KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Travelingman in Milton, Florida said: Thank You I guess I was hoping for it to eariler.

My husband says very short supply of tips for power drills and you could use some nut screwdrivers. Hope you are the plumber as I could not remember name.

Debbie

spawn in Sharana, Afghanistan said: kbr did not LOSE their contract they just have to share it with two other companies not a big deal because they pick up other contracts in other places not even connected with iraq or afghanistan and they are worth billions so dont worry your self about poor kbr. did you even read that article in the leftist rag new york times or just skim through it

this is true, the contracts are now shared between the three contractors who were already in country anyway. It seems like ms sparky does not really care for KBR as a company and if that is her view then so be it. Most people come to this forum to learn about the conditions with kbr overseas and to interract with others who are going through the process. I have worked for KBR for over two years and I have seen my share of fraud, waste and abuse.
I have also seen the same with the other contractors who are there as well. I have even seen it when I was in the Army. I think that the perception is that KBR is the biggest violator. This may be true, however, KBR did have the largest contract in LOGCAP 3. Consequently, a lot of the rules and regulations have been overlooked by upper management. I can see from going back through the hiring process this time and from talking with friends who are still in country that KBR is addressing these details.

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: This looks like a jon placement service. On bottom of one of the pages it says a sub company of Manpower, Inc, which look to place persons in jobs that companies post to them. There is usually a fee if employment is offered. You don't need this to get a job in Iraq. As far as I've heard most of the companies in Iraq direct hire their employees and there are no fees involved.

Hope this helps.

Debbie

Actually I found the job listing here at INDEED.com.... the link to apply took me to RECON's site in which you fill out an application on-line, also submit your own resume. This was about two weeks ago.
No fees or anything like that.
I'm just applying for all of the jobs in Iraq or Afghanistan I can find..... with-out paying fees of course...... no need for all of that nonsense!
I have submitted apps at Fluor, DynCorp and KBR... as this one with RECON Int.

After looking closer to the email that was sent to me this morning there is a CC... and after doing a little goggle search it looks like it may be a person at KBR.
Very strange indeed!
I'll email this person of interest to find out more facts.

THX

“My husband says very short supply of tips for power drills and you could use some nut screwdrivers. Hope you are the plumber as I could not remember name.”

I watched a documentary–not related to KBR, rather the military and seems even the military is having problems getting equipment and tools that work properly–which is just so sad. With the interruption of supply lines, black market and thefts. I can only imagine the difficulties–military and contractors are having to deal with over there.

Operator, I second Debbie caution to be careful–as some of these agencies–who unlike KBR and other companies who have contracts to fill-- are looking to make a buck off of oversea job seekers. They are simply middle men–so to speak. However there is no telling if KBR isn’t paying for these outside recruiters to find prospects for them. I read somewhere about KBR considering implementing a referral bonus. Who can say?

Switch, how are things going for your hubby?

Koko Wilson in Florida said: “My husband says very short supply of tips for power drills and you could use some nut screwdrivers. Hope you are the plumber as I could not remember name.”

I watched a documentary–not related to KBR, rather the military and seems even the military is having problems getting equipment and tools that work properly–which is just so sad. With the interruption of supply lines, black market and thefts. I can only imagine the difficulties–military and contractors are having to deal with over there.

Operator, I second Debbie caution to be careful–as some of these agencies–who unlike KBR and other companies who have contracts to fill-- are looking to make a buck off of oversea job seekers. They are simply middle men–so to speak. However there is no telling if KBR isn’t paying for these outside recruiters to find prospects for them. I read somewhere about KBR considering implementing a referral bonus. Who can say?

Switch, how are things going for your hubby?

Oh i havent heard from him this morning, so im on edge. He was fine yesterday and we are waiting for the weekend to see which camp he will be assigned. I seem to be forever saying that dont i , it just goes on and on. Hopefully we will get an address soon so we can start sending xmas stuff. I want to send bedding as well, seems like its all a bit old, too small and tatty.

