Would you work in Afghanistan or Iraq & why or why not (160)
lorax111: Good for you,,,,,,, hell I may just follow you. Dennis
Hey Dennis, I'll let you know how it goes. How are things in Richmond? It's been awhile since I was up that direction. Used to live in Hampton and would get to Richmond once in awhile. Great city..
Hi Sparkie,
Back the year prior to Iraqi election, I had a opportunity to work in Iraq on a civilian contractor contract. It had approval here in the
states from the right parties, just needed Iraqi gov't approval, which did not come. Hence I did not make the trip. But would have.
Here is my thoughts. I don't know your field of expretise. But contact others in your field...that have and are there....in the two countries...
ask them if they think they are effective and if they are having troubles.
Effective NGO work often depends on the host government. If they are letting the work occur. If not? Why get caught in the middle of it? It is just a rock and hard place. On the other hand, if the host government
supports your work.
What better places in the world to do NGO work than in Iraq and
Afghanistan?
Also check the gov't contract of your NGO prior to agreement. Some might be on thier last year or two of a NGO contract. Then another will take thier place. Also our politics...is going to play a role here. With a Obama win....a US force withdrawal in 16 months. Not sure, I would want to be there the month after they leave, Sparkie. By the way that has become "conditional" at this point. So? Still anyone guess on that.
Bottom line Sparkie. There are lot of good paying jobs all over the world. You did your time in the service. Got a retirement. Unless you
think that your being there is a difference? Don't just do it for the money, is what I am trying to say. Job fullfillment in other words.
A great job in Tahiti has some merits as well, yes?
That is my two cents. Holler if any of the gum balls that you buy it don't taste good (does not makes sense)......I'll rehash it with you.
Back the year prior to Iraqi election, I had a opportunity to work in Iraq on a civilian contractor contract. It had approval here in the
states from the right parties, just needed Iraqi gov't approval, which did not come. Hence I did not make the trip. But would have.
Here is my thoughts. I don't know your field of expretise. But contact others in your field...that have and are there....in the two countries...
ask them if they think they are effective and if they are having troubles.
Effective NGO work often depends on the host government. If they are letting the work occur. If not? Why get caught in the middle of it? It is just a rock and hard place. On the other hand, if the host government
supports your work.
What better places in the world to do NGO work than in Iraq and
Afghanistan?
Also check the gov't contract of your NGO prior to agreement. Some might be on thier last year or two of a NGO contract. Then another will take thier place. Also our politics...is going to play a role here. With a Obama win....a US force withdrawal in 16 months. Not sure, I would want to be there the month after they leave, Sparkie. By the way that has become "conditional" at this point. So? Still anyone guess on that.
Bottom line Sparkie. There are lot of good paying jobs all over the world. You did your time in the service. Got a retirement. Unless you
think that your being there is a difference? Don't just do it for the money, is what I am trying to say. Job fullfillment in other words.
A great job in Tahiti has some merits as well, yes?
That is my two cents. Holler if any of the gum balls that you buy it don't taste good (does not makes sense)......I'll rehash it with you.
concept_of_love: if you wanna die go die then americans are targets there and it is natural because bloody bush invaded iraq as a means of bringing democracy out to iraq how funny if you go there you are just the target even if you are not a typical mtv foxtv based american person it wouldnt matter for people in iraq they will shoot you down
My !!!Ain't you a Concept Of Love.Holy Fark!!!!!
concept_of_love: if you wanna die go die then americans are targets there and it is natural because bloody bush invaded iraq as a means of bringing democracy out to iraq how funny if you go there you are just the target even if you are not a typical mtv foxtv based american person it wouldnt matter for people in iraq they will shoot you down
Quite a LOOOOONG Sentence!!!!!!!!!!!All in one Breath?
ttom500: Hi Sparkie,
Back the year prior to Iraqi election, I had a opportunity to work in Iraq on a civilian contractor contract. It had approval here in the
states from the right parties, just needed Iraqi gov't approval, which did not come. Hence I did not make the trip. But would have.
Here is my thoughts. I don't know your field of expretise. But contact others in your field...that have and are there....in the two countries...
ask them if they think they are effective and if they are having troubles.
Effective NGO work often depends on the host government. If they are letting the work occur. If not? Why get caught in the middle of it? It is just a rock and hard place. On the other hand, if the host government
supports your work.
