KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

For all those scheduled to process on DEC 1st, I have just received my travel itenerary so yours should be coming soon

Cool Jay in NC in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: For all those scheduled to process on DEC 1st, I have just received my travel itenerary so yours should be coming soon

Hey, cool jay i received my itenarary also i leave at 10:50 a.m. what about you?

sandra defoy in clare, Michigan said: Hi all,
Husband passed the dreaded WABI!!!! Debbie thanks
for info on papers ,making sure 2 copies are made
rluekens congrats to you. are we suppose to fax
the paper they gave us to recruiter or KBR, some
things are confusing
candybaar, No amway grand, motel 8 haha but did
a little shopping, my husbands test was 12:15
and he was back at the mall for me by 1. he said
it took him 15 minutes to complete test.

No, as far as I know we do not fax the paper, cuz the results are sent to KBR by pearson. And I think it would be great to meet up with rick in Houston. My name is robert by the way, maybe they would let us bunk together if we have to have a roomate. And to all others how come every one was posting like crazy and now hardly any one is?

switch in Austin, Texas said: How cool for both of you that they are in the same group. This forum is something else...

Gosh .. what a blessing... my husband doesn't leave for houston until Dec 7 but I sure hope that he's working with someone's husband from this forum...
It's just a little more peace of mind...

Beth and Wirenutts... hope they get all their stuff.. I know how frustrating that is...

also Wirenutts..
I wanted to ask.. my husbands recruiter said not to take his seabag but I think I remember you said that your husband took his.. was there any problem in Houston...

we are getting ready to officially pack and wanted to check in regards to the seabag...

I know sometimes the guys are told one thing but on the forum sometimes we learn different...

wirenutts wife in California said: Hey Beth my hubby is in this same group of 12!! What's your hubby's name?
I talked to my husband this morning and he told me that they sent all the bags directy to bagram and they only have their carry-ons. I know my husband is just a little bit upset at the fact that he might be there for 3-4 days without his stuff.

Sorry it took me so long to answer, I had to work then went to my parents to help with some of the prep for tomorrow. My husband's name is Chris, you can email me at bak14901@yahoo.com. He was so cute this morning, he called my work to see if I was there and my co-worker said no it's 7:30 and he said well she is working 3-11 and she said it's 7:30 in the morning! I told him to go to the PX and get his basics for what he needed but he seemed to think that they would be in Bagram by Friday. But he is so sleep deprived he could be mistaken. Chris was upset but figures if that's the most major incident that occurs then it will be ok!
Thank goodness for finding out the info about pay periods and advances. Chris took his seabag with him when he went but we had gotten him a lock but they told him that it had to be a TSA approved after he was in Houston. Sorry if I didn't mention anyone, Wirenutts wife, Switch, Debbie, KoKo,jdc's wife and everyone who is new. Still trying to keep track of everyone lol. Too bad we all didn't live closer, we could have a weekly get together. "The Real Wives of KBR Employees". (Except we aren't televised, KBR doesn't pay them as much as all of those millionares, and our conversations don't center around if we have fake boobs :) Can you tell I am watching too much late night TV since he has been gone? Off to bed since I'm at the ER in the AM for a 4 Hour shift, and hopefully a call from the Big Guy before! I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, and though parts of our hearts are in a very different time zone,we all have alot to be grateful for!

Terrica205 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama said: Hey, cool jay i received my itenarary also i leave at 10:50 a.m. what about you?

Hey all, I have not received any flight stuff yet by email but my recruiter called late last night and gave it to me over the phone. Arrive in Houston around 4:30pm on Sunday. Continental Air. Hope to see you all there! Nick

BethB05 in Southern Tier, New York said: Sorry it took me so long to answer, I had to work then went to my parents to help with some of the prep for tomorrow. My husband's name is Chris, you can email me at bak14901@yahoo.com. He was so cute this morning, he called my work to see if I was there and my co-worker said no it's 7:30 and he said well she is working 3-11 and she said it's 7:30 in the morning! I told him to go to the PX and get his basics for what he needed but he seemed to think that they would be in Bagram by Friday. But he is so sleep deprived he could be mistaken. Chris was upset but figures if that's the most major incident that occurs then it will be ok!
Thank goodness for finding out the info about pay periods and advances. Chris took his seabag with him when he went but we had gotten him a lock but they told him that it had to be a TSA approved after he was in Houston. Sorry if I didn't mention anyone, Wirenutts wife, Switch, Debbie, KoKo,jdc's wife and everyone who is new. Still trying to keep track of everyone lol. Too bad we all didn't live closer, we could have a weekly get together. "The Real Wives of KBR Employees". (Except we aren't televised, KBR doesn't pay them as much as all of those millionares, and our conversations don't center around if we have fake boobs :) Can you tell I am watching too much late night TV since he has been gone? Off to bed since I'm at the ER in the AM for a 4 Hour shift, and hopefully a call from the Big Guy before! I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, and though parts of our hearts are in a very different time zone,we all have alot to be grateful for!