Hi Switch,

I am sure you will hear from him soon. I am trying to train myself to the idea–what with them working 12 + hrs a day they are working–and the time difference . . . I can understand your desire for a more permanent placement for him–and the frustrations of having to wait for. As you said, at least with an address there for him you will be able to send stuff to him to help make him more comfortable–as well as letters and cards and care packages.

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: My husband says very short supply of tips for power drills and you could use some nut screwdrivers. Hope you are the plumber as I could not remember name.

Debbie

Thank you Debbie you got it right, and I will pack those items. Do you know what type of work they are doing? Whats your other half think of it?

Hello,

I read in the last few pages here that they are backed up for a few weeks in Houston. I am going out there for Dec. 1 processing and wanted to know the status from people who are either in Houston or just got in country. What are you supposed to do over there for two to three weeks after processing? Do you just sit in the hotel room and read books and watch TV until someone calls you?

It would totally suck to be in Houston by myself for Christmas! My family lives far away from TX, so I can't just take a day trip to see them :(

PS- I passed the WABI, thanks to everyone for their supportive words and insights!

Very unsatisfying work. No materials, very few tools. They unstop toilets with a plunger, repair or replace very cheaply made faucets. Repair water heaters. Not much else.

FYI there is going to be an even bigger back up here in houston. Yesterday their were people that were waiting for their orders for overseas that have been here for a week or longer, who were caught yesterday "smoking" outside one of the hotels. Of course they were given their ticket home, but for the others they are ALL having to undergo drug testing again. Those that did their testing yesterday are exempt of course. But this will add to the waiting period.....

KBRinsider in houston, Texas said: FYI there is going to be an even bigger back up here in houston. Yesterday their were people that were waiting for their orders for overseas that have been here for a week or longer, who were caught yesterday "smoking" outside one of the hotels. Of course they were given their ticket home, but for the others they are ALL having to undergo drug testing again. Those that did their testing yesterday are exempt of course. But this will add to the waiting period.....

WHAT! That is ridiculous. Sorry-- I will/would be furious if my ability to get a paycheck was delayed b/c someone else was so irresponsible and unprofessional.

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: Very unsatisfying work. No materials, very few tools. They unstop toilets with a plunger, repair or replace very cheaply made faucets. Repair water heaters. Not much else.

Debbie That sounds terrible !!

KBRinsider in houston, Texas said: FYI there is going to be an even bigger back up here in houston. Yesterday their were people that were waiting for their orders for overseas that have been here for a week or longer, who were caught yesterday "smoking" outside one of the hotels. Of course they were given their ticket home, but for the others they are ALL having to undergo drug testing again. Those that did their testing yesterday are exempt of course. But this will add to the waiting period.....

Oh my Goodness, thats terrible. How can people be so stupid? Im glad they got caught and didnt make it overseas where they might put other peoples lives in danger.You have to be very alert and aware over there at all times.

i am there now and a lot of people left today,on our schedule for next week it shows only a hold over meeting at 5pm monday thru friday.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Oh i havent heard from him this morning, so im on edge. He was fine yesterday and we are waiting for the weekend to see which camp he will be assigned. I seem to be forever saying that dont i , it just goes on and on. Hopefully we will get an address soon so we can start sending xmas stuff. I want to send bedding as well, seems like its all a bit old, too small and tatty.

My husband just flew out yesterday evening from Houston. I'm wondering when I'll be able to hear from him again. Also can't wait to get an address so i can send a christmas/care package. I'm under a lot of stress at home trying to tie up the rest of his job sites and see them through to the end - it's all chineese to me:( With him leaving the country yesterday and the stress of these job sites - I cried all day yesterday - it can only get easier from here!

That's unbelievable that people would jeopardize this opportunity, especially so early in the game, by "smoking." How disappointing for their families.

candybaar in Grand Rapids, Michigan said: My husband just flew out yesterday evening from Houston. I'm wondering when I'll be able to hear from him again. Also can't wait to get an address so i can send a christmas/care package. I'm under a lot of stress at home trying to tie up the rest of his job sites and see them through to the end - it's all chineese to me:( With him leaving the country yesterday and the stress of these job sites - I cried all day yesterday - it can only get easier from here!

