now there is a possibility that he could be here for the delivery or shortly after... That's where I get really scared and nervous. Jess and I are really close and I know its going to be tough towards the end of the pregnancy..but I have a lot of family support ...and now I know that this forum is going to help me immensely!!!

Marie Campau, Congrats to you and you hubbie. I might see him on the other side of the world.

maria campau in Riverside, California said: Thank u to everyone-everyones comments have helped in this process!!!! So its official, my husband and I talked it over, and over, and over and cried about it (well, me) and we are going to go through with this... he just has to send his Calif. State Certification and a copy of his drivers license... I know its going to be a huge change for us.

They gave him Dec. 7th as a possible day that he might go out to Houston. He's excited and nervous at the same time... He is super big on family and I know he's going to miss us terribly, especially our 2 year old.. And Im due with our 2nd baby in April... If he leaves now there is a possibility that he could be here for the delivery or shortly after... That's where I get really scared and nervous. Jess and I are really close and I know its going to be tough towards the end of the pregnancy..but I have a lot of family support ...and now I know that this forum is going to help me immensely!!!

Congrats!! I know the decision is a hard one to make! I have three kids (9,6,&4) so it was a big decision for us as well. Hubby leaves this weekend for houston. I'm starting to get a little nervous as the day gets closer, I think mainly because of all of the unknowns that come with this job.
Anyway!
We are only about an hour away from Riverside. We should stay in touch. I know I'll want to talk to someone that is going through the same thing!

thank GOD I found this site!!! I feel so much better with every reply or post I read!!! Im excited for the career opportunity that my husband has.. we have never held eachother back in any of our career moves.. He's been very supportive with mine...

I would love to keep in touch!!! this will make things better for both families!!! Thanks so much!!

Maria

..there's so many posts that I cant keep up.. are you already there.?? or when do you go out? I will tell my husband about you...

maria

Jeffrey Clarke,
Thanks for the information.