What better places in the world to do NGO work than in Iraq and
Afghanistan?
Also check the gov't contract of your NGO prior to agreement. Some might be on thier last year or two of a NGO contract. Then another will take thier place. Also our politics...is going to play a role here. With a Obama win....a US force withdrawal in 16 months. Not sure, I would want to be there the month after they leave, Sparkie. By the way that has become "conditional" at this point. So? Still anyone guess on that.
Bottom line Sparkie. There are lot of good paying jobs all over the world. You did your time in the service. Got a retirement. Unless you
think that your being there is a difference? Don't just do it for the money, is what I am trying to say. Job fullfillment in other words.
A great job in Tahiti has some merits as well, yes?
That is my two cents. Holler if any of the gum balls that you buy it don't taste good (does not makes sense)......I'll rehash it with you.
Back the year prior to Iraqi election, I had a opportunity to work in Iraq on a civilian contractor contract. It had approval here in the
states from the right parties, just needed Iraqi gov't approval, which did not come. Hence I did not make the trip. But would have.
Here is my thoughts. I don't know your field of expretise. But contact others in your field...that have and are there....in the two countries...
ask them if they think they are effective and if they are having troubles.
Effective NGO work often depends on the host government. If they are letting the work occur. If not? Why get caught in the middle of it? It is just a rock and hard place. On the other hand, if the host government
supports your work.
What better places in the world to do NGO work than in Iraq and
Afghanistan?
Also check the gov't contract of your NGO prior to agreement. Some might be on thier last year or two of a NGO contract. Then another will take thier place. Also our politics...is going to play a role here. With a Obama win....a US force withdrawal in 16 months. Not sure, I would want to be there the month after they leave, Sparkie. By the way that has become "conditional" at this point. So? Still anyone guess on that.
Bottom line Sparkie. There are lot of good paying jobs all over the world. You did your time in the service. Got a retirement. Unless you
think that your being there is a difference? Don't just do it for the money, is what I am trying to say. Job fullfillment in other words.
A great job in Tahiti has some merits as well, yes?
That is my two cents. Holler if any of the gum balls that you buy it don't taste good (does not makes sense)......I'll rehash it with you.
Hey Tom, Thanks for your comments. I have been in touch with several people in the provinces of Afghanistan. Some of the working conditions are limited by the situation on the ground and access is extreemly limited. These are the areas I am interested in as there is a high degree of security and safety awareness. Other places are much more permissive, these seem to be tragedy in the making and I will avoid these.
Yes, I have 28 years in and retire really soon. I was really lucky in that I had a grizzly old Sergeant advise me to start saving early in my career so money really isn't an issue. I could effectively retire for good but mentally speaking, I can't.
I believe there's a lot of good going on there now and they definately need the help over there.
I don't really buy a big change in the political situation. Obama may say one thing but in reality, I don't see much of a change for the next 5 - 10 years. I like Powells stance on this "If we break it we buy it" and regardless of political affiliation, we did break it and we owe it to them to make it livable. The democracy thing is entirely different. Nonetheless, if security goes away this young man will be going away as well. I have no interest in becoming a statistic.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughts on this.
Conrad73: Quite a LOOOOONG Sentence!!!!!!!!!!!All in one Breath?
I can always count on your humor...
Nice to see you ConradSparky55: Hey Dennis, I'll let you know how it goes. How are things in Richmond? It's been awhile since I was up that direction. Used to live in Hampton and would get to Richmond once in awhile. Great city..
If you have not been here in a wile then you would not reconise the place. VCU has taken over the city , the Newgate prison bar is now a police station and the rest of grace st. has been basicaly run off. The city has annexed a portion of southside and there are new houses sprouting like mushrooms in every direction. In general buisness is bad rite now but things are basicaly normal. Its hot humid and the civil war is still going on.
Dennis
lorax111: If you have not been here in a wile then you would not reconise the place. VCU has taken over the city , the Newgate prison bar is now a police station and the rest of grace st. has been basicaly run off. The city has annexed a portion of southside and there are new houses sprouting like mushrooms in every direction. In general buisness is bad rite now but things are basicaly normal. Its hot humid and the civil war is still going on.
Dennis
Dennis
And I thought at least that war was over...
I really do miss that area though. Lots of good friends in Hampton, Va. Beach and still have a old friend in Richmond
Sparky55: I can always count on your humor... Nice to see you Conrad
Keep Safe,if you're going Thataway!