That's unbelievable that people would jeopardize this opportunity, especially so early in the game, by "smoking." How disappointing for their families.

Dont worry he will find a way to call you. Did he fly via Heathrow?
Flight from here to Heathrow is 8 1/2hours and then another 6 1/2 hours to Dubai. Dont know how long his layovers are. He can get a calling card in Dubai or wait until they fly him to Bagdhad. When he gets to Camp Victory he will have access to phones. Its awful being on this end waiting. My hubby called 2 hours late today and i was a basketcase, He was doing his laundry ! Camp Speicher is huge and the laundry is on the other side of the base so he decided to do it himself. I hear that it gets better, im sure it does but time ticks slowly on our end. He will call soon, dont worry...

switch in Austin, Texas said: Dont worry he will find a way to call you. Did he fly via Heathrow?
Flight from here to Heathrow is 8 1/2hours and then another 6 1/2 hours to Dubai. Dont know how long his layovers are. He can get a calling card in Dubai or wait until they fly him to Bagdhad. When he gets to Camp Victory he will have access to phones. Its awful being on this end waiting. My hubby called 2 hours late today and i was a basketcase, He was doing his laundry ! Camp Speicher is huge and the laundry is on the other side of the base so he decided to do it himself. I hear that it gets better, im sure it does but time ticks slowly on our end. He will call soon, dont worry...

Thanks:) He did fly through Heathrow - was supposed to have a 4 hr layover there. He's supposed to end up Camp Speicher also. Did your husband just get there? Was he originally told he would be at Camp Speicher? When does his R&R come up? Where are you planning to meet? Thanks for the info.

I guess this will be a good time to quit smoking (cigarettes). Gonna be going through withdrawals on the long flight.

My dh has said that the tool situation is bad. I am getting a package together with a few of his favorite hand tools, which he said he will sleep and bathe with.

As far as someone doing your laundry, out of the 3 camps he has been at so far only 1, Bagram had a laundry service. He has been doing his own.

Also he said it is cold at night and at the camp he is at now, they had no blankets????? Crazy, but one is on the way to him now that I shipped it. They had sheets, but no blanket.

Now that he is working all the time he said it is much better. He didnt like sitting and playing the waiting game, but i told him to be thankful because while he was starting to work , others that left the same time he did were still waiting on what they where and what they were supposed to be doing. It took hime less than a week to get placed and working.

Phone calls from him are twice a day, once at approx. 9:30 in the AM and again at 8:30 at night. Pretty regular. We had to stop his lunch time calls....they were between 2 and 3 in the AM.

Already has been asked to turn his R&R days in so to make sure they are covered and not too many gone at the same time.

candybaar in Grand Rapids, Michigan said: Thanks:) He did fly through Heathrow - was supposed to have a 4 hr layover there. He's supposed to end up Camp Speicher also. Did your husband just get there? Was he originally told he would be at Camp Speicher? When does his R&R come up? Where are you planning to meet? Thanks for the info.

My hubby has been over there 2 weeks . He was originally told Victory then Liberty. He just arrived at Speicher and will be told this weekend if he will stay or go to a smaller C Site. He can take R&R after 120 days and we are hoping he comes home spring break in mid march. We are not meeting anywhere, his first R&R he will come home and be with his family. We will spoil him and treat him like a king and maybe take a fishing trip. They will work long hours and have little home comforts so i feel he deserves to rest up .

lostwithouthim in piedmont, North Carolina said: Now that he is working all the time he said it is much better. He didnt like sitting and playing the waiting game, but i told him to be thankful because while he was starting to work , others that left the same time he did were still waiting on what they where and what they were supposed to be doing. It took hime less than a week to get placed and working.

Phone calls from him are twice a day, once at approx. 9:30 in the AM and again at 8:30 at night. Pretty regular. We had to stop his lunch time calls....they were between 2 and 3 in the AM.

Already has been asked to turn his R&R days in so to make sure they are covered and not too many gone at the same time.

Im glad your hubby seems to be doing good. I guess they all have a problem with bedding. I cant wait to get an address so i can start shipping . He said the sheets were too small for the bed and kept coming off ! How long does your hubby spend at each camp ? Will he go to all the camps in Afghanistan ? Yes my hubby has to have a plan in place so we will all feel better when he gets to his destination.

Also Afghanistan is different than Iraq. They dont go through the one week training do they ? Do they learn British Standards ?

For you newbies here are some suggested items for care packages:

bandaids (several sizes) or small first aid kit
Antiseptic cream
GermX
small sewing kit
their favorite snacks
reading material, hometown papers, magazines, puzzle books
ziplock bags, (qt and gal. size)
extra blanket and twin size sheets
coffee, sugar cubes, dry creamer
foot powder (gold bond)
spray lysol for shower and toilets
extra towel
phone cards
pictures from home
small gifts from home for all occasions, portable DVD player, MP3 players, new clothes, boots,etc.

Suggest for them to buy a footlocker so they can lock their stuff up.

Some camps have large PX's and lots of stuff but many have no PX or so small that shelf are bare most of the time. Mine has a list almost everytime he calls. You need to seal liquid items in ziplocks so that if they leak they won't leak all over box and they ask at post office about liquids. I always tell them "No". I have even sent chocolates and they have made it there in good shape. Use Flat Rate boxes to save money. You can get them at post office or order case at a time on the internet and remember you must complete a "Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note" with every box. Saves time at post office if done ahead of time. I never purchase insurance, but that is your call.

Good Luck

Candybear, You must be a contractor’s wife. Same here–as in former. I spent about 6 mths tying up loose ends up north while dh and dd relocated down south, so I can guess what you are going through. No fun, and I do not envy you the headaches. Does give you a whole new appreciation for the day in and out pains they deal/ dealt with, eh? Have you heard from him yet?

Ok, I was slow to pick up just exactly what was meant by “smoking” and guess I am just ever outraged at the audacity of some people. I agree with others in that I am glad they were caught–so they do not add to the already potentials of hazards over there as is.

Debbie, it just sounds a frustrating hands tied situation all around there. Telling them to do it but then the frustrations of the lack of material and tools– to get it done, owing to the troubles of getting supplies through and then once they do the problems of the “stuff” coming up missing.

lostwithouthim, “My dh has said that the tool situation is bad. I am getting a package together with a few of his favorite hand tools, which he said he will sleep and bathe with.”

Seems as if they may have no other choice but to sleep and bathe with. ;-)

Also with relation to insurance for shipping on packages sent. The insurance will only cover it to the APO address. Once it is in the hands of the military–APO staging--, the post office is not responsible for. I just wanted to mention so you can take this into your consideration of. During the holiday rush still may be a good idea to consider insurance as some packages on this side of the pond are at risk for getting lost–specially if you are living in the area of a big city–owing to the rush of.

Did everyone hear the news of the agreement signed between the US/ Coalition and Iraq administration--I think on Monday-- with the plan to have the US pulled out of Iraq in three yrs-- by 2011? The British I believe are also said to be planning to be out of there in a yr. My hope

Hi all just been offered a post as master electrician with a salary of 120000. Just want to check that it is the correct rate for the position.

UKSpark in Sheffield, United Kingdom said: Hi all just been offered a post as master electrician with a salary of 120000. Just want to check that it is the correct rate for the position.

Hi Spark, Yes journeyman make 122,000 dollars a year. Base pay 3750 dollars per month. It is my understanding you will enter on journeyman level and advance in country .

advance in country. that will be right been there heard that before. from reading the posts the dont seem to keep there promisies

"Did everyone hear the news of the agreement signed between the US/ Coalition and Iraq administration--I think on Monday-- with the plan to have the US pulled out of Iraq in three yrs-- by 2011? The British I believe are also said to be planning to be out of there in a yr. My hope"

Actually it's not a done deal yet, there is a still a vote in Iraqi Parliament to extend the US troops presence until the end 2011.... and there's a fight going on over that... it my not pass.
According to the UN mandate we're supposed to be out of Iraq by 31 Dec 2008.

UKSpark in Sheffield, United Kingdom said: advance in country. that will be right been there heard that before. from reading the posts the dont seem to keep there promisies

well if you go to Iraq. They will train and then you will be given a test at the end. When my hubby was there a master was offered QC position, i think thats what it was called. It is inspecting. I think the base went to 5000 dollars a month base pay.You are lucky you already know British Standards !

operator649 in Galesburg, Illinois said: "Did everyone hear the news of the agreement signed between the US/ Coalition and Iraq administration--I think on Monday-- with the plan to have the US pulled out of Iraq in three yrs-- by 2011? The British I believe are also said to be planning to be out of there in a yr. My hope"

Actually it's not a done deal yet, there is a still a vote in Iraqi Parliament to extend the US troops presence until the end 2011.... and there's a fight going on over that... it my not pass.
According to the UN mandate we're supposed to be out of Iraq by 31 Dec 2008.

what does that mean? we could be out sooner ?

UKSpark in Sheffield, United Kingdom said: Hi all just been offered a post as master electrician with a salary of 120000. Just want to check that it is the correct rate for the position.

I think if youre a master electrician, and they hire you as a master elelctrician the salery is higher ( 150000). Journeyman make122000. But i guess its what ever they hire you as. Talk with your recuirter.,

switch , how is you husband out there? has he said anything about his living conditions, and is he still working long days ( more than 12 hr)? anything new?

Hmm . . . operator, I was under the understanding that they had the vote over there--in the Iraq's Cabinet on Sunday--and overwhelmingly accepted a plan to end the U.S. military presence in Iraq by the end of 2011 and sent it on to parliament for approval, -- as the LA Times. But perhaps I was wrong. I will recheck my info.

Switch, OBama has made promises to remove the troops asap so he might attempt to get them out sooner--although I think it is highly unlikely. and even after the removal of, I'd think some teams will remain for a time. There is still a lot of rebuilding to do.

US Spark, as switch siad journeyman elctricians pay is 122,000.00 but master electricians are more. But it has been said a few times if they can, they will try to get you for journeyman pay. They are being very rigid as far as qualifications as i understand with relationship to.

Does anyone have the contact information for a recruiter? It would be a big help. Thanks for the help

Switch I have a question too. Has you hubby mentioned anything about the water? Is it safe? I know in the early yrs there were questions of.

Yes it passed through the Cabinet, BUT it needs to be voted on in Parliament.... the way I read it is there's trouble brewing.....

""In the war: Shouting match in Iraq parliament over pact

November 20, 2008

An attempt to open debate on a pact allowing U.S. troops to stay in Iraq through 2011 degenerated into a yelling match in Parliament in Baghdad yesterday, casting doubt on hopes of easy passage. The legislators were to try again today, but it was clear that political factions are more divided on the issue than had been thought. The discord does not bode well for passage by Nov. 25, when lawmakers are expected to begin a monthlong break. If the pact is not approved by the end of the year, it would leave U.S. forces in Iraq without legal standing. Lawmakers loyal to Shia Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who wants U.S. forces to leave immediately, accused security guards of roughing up one of their legislators when he tried to prevent debate. Members of three other political blocs joined the Sadrists in condemning what they called bullying by bodyguards, and they vowed to boycott further sessions. If the agreement is rejected, it would be an embarrassment to U.S. officials, who spent nearly nine months in negotiations and made several concessions.""

Top Iraq Shiite cleric demands MP vote on US pact

6 hours ago

NAJAF, Iraq (AFP) — Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini al-Sistani, Iraq's highest Shiite religious authority, on Thursday lashed out at lawmakers who had left on a pilgrimage instead of voting on a divisive US military pact.

"Sistani is very angry at the parliamentarians who went on the Haj and ignored the call of the Guide to assume their national and historical responsibility to give their opinion frankly about the agreement," an official from Sistani's office told AFP.

His remarks came hours before parliament was to hold a second reading of the wide-ranging accord, which would allow US troops to remain in Iraq for three years after their current UN mandate expires December 31.

The agreement was approved by Iraq's cabinet on Sunday with the support of all the major blocs representing Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds, but has drawn fire from Shiite hardliners loyal to the anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

The reclusive Sistani -- who usually communicates through close advisers and other associates -- has said he opposes any agreement that infringes on Iraq's "sovereignty" but that the government should make the final decision.

The official in his office said the lawmakers who had left for the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca had "run away from their responsibilities and scoffed at the millions of voters who have elected them."

"It's even more of a pity because some of them are members of the United Iraqi Alliance who claim to work according to the instructions of the Guide (Sistani)," he added, referring to the largest political bloc in parliament.

.........

con't........

"They say they are committed to his instructions but they are not obeying the words of the Guide which are in the interests of the country."

Parliament was to hold a second reading of the pact after deputies loyal to Sadr shouted down the deal Wednesday, forcing a postponement.

Sadr's movement has also vowed to hold a mass demonstration on Friday protesting any agreement with the US "occupier."

Water is not drinkable, only bottle water for brushing teeth and drinking. Husband says even showering in it is not good if you have any open scratches or cuts. I send his Dial Antbacterial soap to shower with and he keeps scratches and cuts covered well. He als uses alot of Antibotic creams to help with any germs or bacteria that might be in water. They don't even use the water to cook with, only bottled water used.

Debbie

Thanks Debbie–I suspected as much about the drinking water. I wondered as I was reading some sites related to care package and there was mention of water–requests for.

Operator, you’ve really done your research. Seems a country of contradictions, when it was agreed upon in the cabinet on Sunday I know there was a question of it passing in their parliament–and there was a difference of opinion in the media as to whether its passing there would be a formality or fought.

jdc_ in riverside, California said: switch , how is you husband out there? has he said anything about his living conditions, and is he still working long days ( more than 12 hr)? anything new?

Hubby is doing good. Im waiting for my morning phone call! They are doing 12 hour days at Speicher but i heard that the electricians at Anaconda are about to start 14 hour days, dont know for how long. He is not really doing much cos this is a temporary assignment. He has a small hooch to himself and the shower is just 30 secs away. I dont know where he will end up or what his conditions will be like.

Koko Wilson in Florida said: Switch I have a question too. Has you hubby mentioned anything about the water? Is it safe? I know in the early yrs there were questions of.

Absolutely only bottled water like Debbie said. I dont know why someone would want water sent ? Its my understanding that there is absolutely no shortage of bottled water. You can pick them up everywhere and they are free right Debbie?

My husband has never asked for bottled water, he says there has been plenty, he did say that sometimes they run short prior to a convoy and they will limit the bottles per day. He always keeps 10 -12 bottles of water in his hooch so he will have a reserve during those times. Also alway carry your bottled water to showers to brush teeth with.

I have sent him powdered gatorade to put in water.

Debbie

Bottled water and rip its are free and they are available everywhere. My husband purchased a small refrig for his hooch and he keeps a stock of milk, rip its and water all the time. Because sometimes they run short prior to a convoy, usually in the summer months, very hot and they go through a lot of water during that time.

They will learn very quick to adapt to all these issues, but i have never heard anyone complain there was no water.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: Bottled water and rip its are free and they are available everywhere. My husband purchased a small refrig for his hooch and he keeps a stock of milk, rip its and water all the time. Because sometimes they run short prior to a convoy, usually in the summer months, very hot and they go through a lot of water during that time.

They will learn very quick to adapt to all these issues, but i have never heard anyone complain there was no water.

Debbie

What is a Rip it ? Is it like an energy drink, gatorade ?

Yes they are energy drinks, like Red Bulls. They are filled with a ton of sugar.

Debbie

for anyone starting processing Dec. 1 I received my itinerary this am so if you have not received yet, you should be getting it very soon I would assume

Debbie, you seem to know alot about this whole process, do you have contact information for any recruiters, or know any other companies outside of KBR, Dyncorp, Fluor that are hiring overseas? Thanks for the help

switch in Austin, Texas said: What is a Rip it ? Is it like an energy drink, gatorade ?

www.ripitenergy.com/splash/index.html