So the seabag is a no-no in Houston? I'm all set up with one so let me know if I need to change it out. Thanks, Nick

KBR dude in Charlotte, North Carolina said: So the seabag is a no-no in Houston? I'm all set up with one so let me know if I need to change it out. Thanks, Nick

No he took one, just make sure that you get a TSA approved lock!

www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm

Use your TSA approved lock when checking your bag with the airlines. TSA locks are easily picked so I would recommend for added security to use a good lock when your bag is not in your sight or when being stored.

I would also recommend, as mentioned in an earlier post, to pack valuables in your carry-on. And to also make sure you pack enough things in your carry-on just in case you get separated from your main baggage.
Since there is a 15 pound limit for carry-ons, pack an extra pair of pants, two or three shirts, and at least 4 pairs of socks and underwear, and ALWAYS pack your shaving kit in your carry-on.
NOTE** - 3 ounce liquid containers for carry-ons to be placed in a ziplock baggy... and have it handy when going through security screening, you'll need to have this baggy out ready for inspection.
You can put larger liquid items in your checked baggage but it is also wise to place these inside ziplock bags, not the cheap sandwich bags, use the good heavy duty bags.

** There is rumor that the 3 ounce or less rule is going to be easing up...... again this is only rumor.

www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Happy ThanksGiving everyone. My thoughts go out to all the wives, to those stuck in the processing center and all those in country.
Have a great day...

Happy thanksgiving to you switch and to all involved in this forum. Your loved one's are in my thoughts and prayers.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!! I live for this website, check it
all hours of day to see what new news is on. rlukens hope
you guys get to know each other its not nice when going into the
unknown alone. are you married or single?

Happy thanksgiving to all

thanks for the info about the seabag and lock situation.. what's the difference b/t a tsa approved lock and a regular one? where did you guys get yours?

EAT A LOT OF TURKEY!!!! Gobble Gobble!!!

Hello Everyone !!! Happy Thanksgiving !!!

My husband made it to Dubai, flies out to Baghdad tomorrow morning. I'm ready for him to get settled somewhere.

You can get a TSA approved lock pretty much anywhere (Walmart, Walgreens, CVS). It will say TSA approved on it. It is just a lock that the airports have keys to so they can check inside your bags and lock them back up if they need to.

Jjsvmax in Spring, Texas said: Hello Everyone !!! Happy Thanksgiving !!!

My husband made it to Dubai, flies out to Baghdad tomorrow morning. I'm ready for him to get settled somewhere.

You can get a TSA approved lock pretty much anywhere (Walmart, Walgreens, CVS). It will say TSA approved on it. It is just a lock that the airports have keys to so they can check inside your bags and lock them back up if they need to.

So glad to hear that your hubby made it and is not sitting at the center. You must feel relieved. He will probably make it in time to start class with all the others now.

I received travel itinerary yesterday. Just been busy with turkey day. I arrive in Houston @ 18:25 see everyone there.

BethB05 in Southern Tier, New York said: Morning all,
Today is a good day since he called from London, all of the guys with him are anxious to finish this last part and get to Dubai so they can begin working, and at this point get some sleep. I think
that they say these things now because sometimes we tend to take each other for granted and when a situation like this presents itself then you begin to realize what a gift you have....

Ms Sorento, I hope you have a safe, uneventful trip, 3 weeks good grief! 3rd time? After of all this the first time I give kudos for the more than once tour, who knows hubby may do it, we will see how we hold up!

We got about 3-4 inches of snow and rain here in NY last night so I am off to salt and shovel, have a good morning everyone, I expect I will be peeking at the board a few more times before I leave for work!

Beth Where In The Southern Tier are you from? I have been reading these boards now for about a month and my honey is leaving for Houston on December 14th. I am originally from the Southern Tier. I grew up in Endicot, and graduated in 1978. I left the snow and nonsense " THANK GOD" about 12 years ago for the beach lol. Today was a hard day already with it being Thanksgiving and knowing Christmas is alone with the Dogs but "it is what it is " . Just was curious where you lived, and I hope all goes well with the beginning of your adventure and my waiting for the beginning of mine.