Sparky55: And I thought at least that war was over...
I really do miss that area though. Lots of good friends in Hampton, Va. Beach and still have a old friend in Richmond
I really do miss that area though. Lots of good friends in Hampton, Va. Beach and still have a old friend in Richmond
My family was brought here by the navy, so I could care less, but some of the locals seem to think the south has not lost yet.
Dennis
lorax111: My family was brought here by the navy, so I could care less, but some of the locals seem to think the south has not lost yet.
Dennis
Dennis
I had forgotten that...
It's the same in Alabama where they call it the war of northern aggression.. Most are joking, some not...Conrad73: Keep Safe,if you're going Thataway!
Thanks Conrad...
Galactic_bodhi: NGO or GO...they couldn't pay me enough to get kidnapped...
Sparky55: I had forgotten that... It's the same in Alabama where they call it the war of northern aggression.. Most are joking, some not...
LOL I call it anoying.
If the money and contract is good then I may see you in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Dennis
lorax111: LOL I call it anoying.
If the money and contract is good then I may see you in Iraq or Afghanistan. Dennis
If the money and contract is good then I may see you in Iraq or Afghanistan. Dennis
Depends on the agency. I wont work with KBR but there are some worthy NGOs. I'll be doing more project oversight of local contractors. I would hope they wouldn't have me actually build something.
I'm not concerned about the money so much as I am about the job but still, the money is more than fair as are the benefitsSparky55: Hello All,
I am considering and in fact have a great opportunity to go and work in either Afghanistan or Iraq late this fall after my retirement is settled. It would be working for an NGO and be geared towards reconstruction. I've been to both countries before and am painfully aware of the dangers but there's a part of me that really feels driven to do this. Would any of you go?
Please dont go back Sparky,its only going to get worse over there ,no matter who our President is.Money is not worth ur life.I am considering and in fact have a great opportunity to go and work in either Afghanistan or Iraq late this fall after my retirement is settled. It would be working for an NGO and be geared towards reconstruction. I've been to both countries before and am painfully aware of the dangers but there's a part of me that really feels driven to do this. Would any of you go?
Sparky55: I had forgotten that... It's the same in Alabama where they call it the war of northern aggression.. Most are joking, some not...
LOL.....I had family on both sides of the Civil War. On the southern side, I had a relative that was a local cattle man....had the fastest horse in the county.
He gets drafted.....does not want to serve with the south, as he saw it as the lost cause. So he and the horse take to the country. Occassionally he would run into the local militia.....that would chase him...him be a draft dodger.
The things he could get that horse to do. Being local and cowboy....he knew the lay of the land well. Would ride them till dusk...then slip into a swamp. Or would ride them till out sight and lay the horse in a gully and wait from them to pass by. According to my gran daddy....he had more tricks that Barnum and Bailly Circus.
They chased him the final two years of the war.....the closest they got was 100 yards. Moral of the story.....don't ride old horses, fellers.
Well my uncle is currently over there! He loves it there! Granted the things he has seen he also has to deal with I am not sure who he is with KBR possibly? But don't get me to lying. The money is diffently good. I believe he is not completly outta danger but safer than some. I have a friend who is a soldier over there a job I would recomend to no one. Granted I am thankful for our troops and all that they do. But in the past two wks he has almost been killed serveral times! I pray everyday that he is ok. Thankfully he will be home for like a month in alittle less than two wks but has also been gone since Nov.! It is your choice your a grown man and know your risks.If you feel driven and something in your heart tells you to go! Then go with what you feel there is a reason for everything.
God Bless,
Lora
God Bless,
Lora
ttom500: LOL.....I had family on both sides of the Civil War. On the southern side, I had a relative that was a local cattle man....had the fastest horse in the county.
He gets drafted.....does not want to serve with the south, as he saw it as the lost cause. So he and the horse take to the country. Occassionally he would run into the local militia.....that would chase him...him be a draft dodger.
The things he could get that horse to do. Being local and cowboy....he knew the lay of the land well. Would ride them till dusk...then slip into a swamp. Or would ride them till out sight and lay the horse in a gully and wait from them to pass by. According to my gran daddy....he had more tricks that Barnum and Bailly Circus.
They chased him the final two years of the war.....the closest they got was 100 yards. