KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

I also think that the luggage allowance for Afghanistan is 44 lbs now. Can someone confirm that ? I know that this is a salaries forum but it has become so much more now. We welcome all kinds of questions and answers . Knowledge is the key and it gives us security to know what to expect.

ARaplumber in Norfork, Arkansas said: 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

ARaplumber...dont worry.. you'll find we ask alot of questions that dont have to do with finances.. people have been great on this forum providing all types of answers and support.... if you have the time, go back a few pages and read comments that have been posted and answered... when my husband and I joined the forum we went back at least 10pages to get a feel of what we were getting into....

this forum helped up make the decision of him going... he leaves for Houston on the 7th of Dec..(he's an electrician)

ARaplumber in Norfork, Arkansas said: 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

Hello, my name is Robert and I too am flying to houston on the 4th of jan. I have been researching and the avg temp for the part of AF im going to is around 20 to -30 degrees, depending on the altitude for the months of feb, march, april. I would wear the carhart on the plane, that's what im going to do, and lots of thermal underclothing :)

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: ARaplumber...dont worry.. you'll find we ask alot of questions that dont have to do with finances.. people have been great on this forum providing all types of answers and support.... if you have the time, go back a few pages and read comments that have been posted and answered... when my husband and I joined the forum we went back at least 10pages to get a feel of what we were getting into....

this forum helped up make the decision of him going... he leaves for Houston on the 7th of Dec..(he's an electrician)

Thank you
and yes weve been reading back and good luck to you and your husband

rlukens3 in robeline, Louisiana said: Hello, my name is Robert and I too am flying to houston on the 4th of jan. I have been researching and the avg temp for the part of AF im going to is around 20 to -30 degrees, depending on the altitude for the months of feb, march, april. I would wear the carhart on the plane, that's what im going to do, and lots of thermal underclothing :)

Hey there robert we will probably see each other and then again we may not i have no idea LOL I also know how to bundle up and yes it does add weight and from my understanding i am allowed a 35lb bag to be checked and a 15lb carry on --so there for im also going to wear the carharts and also my steel toed boots that also will save some extra weight good luck man hope to see ya there

ARaplumber in Arkansas said: Thank you
and yes weve been reading back and good luck to you and your husband

Its awesome to be able to ask questions from people with first hand experience such as your self and debbie whose husband is in the same line of work as myself and i'm sure once i leave out my wife will get set up on it also once again THANK YOU TO ALL
Tony

You can wear composite toe boots that are not so heavy. You can order a pair from LA policewear for about 100.00. Same boots military wear. My husband said they are lighter and cooler on feet, especially come summer when it gets to 150 degrees.

Debbie

Yes its a good thing for your wife to stay in touch as we will help with the mailing issues, etc. Also to lend support to each other. It helps when you have other in the same situation to talk too sometimes.

The first month is the worst for both sides, us at home because you are not there and for you because of the unknown, changes in the conditions, etc. The work is not hard just long hours, so its eat, sleep and work everyday. We found that it is much easier to deal with everything for 4 months verus 12 months. Plan some good times for R&R. We spent 12 days in Spain on one of his R&R's. Great sights and quality time together. We also planned a summer R&R in Orlando with the children, memories that will last forever. Never would have had those opportunities had he not gone to Iraq.

Good Luck
Debbie

My recruiter told me it was 44lbs for checked and 15 lbs for carry on, and it doesn't matter if it is Afghanistan or Iraq. I'm leaving tomorrow and if I find out there is a change I'll let you know. I am also a plumber headed for Iraq and as we all know that can change. The journey begins...........

Good luck and keep us posted.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: Good luck and keep us posted.

Debbie

Will do Debbie and thank you and everyone else for all the information. This form has been a life saver for us......also other half is a lurker on here, but after I leave I think she will start posting

We will look forward to her questions and comments.

Debbie

Good luck travelingman
And thank you Debbie,she very well could be just as nervous as myself if not more.
Being positive like yourself helps, its a great chance for us to enjoy a future yes theres going to be a lot of hard work sweat and tearsIm sure on both parts but it will be worth it. i'm sure it will be what we make of it---Ive went back and read some negative comments and sorry people feel that wayI myself cant comment on anything else i know nothing else Its all new for me/us like i said 5 days knowing

ARaplumber in Arkansas said: Good luck travelingman
And thank you Debbie,she very well could be just as nervous as myself if not more.
Being positive like yourself helps, its a great chance for us to enjoy a future yes theres going to be a lot of hard work sweat and tearsIm sure on both parts but it will be worth it. i'm sure it will be what we make of it---Ive went back and read some negative comments and sorry people feel that wayI myself cant comment on anything else i know nothing else Its all new for me/us like i said 5 days knowing

You'll find that 99% of us are very positive and supportive.. Don't think anyone has understood our situation as much as the supportive people on this forum.. we have friends and family questioning our decision and some even criticizing but like I said, no one understands more than this group of people.. encourage your wife to sign up on this forum.. she'll get the much needed support and questions answered that we all start off with...

Like Debbie said.. take it as a 4 month at a time situation... That's how Im looking at it.. 1 yr sounds so long...

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: You'll find that 99% of us are very positive and supportive.. Don't think anyone has understood our situation as much as the supportive people on this forum.. we have friends and family questioning our decision and some even criticizing but like I said, no one understands more than this group of people.. encourage your wife to sign up on this forum.. she'll get the much needed support and questions answered that we all start off with...

Like Debbie said.. take it as a 4 month at a time situation... That's how Im looking at it.. 1 yr sounds so long...

Thank you --we will call it the 4 month plan

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: You'll find that 99% of us are very positive and supportive.. Don't think anyone has understood our situation as much as the supportive people on this forum.. we have friends and family questioning our decision and some even criticizing but like I said, no one understands more than this group of people.. encourage your wife to sign up on this forum.. she'll get the much needed support and questions answered that we all start off with...

Like Debbie said.. take it as a 4 month at a time situation... That's how Im looking at it.. 1 yr sounds so long...

I still have friends that think I'm crazy. I was contacted by a recruiter back in early September and put him off for almost 2 months. So this decision was not made lightly and until the economy recovers a lot of others will have to make the hard decisions we have already made. Money is great, but it is not everything, but we all do what we have to do to survive. The ones that don't understand have never had to make hard decisions, and I hope they don't ever have too.

Travelingman in Milton, Florida said: I still have friends that think I'm crazy. I was contacted by a recruiter back in early September and put him off for almost 2 months. So this decision was not made lightly and until the economy recovers a lot of others will have to make the hard decisions we have already made. Money is great, but it is not everything, but we all do what we have to do to survive. The ones that don't understand have never had to make hard decisions, and I hope they don't ever have too.

I completely agree.. I still have an uncle who says that we are not going through hard times and that we are not in some type of recession...

My dad thinks he's crazy because.. He's told him 'what about Jesse going overseas??' isnt that hard enough times..

My husband had been working in Las Vegas on several of the casinos for the last year..even that slowed down... he was coming home on Friday nights and driving back up at 2am monday mornings to make it to work on time...

In a way I am a little bit prepared with him having to go overseas because we were only together during the weekends... but I know the 1 -2 possible phone calls a day will not compare to the unlimited text messages and calls we were able to do...

We all have to make sacrifices.. The only huge support I have is my dad.. everyone else is still judging.. we have a 2 yr old and Im due with our 2nd baby in April and my husband will more than likely not be here for the birth... I hear the whispers at family gatherings 'i can't believe he's leaving her like this'... obviously they do not understand our reason for making this decision...

I know ... I agree, money is not everything... we have never been name brand people or have fancy homes or things... we are not trying to get greedy... we just want to catch up... and not have to play catch up the rest of our lives..

jdc's wife - I can understand where you are coming from. At first we had a alot of the "are you crazy" and "all this because of money"
comments. Luckily alot of the family members have come around. And it isn't so we can spend lots of money, it is to catch up and get ahead so we can secure our future. I will cross my fingers for you that perhaps hubby will be able to be there for little one's entrance. You never know, remember to think positive!

Everyone is right, this is really hard, but we too opted for the 4 month plan. And I only have 120 more days until I see him again, provided I counted correctly and he gets it approved!

For anyone who is new or getting ready to go, once they leave this is a terrific place to read the posts, and ask questions. Debbie has been right about everything, and my hubby goes from Kandahar to Bagram on Sunday, so hopefully things will settle down with a bit of normalcy for him and the others. Next step is the mailing of items....

Speaking of items wirenutt's wife did your hubby ask you to send some vick's vapor rub etc.? Still not really understanding that one?

Hope you all have a great day wherever you are...
Beth

BethB05 in Southern Tier, New York said: jdc's wife - I can understand where you are coming from. At first we had a alot of the "are you crazy" and "all this because of money"
comments. Luckily alot of the family members have come around. And it isn't so we can spend lots of money, it is to catch up and get ahead so we can secure our future. I will cross my fingers for you that perhaps hubby will be able to be there for little one's entrance. You never know, remember to think positive!

Everyone is right, this is really hard, but we too opted for the 4 month plan. And I only have 120 more days until I see him again, provided I counted correctly and he gets it approved!

For anyone who is new or getting ready to go, once they leave this is a terrific place to read the posts, and ask questions. Debbie has been right about everything, and my hubby goes from Kandahar to Bagram on Sunday, so hopefully things will settle down with a bit of normalcy for him and the others. Next step is the mailing of items....

Speaking of items wirenutt's wife did your hubby ask you to send some vick's vapor rub etc.? Still not really understanding that one?

Hope you all have a great day wherever you are...
Beth

Vicks Vapor rub??? Do they all have colds ??

To all you people that are leaving tomorrow. Best of luck to you and try to keep us posted from the center. We will all be thinking of you..

SAndra Defoy, how is your hubby doing, you'all gettin ready and packed up, seems the closer the 4th of jan gets the more excited I am,trying to figure out how to pack to get the most for the limited space, gonna take someones suggestion and use the space saver vacuum bags. What base is he supposed to go to? I am going to Sharana if it doesn't change.

Okay big question about pay, does the base pay of annual salary i was told by recruiter include overtime, or is that gonna be more $$$?

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been a while but with Thanksgiving and Black friday AHHH I'm just glad it's over!
-Hubby is now going to Kabul (Camp Pheonix) hopefully they finally get him to a location that he will stay at.
-As far as the vick's, my hubby asked for it also because the climate change and elevation change has done a number on his sinuses. (it's hard for him to breathe)
-With the weight limit on bags... mine took 44 lbs to Afghanistan, I thought they changed it to 44 lbs for everyone. (at least that's what it was when he left for Houston on the 15th of Nov)
-With everyone new to the board, I think somewhere along the way this board has become more than just about salaries and finacial info. To me it has become a lifeline to others that are going through the same thing. (there are not any formal support groups for families of civilian contractors, but this board has become one for me.) so the title of this forum should now be called KBR support or something!!
-jdcs wife- I am looking forward to the candy making day! The kids are extremely excited!
-BethB05- have they moved your husband from Kandahar yet? My hubby said only a small group were going to Kabul. Was he among them?
-Debbie- we are going to take your advise on going on vaction during his R&R, even though it's still 4 months from now we are planning on going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! Without this opportunity from KBR it would have taken us quite a few years to get there.
Well, I love you guys and I hope that you don't mind that I consider you my new extended family!

is that 44 pounds and a 15 pound carry on or or 44 total?

rlukens3 in robeline, Louisiana said: is that 44 pounds and a 15 pound carry on or or 44 total?

44lbs and a 15 lb carry-on (Which my hubby was at 45 lbs and they let it go, without making him unpack something) so I guess it just depends on when you get there, the guy doing the weigh ins and his mood.

rlukens3 in robeline, Louisiana said: is that 44 pounds and a 15 pound carry on or or 44 total?

44 lbs checked luggage and 15 lbs carryon.

And I read a couple days back that someone said they couldn't have seabags, my hubby said that just about everyone there had them. I don't know why a recruiter would say not to take one. From what I understand everyone uses these to keep weight down, and it's a lot easier to carry. (because you will have to drag your luggage around with you, make it a little easier for yourself)

Is there anyone leaving on the tomorrow?

From the last several comments it is a 44 lb and a 15lb carry on???????? thats better than the 35 lb I was told -I will keep checking i have some time before i leave but yes it will good to know for sure, like i said we are also getting a question list for the recruiter which was his idea-my recruiter said no cell phone -can i take my ipod?????

my hubby took his ipod, just make sure you take the charger also. he forgot his and had to buy one in dubai.

wirenutts wife in California said: my hubby took his ipod, just make sure you take the charger also. he forgot his and had to buy one in dubai.

Cool thanks,,heading to afganistan also,thank you for the 44lb info i was told 35 &15 -- i will ck again and also watch the board

ARaplumber in Arkansas said: Cool thanks,,heading to afganistan also,thank you for the 44lb info i was told 35 &15 -- i will ck again and also watch the board

Hey ARplumber, well have to meet up in Houston, i'll be the 6'4" bald white guy thats gonna cook for the peeps in AF,lol

Take your base pay X 12 months and divide by 2080 hours and you will have your hourly rate.

you will receive 75% uplifts on the first 40 hours worked each week, the remaining 44 hours are at striaght pay no uplifts. KBR does not pay overtime. If you take sick time, holiday time or R&R you will only receive 8 hours at straight time, no uplifts.

These post probably just confused you more. It took my several months to figure out his check each month but I finally got it down to the penny.

If any one has excel I have a time sheet that I caluate each month and will be glad to share it. I will need your e-mail addy's to download it to you.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: Take your base pay X 12 months and divide by 2080 hours and you will have your hourly rate.

you will receive 75% uplifts on the first 40 hours worked each week, the remaining 44 hours are at striaght pay no uplifts. KBR does not pay overtime. If you take sick time, holiday time or R&R you will only receive 8 hours at straight time, no uplifts.

These post probably just confused you more. It took my several months to figure out his check each month but I finally got it down to the penny.

If any one has excel I have a time sheet that I caluate each month and will be glad to share it. I will need your e-mail addy's to download it to you.

Debbie

my email is rlukens3@yahoo.com , please email me so i can try to figure this out. my recruiter just gave me an anuula base pay, i don't know if this includes overtime hrs or not

Your quite welcome wirenuts wife. I did not know about this site until my husband was half way throught his first year and we made plenty of mistakes because we did not know how the system worked. So I'm pleased to be able to help other not make the same mistakes and to better understand the hardships.

Debbie

Yes you can take your I-pod. That is my husbands life line.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: Your quite welcome wirenuts wife. I did not know about this site until my husband was half way throught his first year and we made plenty of mistakes because we did not know how the system worked. So I'm pleased to be able to help other not make the same mistakes and to better understand the hardships.

Debbie

Debbie, do you have yahoo instant messenger so i can ask you some questions?

I am going to send you that spread sheet then e mail me your phone number and I will call you.

Debbie

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: I am going to send you that spread sheet then e mail me your phone number and I will call you.

Debbie

ok thank you:)

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: I am going to send you that spread sheet then e mail me your phone number and I will call you.

Debbie

hi Debbie I'm Travelingmans better half, He leaves on Sunday. It hasn't hit me yet. Trying to be strong, won't hit me till I drop him at the airport and drive away. I'll be on here a lot after tomorrow so talk more later.

Terrica205 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama said: Is there anyone leaving on the tomorrow?

Hey Terrica205,

I will be driving to Houston tomorrow. Hope to meet you and others.
This site has been so helpful in preparing me for what's to come, what to do and not to do. I really appreciate everyone.

We will be looking forward to chatting with you.

