KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

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 UKSpark,

Did you get the job through KBR.com or through a agency, many thanks Shamus

I have a quick question. Hubby is gonna call this morning and tell me which camp he will be assigned , I hope !! So of course im going shopping today. Does anyone know if they have regular twin beds or are they the x-tra long ones. I want to get sheets and want to get the right size. Thanks

They are regular twin bed size.

Debbie

Thanks Debbie !!

Ko Ko..

about cells.. I saw someone post that the hubby took the cell to Houston and rightbefore going overseas he faxed it home so that they can switch the number to a Houston number and that way they will be saving on call...

i think my hubby will be taking his... I know it wont work over there but at least he has his phonebook... it would take us a long time to transfer all of the numbers in his cell phone to an actual addressbook...

I think we are just adding a line for $10 with our current wireless company for the Houston number..

-JDCs wife
(again, too lazy to sign in as myself..my husband already had the computer logged on with his username)

HI EVERYONE I AM TRYING TO GET A JOB WITH KBR IN IRAQ I HAVE ALREADY CREATED A PROFILE ON THE WEBSITE.MONTHS AGO. I'M JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS A NAME AND NUMBER TO A RECRUITER AND IF SO WOULD YOU MIND SENDING IT TO Alexiagurl_19@yahoo.com THANKS :0)

Hi all,

I tend post infrequently but I do have a silly question, Hubby is in Houston now, been there since last week, he had to come home and get his BP taken care of. He gets his CAC card on Monday, do they generally leave shortly thereafter to go into Theater? He is HVAC so I am hoping so, I don't really want him to go but I would much rather we are started on this journey than have him sitting in the hotel by himself on Thanksgiving. And please tell me that this gets easier...I was okay the first couple of days but as the day draws near that he is leaving the country I tend to get mopey. I know how hard it is for him so I am always positive but UGH. I get off the phone and call my mama! Anyway, hope everyone has a good day and thanks!
Beth

BethB05 in Southern Tier, New York said: Hi all,

I tend post infrequently but I do have a silly question, Hubby is in Houston now, been there since last week, he had to come home and get his BP taken care of. He gets his CAC card on Monday, do they generally leave shortly thereafter to go into Theater? He is HVAC so I am hoping so, I don't really want him to go but I would much rather we are started on this journey than have him sitting in the hotel by himself on Thanksgiving. And please tell me that this gets easier...I was okay the first couple of days but as the day draws near that he is leaving the country I tend to get mopey. I know how hard it is for him so I am always positive but UGH. I get off the phone and call my mama! Anyway, hope everyone has a good day and thanks!
Beth

The "good-bye" call before he left for the airport was rough and I cried all day b/c I knew we would be out of communication for a while. He called me 4 days later having arrived at Camp Victory. We only spoke for a few minutes and now I'm waiting anxiously to hear from him again. I feel better knowing that he's arrived and is safe. I know what you mean about being positive on the phone with them, b/c they have enough to deal with - and then calling a friend to talk with afterward! I'm thinking in terms of seeing him at his first R&R - instead of thinking of him being away for a whole year!

when my boyfriend left, i cried at the airport. I was really upset the first few nights we were in Houston and later found out I could have went to Houston with him and stayed in his room. He was delayed a few days because the office where they got cac cards was closed on Friday. The weekend was tough but it was too expensive to fly last minute to see him. He left for Iraq on Monday, his plane was delayed on the runway for an hour so he caleed from the plane. He went to London where he was delayed also for a few hours. He found a way to get on the internet in london airport and sent me a myspace message(the only way he could access me free). From London he flew into Dubai and called me from the hotel only 8 hours after getting e-mail. From Dubai he flew into Baghdad and called me from Camp Victory within 12 hours. He said the phone center was a half mile hike but as long as he can find a buddy to get up eary(5:30am) he could call before work. He called me everyday at LEAST once. He is now at Speicher and said there are phones everwhere. Sometimes I get irritated because I can't talk to him before I go to bed anymore and he calls me at 12:00pm NC time and sometimes 8:00am, makes it hard to talk when I am at work. My mom came to visit a few days after he left and we got into a bathroom remodel job. So with mom here and keeping busy I have done alright. When she left and my project ended it got harder again. It has only been 3 weeks so I don't have a lot of experience with this. It has gotten easier I guess but the holidays are going to be tough. I downloaded a countdown on my computer for him coming home in four months, I guess that helps a little. I try not to cry on the phone with him but sometimes in is unavoidable, although he may feel bad about leaving, I think it makes him feel better that he is missed and not forgotten. If he has a computer have him download AIM 6.8 they offer a video messanger where you can see him and talk to him too.

BethB05 in Southern Tier, New York said: Hi all,

I tend post infrequently but I do have a silly question, Hubby is in Houston now, been there since last week, he had to come home and get his BP taken care of. He gets his CAC card on Monday, do they generally leave shortly thereafter to go into Theater? He is HVAC so I am hoping so, I don't really want him to go but I would much rather we are started on this journey than have him sitting in the hotel by himself on Thanksgiving. And please tell me that this gets easier...I was okay the first couple of days but as the day draws near that he is leaving the country I tend to get mopey. I know how hard it is for him so I am always positive but UGH. I get off the phone and call my mama! Anyway, hope everyone has a good day and thanks!
Beth

My husband flys out of Houston tomorrow. He said that they are trying to have everyone (all trades) out of there by Wednesday at the latest. So worse case he will be spending Thanksgiving on an airplane not a hotel room.
I am not looking forward to the call tomorrow when he calls before his flight. It has kind of been surreal for me because I have been so busy comforting the kids. I think that once I know for sure that he is on his way out of the country I will have my moment!

Another thing, my kids and I made a countdown clock from www.timeleft.info It has helped not only them but me as well. It might help to set it the day he leaves for his first R&R not 1 year. That's what we did.

"I downloaded a countdown on my computer for him coming home in four months, I guess that helps a little."

That's funny, I just said the same thing!

Also when my brother in law was in Iraq earlier this year everyone in our family got SKYPE. Wonderful! It's a great way to talk to them and see them. (It's like video phone calls on your computer) As long as they have internet access they can call you this way.

wirenutts wife in California said: "I downloaded a countdown on my computer for him coming home in four months, I guess that helps a little."

That's funny, I just said the same thing!

Also when my brother in law was in Iraq earlier this year everyone in our family got SKYPE. Wonderful! It's a great way to talk to them and see them. (It's like video phone calls on your computer) As long as they have internet access they can call you this way.

YES. SKYPE REALLY IS A HELPFUL TOOL.....I'M N HOUSTON NOW, AND THEY ARE TRYING TO PUSH EVERYONE OUT..BUT WE'LL SEE WITH THE CAC CARD APPT...

niece706- have you received your flight plans yet?

Also my hubby is there and is supposed to be sending me copies of his paperwork home via UPS. Have you seen any drop boxes around there anywhere? He was moved to the Hilton yesterday and according to the UPS website there should be a drop box right around the hotel somewhere. If you have seen one please let me know, that way I can tell him where to go.

And so it goes on and on.... Just spoke to hubby and they have been told it would be another few days before they get their final orders. He sounded down and just wants somewhere "to hang his hat" so to speak. They did their driving today, all 40 of them took turns driving around an obstacle course, then they went to the fire station and learnt how to put out a fire. I hope we hear something soon, it is so frustrating. I guess i wont be shopping today !! He said there were 13 electricians due to fly into Speicher in the next few days , Anybody have a hubby arriving soon?

wirenutts wife in California said: niece706- have you received your flight plans yet?

Also my hubby is there and is supposed to be sending me copies of his paperwork home via UPS. Have you seen any drop boxes around there anywhere? He was moved to the Hilton yesterday and according to the UPS website there should be a drop box right around the hotel somewhere. If you have seen one please let me know, that way I can tell him where to go.

no i haven't recieved my cac appt yet...but, they have a schedule for people to go to the post office daily, but i haven't seen any drop boxes though...

I'm scheduled to arrive in Houston on December 7th, if all goes well, I'm going to be a heavy truck driver at Tallil Air Base in Nasiriyah, Iraq. Does anyone on here know anything about that location? My poor wife is beside her self with fear and depression about me going over there. Any advice would be a huge help. Thanks in advance for your replys.

Steve..

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.

This is one of the best replys that I've read on this entire site. An honest straight forward answer. Thank you!

Steve,

Try to get your wife to come into this thread and read some of the entries and pose any questions she has. I think the wives here have all been–and or still are-- where she is and know how she is feeling. There is no guarantee about reg calls or internet access once you are over there–as least on a regular bases, but it has helped to read of others wives having contact with. We’re lucky to have Debbie on board, her husband is on his 2nd tour–so to speak. Switch and others husbands are just starting out–some still in Houston, others already overseas and in the early days of. Its been a great comfort to learn I am not alone–and I am sure others here will say the same.

switch in Austin, Texas said: And so it goes on and on.... Just spoke to hubby and they have been told it would be another few days before they get their final orders. He sounded down and just wants somewhere "to hang his hat" so to speak. They did their driving today, all 40 of them took turns driving around an obstacle course, then they went to the fire station and learnt how to put out a fire. I hope we hear something soon, it is so frustrating. I guess i wont be shopping today !! He said there were 13 electricians due to fly into Speicher in the next few days , Anybody have a hubby arriving soon?

My husband was told in Houston that he would end up at Speicher - he is at Camp Victory right now. I've only talked to him once for a few min. since he left Houston. If he doesn't call soon I'm going to go crazy! It doesn't make sense that they would send your electrician husband somewhere else and then fly my electrician husband in to the same base??

candybaar in Grand Rapids, Michigan said: My husband was told in Houston that he would end up at Speicher - he is at Camp Victory right now. I've only talked to him once for a few min. since he left Houston. If he doesn't call soon I'm going to go crazy! It doesn't make sense that they would send your electrician husband somewhere else and then fly my electrician husband in to the same base??

Speicher is the main hub so to speak . You hubby will do more training there. Then they will be dispersed throughout the C sites. Your hubby will be given his assignment after training for 7 days at Victory. Im sorry to tell you but there are no guarantees which camp he will end up in. Its a wait and see game.

SWilliiams, getting on a USAF Airbase is probably one of the best gigs one can hope for as far as personal comfort goes. Large established bases good. Small forward operating bases bad.

My comment about the WABI is the best you are going to get without someone actually giving you the answers to the test. KBR is all about conformity and getting with the program. They aren't looking for workplace hero's or superstars.

Well hubby gets his CAC card on Monday and flies out at 6:35 PM Monday night. He doesn't have a layover, he said his doesn't say Dubai like some of the guys, his just says Afghanistan all the way across. I am glad that we are getting started but at the same point I just want to crawl on th couch and have a BIG HUGE crying session. He knows that this will be hard on both of us and being positive is sometimes really hard when I just want to say never mind just come home. He feels good about his decision, he is supporting the troops and making a great wage while he is doing it. I am going to download the countdown clock too....We had talked about him doing 6 months then coming home but I have since changed my mind....From the day the "wheels are up" to the 120 day mark and that 's what I am looking at. There are positives because we are talking about his 2nd R&R being out of the country like Debbie had talked about! I know that he is doing this for us, and I am not sure how this job has turned me from being independent to a rather dependent spouse who cannot stand being seperated! I am hoping that after we get used to this I will revert back to my normal self! And of course, wait for that phone call from him that says he has arrived! I work 3-11 in an ER so I will be on pins and needles until that call! God help my co-workers lol!

Thank you KoKo Wilson and D427 in the Northeast! I told my wife about this site, and she's going to create a profile when she gets home. Thanks again for your fast replys!

Its very tough on the loved ones left at home but it is probably much harder for them. So I have always been positive on my end so as not to add to their concerns. I try very hard to stay busy, I also have three small grandchildren to take care of so I don't have enough free time to have a pity party. My dh is on his second year and hopefully his last but he is still concerned about the economy and will he be able to find a good job when he comes home.

He has never been out of work and I'm sure he will find a job.
Visit the forum often and we will help eveyone through this tough time. We can cry together and remember to stay strong.