This is my first posting on this forum. Good to see that folks have the same questions & concerns as I do. Lots of good information here. Passed my WABI earlier this week & have a processing date in Houston of Dec 8th. I'm ready to get the show on the road.

o.k. I have a question for someone that has sent packages. Debbie or anyone else please help. I am starting to put together some stuff just in case i get an address soon !!
Anyway i have got the flat rate boxes and cant fit anything in. They are soooo small !! The stuff i have is quite bulky, duvet,pillows, covers, sheets.
Now what is the cheapest way to do this ? Put one item in each box ? Or where would i get a plain large box from and if i sent it would it break the bank ? I really dont know what to do. I want the quickest, cheapest solution. Help Please?

Congrats on your arrival to Houston next week. What job have you accepted and where are you going? My husband is a plumber in Iraq, been there for 18 months. Ask any questions if any come up and someone or myself will help you out.

Debbie

The large bulk rate box is $10.95 each and the other bulk rate boxes are $9.95. It can get pretty pricey if you mail any oversize box that isn't flat rate. I think the last one I sent that wasn't flat rate cost me about $40.00.

Take everything out of its package and see if you can get more in the box. The pillows can be put in a vaccum bag that should fit into one of the boxes.

Debbie

Debs 111 I am in Elmira, but we lived in Florida for 7 years and then moved back here for family. I MISS the warm weather. It is really hard, sometimes I wish I had little ones to keep me too busy to think about it. We have 3 cats, a dog and my 19 year old who only appears to do her laundry and eat. It is hard but reading all these other posts from others makes me see that no we aren't alone but in the same boat. I am not looking forward to Christmas but then again neither are they.

I talked to Chris today and it was hard to try and be "jolly". Then he told me how hard it is trying to sleep and I remembered a post Deb had made saying that it would be like that until he got to his final destination.

Wirenutts wife, Chris said he thinks that they may be going to Bagram today or tomorrow. Did your hubby tell you that their bags had been there all along? Chris said the malaria meds were giving him some wild dreams. I guess the one of the medics told the guys that can be one of the side effects.

Switch, let me know how you make out with the mailing, I have to do the same as soon as he gets his address. I got a list from him today, so I am on a mission.

Sandra I do the same checking the boards. They are a lifeline even if you don't post anything. It helps....even though I probably post way too much!

Deb, if it wasn't for you "OCD" as you call it we wouldn't have as much info as you give us, so THANKS!
Good luck to everyone processing! And hope everyone had a good day!

Glad everyone got through this Thanksgiving day. It was tough but I'm still here. LOL Talked to Greg on the internet from Turkey and he was a little blue, no Thanksgiving dinner for him, he said he had a turkey and flat meatball sandwich on some kind of flat bread. He asked us to eat a plate of turkey and some pie for him. He leaves Monday to return to Iraq and it will get better beacuse we will be able to talk on the phone again. It makes a difference to hear their voice not just words on the computer. He also send the boys a special singing Thanksgiving card. They loved that.

Debbie

sandra defoy in clare, Michigan said: HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!! I live for this website, check it
all hours of day to see what new news is on. rlukens hope
you guys get to know each other its not nice when going into the
unknown alone. are you married or single?

Lol, I am happily married and my wife is being very strong even though I know she is worried about my going over there.

anzac in Morganton, North Carolina said: This is my first posting on this forum. Good to see that folks have the same questions & concerns as I do. Lots of good information here. Passed my WABI earlier this week & have a processing date in Houston of Dec 8th. I'm ready to get the show on the road.

Glad to hear you passed your test.. my hubby is scheduled to fly out to Houston on the 7th... you an electrician??

rlukens3 in robeline, Louisiana said: Lol, I am happily married and my wife is being very strong even though I know she is worried about my going over there.

Tell your wife to get on this forum... Although I will miss my hubby when he leaves (DEc 7th)... it will be completely different now because of this forum...

Here is a link to base locations in Iraq. Some of these are out of date, but they will give you a point of reference and a general idea of base locations.

www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/iraq-maps.htm

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: Glad to hear you passed your test.. my hubby is scheduled to fly out to Houston on the 7th... you an electrician??

No, I'm a truck driver. Have some friends that have been over twice as members of the NC National Guard so I decided it was my turn to do my bit. I'm 51 & in excellent health so I'm signing on for a tour. My co-workers think I'm crazy to do this & suggested that I retake the WABI! lol

Anyone still in Houston?

Hey does anyone know how to get a position as a nurse in LOGCAP, my friend was wanting to know.

Well I just had a quick look at KBR's Career site.....
in the QHSE list of jobs there's a position for "Physician Assistant" and another for "Medic".
Try those out for a start.