Debbie

wirenutts wife in California said: Hey everyone! Sorry it's been a while but with Thanksgiving and Black friday AHHH I'm just glad it's over!
-Hubby is now going to Kabul (Camp Pheonix) hopefully they finally get him to a location that he will stay at.
-As far as the vick's, my hubby asked for it also because the climate change and elevation change has done a number on his sinuses. (it's hard for him to breathe)
-With the weight limit on bags... mine took 44 lbs to Afghanistan, I thought they changed it to 44 lbs for everyone. (at least that's what it was when he left for Houston on the 15th of Nov)
-With everyone new to the board, I think somewhere along the way this board has become more than just about salaries and finacial info. To me it has become a lifeline to others that are going through the same thing. (there are not any formal support groups for families of civilian contractors, but this board has become one for me.) so the title of this forum should now be called KBR support or something!!
-jdcs wife- I am looking forward to the candy making day! The kids are extremely excited!
-BethB05- have they moved your husband from Kandahar yet? My hubby said only a small group were going to Kabul. Was he among them?
-Debbie- we are going to take your advise on going on vaction during his R&R, even though it's still 4 months from now we are planning on going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! Without this opportunity from KBR it would have taken us quite a few years to get there.
Well, I love you guys and I hope that you don't mind that I consider you my new extended family!

You should consider Cozumel, Mexico. More laid back, better beaches-water, and far safer. I know I am partial because I live here, but it really is great. Has anyone heard about a raise, or increase in uplift hours? Joe asked me because he has heard rumors over in Bagram...and he is just a laborer.

Joe's Mom

Terrica205 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama said: Is there anyone leaving on the tomorrow?

Terrica, I arrive in Houston tomorrow also, flight gets in at 6:40pm

we live in southern california and we wouldn't have to pay for airfare for us. we are just going to take a chartered bus, It is half of what we would pay for airfare. (Plus we have friends that are from there and they are going to make the trip with us) But I wanted to go to cozumel!

Well if any one wants to visit I will be happy to be a free tour guide and designated driver. Joe is coming on his second R&R for his 21st BD.

Joe's MOM

rlukens: he's going to bagram, but doesn't know if he'll stay
there. About the weight limit how can we find out for sure
on our papers it says 35 and 15 carry on and thats with
a computer.
Debbie, you are a god send, I didn't know about debit card
thank you.
sandy:

Hi y'all, sorry it takes me so long to answer, but it was another fun filled day in the ER.
Wirenutts wife, Chris went to Bagram this morning, er Sunday morning their time.

This is for both Switch as well as Wirenutt's wife, something about one of the medics had talked to them about a cesspool. Don't know the particulars, hubby wasn't making sense (sleep deprivation I think) but that was one of the things he asked for. I will ask him to clarify when he calls me in the morning. He asked for an electric blanket too, and some thermal stuff. Guess it is starting to get a bit chilly over yonder. Started putting his christmas package together just so it makes it on time!

We were going to R & R the first one in Paris since we never had a honeymoon, however the Dog is having withdrawl symptoms since he is "hubby's" dog although I feed, water, walk, bathe, clip and play with afore mentioned dog. So he is coming home the first one and then the second I want to plan a romantic vacation for us!

We are supposed to get a "storm" tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night, (it's only 1-3 inches of snow with a trace of ice) however I am going to bed so I can talk to Chris and get my groceries early before I have to go to work! I am off on Monday so I will probably drive you all crazy on the board! Have a good Sunday everyone, and good luck those headed to Houston and beyond!
Beth

does anyone recommend they take a sleeping bag... Jess has enough room and weight to fit one ... what do you guys think??

Travelingman in Milton, Florida said: I belive Victory is main HQ at Bagdad airport

Not to seem dense, but then the BIAC/Camp Victory/HQ are all in the same place and not in the International Zone/Green Zone?

I ship out to Houston tomorrow! I actually had butterflies in my stomach a few hours ago... like the first day of school... although that was a LONG time ago :)

I hope everyone had a good holiday.

Final question, I'm trying to pre-prepare packages to send to have sent to myself. The post office has these priority mail boxes with unlimited weight, but they are quite small (too small for sending sheets/pillows/towels/clothes). Can you send over a regular sized box? Can that go priority mail? I'm confused how this all works. I'll be in Iraq at HQ.

Best--