So, it looks like I'm going to Iraq...

[hacksaw]

No, this thread is not really gun-related per-se. Here is the run-down. I have an opportunity to go to Iraq for a 1 year contract. I am not a security contractor, I'm a pear-shaped computer geek.
Do any of the guys who have been over there have any tips, do's/dont's etc?
Never thought I would be doing this, but the way the economy is, I just cant pass this up...$$$$$$$$$

 

[MrOldLude]

Yeah, it's good pay. I've known a few people who've gone for IT work.

You'll get the do's/don't rundown. Prior to leaving and when you're there. These days, contractors are kept pretty safe. I don't think any have been taken in a while.

You'll probably be bored a lot.

 

[effengee]

be careful out there

I don't know from personal experience, but having watched and read many things about war I can say this:

Listen well to those who know, it will save your life.

Beyond that, let me just say, good luck

 

[Creature]

I recommend cultural awareness training.

 

[Carter]

Two things come to mind...

Never shake with your left hand
Never show someone the bottom of your foot.

Cultural awareness training is always a VERY good idea. I would not suggest going out and getting drunk, getting very loud with a group while speaking english, or talking about religion or politics.

Those are all suggestions from former military and professors that have been overseas (the professors being ex-state department and the other being a middle eastern studies specialist).

Cultural awareness is key. I doubt you'd be able to carry a firearm, and if you did you'd probably be very out gunned if you ever needed it.
Good luck, stay safe.

 

[glock36]

Congratulations, be SAFE, good luck and God speed to you Hacksaw.
Keep us up to speed once you get there

 

[hacksaw]

Thanks for all of the speedy replies, I dont worry about getting drunk/loud, not my style...boredom..for what they are paying me, I can suck it up and use the downtime to finish a few certs I've been meaning to tackle....

 

[ny32182]

I have a friend who is a security contractor in Iraq; he'll tell me about it every time he comes back.

Basically, he is making a pretty good ass-load of nearly tax-free money. He pays the price in being away from his wife and two small kids almost 100% of the time though.

From what I can figure, there seems to be a line where, as long as you are out of the US for X number of days (I think it is something like all but 14 days) you can pay almost zero taxes. Be in the US one extra day, and you will pay a lot more taxes. If I were you I'd look into that, as there is potentially a lot of money at stake there.

For the rest of it (security situation, etc) I just ask my employer. As an IT geek I'd hope I'd be pretty far from the roadside bombs. If I were closer I'd be pretty PO'd if I couldn't have my own rifle.

 

[Sam1911]

We wish you the very best of luck and safety.

Unfortunately, this is outside of our scope of discussion here at THR.

When you get back, maybe post a thread about the guns you see...

Anyone who does have suggestions or advice for hacksaw, please feel free to share it via Private Message.