Hope this helped.

Great board. Can anyone give any info on wheeled vehicle mechanics pay, work conditions, qualifying for supervisors positions, etc. Any info is greatly appriciated, thanks.

mechanicva in Stanley, Virginia said: Great board. Can anyone give any info on wheeled vehicle mechanics pay, work conditions, qualifying for supervisors positions, etc. Any info is greatly appriciated, thanks.

I'd say a mechanic is in great demand from the listings on KBR's job boards.
Skilled Labor listings; Light wheeled Mech, Heavy wheeled, general mech, etc, etc.
There's even listings in their 'Featured Jobs' area for heavy wheeled and recovery mech. Featured jobs listing are what they need ASAP! So after you fill out the app expect a phone call, if you qualify for the position.

I think the pay is about the same as most other skilled labor... about $15.00 bux an hour, plus OT pay, plus uplifts... depending on hours and qualifications.
You stand a chance of making well over $80,000 in a year.... again depending....
But don't quote me on that.
Would probably be best to throw your application in with KBR and wait for a phone call to talk to a recruiter, they will have all of the facts for you.

Not sure about the work conditions though..... haven't heard from mechs over there..... and never have been myself, still working on that.
I've heard from people on this board that some skilled trades have a tough time with having tools on hand to do the work, so bring a magic wand and maybe a little pixie dust with ya if you go! Ha

Good Luck with you search for work with KBR, and be sure to keep us posted here.

Anybodys hubby just arrive at Speicher ??

rlukens they hire nurses for medics, 12hrs. 7days, with
uplifts, (not sure about overtime) about 106,000 to 110,000
is what are recuiter told my husband. If shes really
serious about a job I will ask a medic manager at
Bagram if we can send a resume to him directly.

I have 2 RN friends who are headrd to Afghanastan. 122,000

Joe's Mom

sandra defoy in clare, Michigan said: rlukens they hire nurses for medics, 12hrs. 7days, with
uplifts, (not sure about overtime) about 106,000 to 110,000
is what are recuiter told my husband. If shes really
serious about a job I will ask a medic manager at
Bagram if we can send a resume to him directly.

Thank you Sandra, and its a he thats interested,lol, ill have him make up a resume.

Joseph Holt in Ft Benning, Georgia said: I have 2 RN friends who are headrd to Afghanastan. 122,000

Joe's Mom

Sorry this was pay for the Medic positions

Do the guys receive actual pay stubs..how does it work with their paychecks..can I get some advice as to how we should work it out so that my husband has full access to our account/money when he needs it when he is overseas...

We were told that he can have his check deposited in up to 3 accounts.. can I hear from those of you that have more experience with this...Switch or Debbie...any advice will be appreciated...

we r beginning the packing process tomorrow morning.. (Sat)...

any advice... what did you pack that your hubby's didnt need that much... what are they asking for that they didn't take with them initially... electronics (ipods??? etc)

We have the recommended list for clothes and toiletries.... but wanted to know if theres other stuff that your hubby's have been asking for....

like for example...Im going to pack a set of twin sheets with him.. just based on previous postings...

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: Do the guys receive actual pay stubs..how does it work with their paychecks..can I get some advice as to how we should work it out so that my husband has full access to our account/money when he needs it when he is overseas...

We were told that he can have his check deposited in up to 3 accounts.. can I hear from those of you that have more experience with this...Switch or Debbie...any advice will be appreciated...

Yes Ma'am, we do get pay stubs over here. Your husband can have his check deposited in up to 3 different accounts,and debit cards can be utilized over here at the PX,food courts, and other places.

Your husband will receive his check stub every month. Mine has the HR office e-mail check stub to me each month. That way I can verify payroll and also have it for securing any credit issues I may need to deal with. We have $500.00 per month placed in a separate account that he has a debit card for, that provides him with money to purchase items in PX or spending money while traveling or for use to purchase items on the internet. He buys gifts for me and the children's birthday's, anniversary etc. on the internet and has them send to our home address.

Please make sure you have a power of attorney before he leaves. Personal financial issues may arise while they are gone that you will need to deal with, example trading your car will require a POA if his name is on title, talking to a creditor that you may not be listed on, signing your income tax return, etc.

Hope this helps.

Debbie

Hello to all i am also a Plumber Debbie- heading to houston on the 4th Jan for processing.Going to afganistan after that Do i cover all expenses for the time there recruiter says it could take up to two weeks????? do they provide moring snacks /lunch /supper can anyone answer??? and i realize the forum is for salaries, bonuses etc and i have plenty of those also sorry to get off the subject is there a regular forum for regular question --actually the wife and i have so many questions we are starting to write them down for the recruiter I was just accepted the 25th so yes we are on a rollercoaster ride with emotions questions - And yes this site is so helpful

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: Your husband will receive his check stub every month. Mine has the HR office e-mail check stub to me each month. That way I can verify payroll and also have it for securing any credit issues I may need to deal with. We have $500.00 per month placed in a separate account that he has a debit card for, that provides him with money to purchase items in PX or spending money while traveling or for use to purchase items on the internet. He buys gifts for me and the children's birthday's, anniversary etc. on the internet and has them send to our home address.

Please make sure you have a power of attorney before he leaves. Personal financial issues may arise while they are gone that you will need to deal with, example trading your car will require a POA if his name is on title, talking to a creditor that you may not be listed on, signing your income tax return, etc.

Hope this helps.

Debbie

Yes Very helpful just getting on we are starting with all the questions recruiter called went over packet bada bing and boom that was it he said to call or email questions but we found this forum and yes very helpful and excellent idea on the debit/POA we added to the list thank you

You will be put up in a hotel near the training facility, they also have a van that runs every morning starting around 4:00 a.m. to pick everyone up to take to the training building. Breakfast, lunch and supper are served at the training facility. Food is not great, everyone complains but not much else available. The vans take everyone back to their hotels at the end of a very long day, usually around 7:00. There will aslo be transportation at the airport on Sunday to pick everyone up. Area where the hotels are is not a great place to be walking around so stay at hotel. Very long days but you could be out in 7 to 14 days. Training is usually complete after 5-6 days the rest is daily check in meetings and waiting for a plane ride.

My husband is on his second year in Iraq and I will be glad to assist you with any questions.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: You will be put up in a hotel near the training facility, they also have a van that runs every morning starting around 4:00 a.m. to pick everyone up to take to the training building. Breakfast, lunch and supper are served at the training facility. Food is not great, everyone complains but not much else available. The vans take everyone back to their hotels at the end of a very long day, usually around 7:00. There will aslo be transportation at the airport on Sunday to pick everyone up. Area where the hotels are is not a great place to be walking around so stay at hotel. Very long days but you could be out in 7 to 14 days. Training is usually complete after 5-6 days the rest is daily check in meetings and waiting for a plane ride.

My husband is on his second year in Iraq and I will be glad to assist you with any questions.

Debbie

Thank you so much like i said we are very nervous/excited as you probably know we have bunches of questions another one, recruiter said i can take only a 35lb bag and a 15lb -he also said it gets very cold there???How cold does it get can anyone answer? was wanting to bring the big ole carharts hooded jackets etc --is that something i can wear on the plane to save the extra poundage and take off once boarded??and once again sorry for getting off the financial part of the forum

Why does KBR leave families left behind in the states by a KBR employee without pay for such a long time?

Also, is it normal for a spouse not to call or email pretty much since he got there? Is that a rule with KBR? Do they discourage KBR employees to call home, especially on Thanksgiving?

This is like any other job, there is always a wait for the first paycheck, it just so happens that KBR pays once a month so you should plan in advance knowing in advance that you will be without for so long.

As far as phone calls go, I have heard twice a day from my husband since he left on Wednesday, Thanksgiving included. KBR has no rules about phone usage that I know of, and I can't believe they would be discouraging employees from calling home.

KBR explains from the beginning that you may not receive a payroll check for 4-6 weeks, depending on when you fly out. They give the employee $500.00 cash draw prior to them getting on plane. Your spouse can get another draw after 2 weeks in country and they can western union it home.

As far a phone calls home there are phone banks on all camps for them to call home, sometimes there are long lines and they ask you to limit calls to 15 minutes. But my husband calls home everyday and most days twice a day. E-mail doesn't work so well unless you have your own computer and are paying 60 to 80 dollars a month for internet service. We changed one of our cell phones to a Houston number and my husband calls that number. All the phones in Iraq are set up with a Houston prefix, so we have no need for phone cards or long distant charges.

Debbie

Just dropping a line to wish every one a belated Happy Thanksgiving and to welcome the new comers.

Arplumber, my husband was wondering about the carharts himself. I am going to make him wear his coat–as in layer for the flight-- and then pack his overalls. Since you may not know till you get overseas which country–Iraq or Afghanistan–that you are going to. He’s originally a northern boy so he used to cold winters, but it gets quite cold in Afghanistan during the winter mths–as well as some part of Iraq.

Hope everyone has a nice holiday weekend and hears from loveones.