Debbie

swilliams2482 in Toms River, New Jersey said: I'm scheduled to arrive in Houston on December 7th, if all goes well, I'm going to be a heavy truck driver at Tallil Air Base in Nasiriyah, Iraq. Does anyone on here know anything about that location? My poor wife is beside her self with fear and depression about me going over there. Any advice would be a huge help. Thanks in advance for your replys.

Steve..

Im an electrician and my wife was unsure about the whole thing until she started getting on this page and talking with people who are going through the same thing. maybe you should have her check it out and open a account for her to talk with people.

Hello,

I am due to ship out to Houston for Dec. 1 processing, but I haven't gotten my plane ticket yet-- is that normal?

Also, I have been reading all the posts, but I"m still not sure I understand-- do they give you a pillow, sheets, blankets, and bath towel to start or do I have to bring all that? My concern is that it weighs a lot and I can just ship over my own stuff later.

Finally, how cold is it over there? I have this whole wardrobe of slacks/jeans and short sleeve shirts-- some how I think it's going to be much colder, no?

PS- I'm a woman, if this gives more context.

Oops, last question. Do they provide mosquito nets treated with repellent? What kind of spray do you use and sun blocks too? I have read that Leishmaniasis can be bad, no? (MsSparky, please do not reply. I already saw your posts).

Kim81 in Ypsilanti, Michigan said: They are not in different locations. FOB Liberty/Victory are basically the same FOB, and Liberty/Victory and Prosperity are all in Baghdad which is known as the GREEN ZONE!

I am still really confused. Where is the KBR HQ in Iraq? Is it in the 'green zone' or in the BIAC/Camp Victory area? Is that considered to be a part of the Green zone... if someone is over there who can answer this, I'd be grateful.

SD99 in New Brunswick, New Jersey said: Hello,

I am due to ship out to Houston for Dec. 1 processing, but I haven't gotten my plane ticket yet-- is that normal?

Also, I have been reading all the posts, but I"m still not sure I understand-- do they give you a pillow, sheets, blankets, and bath towel to start or do I have to bring all that? My concern is that it weighs a lot and I can just ship over my own stuff later.

Finally, how cold is it over there? I have this whole wardrobe of slacks/jeans and short sleeve shirts-- some how I think it's going to be much colder, no?

PS- I'm a woman, if this gives more context.

#1 yes They still have Mon-Wed to sen travel info
#2 yes on bedding but you will probably want your own shipped over later you need to bring your own towels at least 2 you can purchase more later or have them shipped
#3 depends where you are going Afghanistan is very cold Iraq not so bad
I am also will be in Houston 30 Nov.
#4 they will provide insect repellent ( supposably)

SD99 in New Brunswick, New Jersey said: I am still really confused. Where is the KBR HQ in Iraq? Is it in the 'green zone' or in the BIAC/Camp Victory area? Is that considered to be a part of the Green zone... if someone is over there who can answer this, I'd be grateful.

I belive Victory is main HQ at Bagdad airport

Iraq Highs in the 80's lows in the 40's gonna feel pretty cool at night with the wind chill

Travelingman in Milton, Florida said: Iraq Highs in the 80's lows in the 40's gonna feel pretty cool at night with the wind chill

I hope this helps you.

They do give you all that stuff, but it is pretty natty sometimes, I just sent my husband over a feather pillow, mattress pad, quilt, and 600 ct sheets. This is just so he will be more comfortable. The PX has some of these items but again its the cheap stuff and it costs a fortune...

SD99 in New Brunswick, New Jersey said: Hello,

I am due to ship out to Houston for Dec. 1 processing, but I haven't gotten my plane ticket yet-- is that normal?

Also, I have been reading all the posts, but I"m still not sure I understand-- do they give you a pillow, sheets, blankets, and bath towel to start or do I have to bring all that? My concern is that it weighs a lot and I can just ship over my own stuff later.

Finally, how cold is it over there? I have this whole wardrobe of slacks/jeans and short sleeve shirts-- some how I think it's going to be much colder, no?

PS- I'm a woman, if this gives more context.

Christmas in Irag I hope Santa Claus can find me....LOL...I don't wish for fireworks on New Years>LOL Trying to keep the spirts up...it's rough leaving family, but I'm ready to get the show on the road

Thank you traveling man! I will be in Iraq. Weather.com shows temps in the 60s usually-- I like to think of myself as a light packer, but the 44lb weight limit is not easy to deal with...

Temps vary depending on your location the further north you are it is much colder. My dh is south of Baghdad and the temp at night are in the 40's. You will need a hoodie and long sleeves.

Laundry takes two to three days so you will need 5-7 days of clothes. Have your extra bedding send after you get to camp.
I sent Dial Antibacterial Soap as the water is pretty nasty. Keep your cuts and scraps covered. My dh also recommended you take body lotion as the water has a lot of chlorine and this is very drying to the skin. DO NOT PUT ANY OF THIS WATER IN YOUR MOUTH. Use bottled water only.

Debbie

hey switch,

Turns out your husband was at my bf's firestation. He said they were doing fire extinguisher training. He posted a few pics to myspace from houston, london, dubai baghdad and spiecher.

because you can't type a series of numbers in here, you will have to cut and paste the link and then delete the star after 16 and before 95.

www.myspace.com/16*09802*95

KeriJo454 in Mooresville, North Carolina said: hey switch,

Turns out your husband was at my bf's firestation. He said they were doing fire extinguisher training. He posted a few pics to myspace from houston, london, dubai baghdad and spiecher.

because you can't type a series of numbers in here, you will have to cut and paste the link and then delete the star after 16 and before 95.

www.myspace.com/16 *09802*95

WOW... GOOD MORNING!!!!!!!!!!

Great tune.... BANGS HEAD!!!!!!!!

Wow Keri! Switch is gonna be happy to see your post!

Jdc’s wife, thanks for the tips on cell phones. Really all I am wanting to hear is that it is ok for him to take his cell with. As I said I know it crazy as it probably wouldn’t work over there–and they are not suppose to have them on. ( read early into the board about that)

Beth, they are rushing the trades through. But I do understand what you are saying as far as not wanting him to be stuck in Houston over Thanksgiving. Speaking of which I need to shop for that today. I am just a bit thrown back by all of this–as in dragging my heels–when he spoke to recruiter they were talking Dec 14th so I know he is not gonna be here for Christmas.

Candybear, have you heard from hubby? I am sorry it has been four now plus days hon. My hubby has worked away from home a lot and has always been a infrequent caller –as I always did the calling--and I expect I am going to be lucky to hear from him once a week–so I’m preparing myself.

Wirenutts have you heard from your husband?

Beth said, how this job has turned me from being independent to a rather dependent spouse who cannot stand being seperated! Its understandable. And it will improve. Good news is I am sure no matter where they are that they like to know they are needed.

I am still trying to figure out the weight limits as in what to pack with in the limits of weights allowed. No way around it he is going to have to wear his coat–the code books heavy so that concerns me too. Thinking carry on and mail laptop later . . .

As far as the cell phone, you can take it but when you leave the US you must take the battery out.

KeriJo454 in Mooresville, North Carolina said: hey switch,

Turns out your husband was at my bf's firestation. He said they were doing fire extinguisher training. He posted a few pics to myspace from houston, london, dubai baghdad and spiecher.

because you can't type a series of numbers in here, you will have to cut and paste the link and then delete the star after 16 and before 95.

www.myspace.com/16 *09802*95

THank you, I just looked at the photos. It was interesting to see the tent in Liberty. Not too bad at all. That looks nice the room with the red sheets , Is that the room at Speicher ? I know my hubby was at a fire station doing training. How funny ! This is what this forum is all about, helping eachother.
If he has another class tell your other half to ask who Switches hubby is. He will probably cringe in the corner LOL
Thanks again..

yes, that is his room at Speicher. I was kind of surprized at what a dump he says Dubai is. I will tell him to ask if more electricians come through. Also tell your husband if he goes 2 the firestaion between the runways. Look for Neil.(there are 20 firefighters, 5 are black, 1 is female so his odds are pretty goods

I am so glad for everyone on this forum, and thank goodness we have Debbie to lead the way since she has been through this. Can you imagine not having any one to answer questions. I am sure that this will all work out for all of us, but it is nice to be able to discuss things without laying it on the dh. Someone had said on here that after the first month it does get better and thank god for that, since at the grocery store the clerk said did you find everything and suddenly I am crying saying yes I did lol! She must think I am a whack job.....I have my list started for the first Care package I am sending him. I just hope he gets his APO address as soon as he gets there, do you think it should take more than a few days after he arrives? The weather for Afghanistan says highs in the 60's but lows in the 30's to 40's. And I think it's cold here, from what I am hearing it gets really cold at Bagram.

KeriJo454 in Mooresville, North Carolina said: yes, that is his room at Speicher. I was kind of surprized at what a dump he says Dubai is. I will tell him to ask if more electricians come through. Also tell your husband if he goes 2 the firestaion between the runways. Look for Neil.(there are 20 firefighters, 5 are black, 1 is female so his odds are pretty goods

Did you send those sheets and comforter or did they supply them?. It doesnt seem too bad at all. When hubby talks about his room ,he says it is quite dismal thats why i wanted to send a bunch of stuff. I shall tell him now that he should be thankful for what hes got. If he goes to another camp it might not be as nice !

he bought everthing at the PX. I just put together my first care package. He already bought towels and bedding so I bought him a Carolina Panthers blanket, beefjerky, chapstick, gummiworms, crosswords, a book, a magazine, and a few things he left here to be shipped. What else does everone send???

KeriJo454 in Mooresville, North Carolina said: he bought everthing at the PX. I just put together my first care package. He already bought towels and bedding so I bought him a Carolina Panthers blanket, beefjerky, chapstick, gummiworms, crosswords, a book, a magazine, and a few things he left here to be shipped. What else does everone send???

did he say the PX was expensive?

Ms Sparky in Portland, Oregon said: Ask KBR how many KBR employees are sitting in Sharjah and Dubai jail. They won't tell you that. This is muslim law, sharia law. Women could be arrested for not having their hair covered, for showing the bare skin in their arms and legs. This is NOT US law. There are no attorney's to represent you. You can't even speak the language. The next time someone tries to smuggle dinar or something else the Iraqi government deems illegal (which could change daily)....you're arrested in the airport and hauled off to...who the hell knows where?

KBR gets paid to get you there. They aren't going to tell you anything that is going to scare you.

US citizens working for the US Government and US Contractors claim diplomatic immunity in most countries. This is a big deal.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Curious then, recently you were mentioning Task Force Safe and it being a good thing. Should Tast Force Safe pack up and go home as well? Isn't the risk the same for any contract worker? Not just those working for KBR?

It does get easier after the first month. To the wives we just need to stay busy. I have done a lot of going through stuff, painting, and wall papering since mine left. I also have a full time job and three grandchildren to care for everyday. So as you can tell I'm very busy.

My husband works night shift so our time table is the same. I talk to him around 1:00 pm and again around 9:00 pm. everyday. But sometimes the phone lines are down or geneator down and no phone calls sometimes.

It gets very cold in Afganhistan so if you are packing for there you will need all warm and thick winter clothing. Pack some and then send the rest. For those staying in Iraq it still gets cold but not as cold as Afganistan so lighter winter clothing will get you through.

Debbie

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

If they don't keep their promise, just push the issue. Ask. Remind.

My husband is a master and started at journeyman level. He had no idea about making more for being a master. He was told there, by a KBR rep that since he was a master he would get a raise...news to him. He had to show his masters license, was told his pay would be upped...and it was.

My dh bought a small 13" TV and a small dvd player. So I send him DVD movies and he loves his MP3 player, so new music always helps. My children and I put a couple of boxes together at Christmas time, with boxes of cookies, several wrapped gifts, cards from the children, we always send his favorite snacks, and always coffee with the fixings. He also bought a small coffee machine so he has his own coffee in his hooch. Remember the mail takes 10 to 15 days to get there.

Debbie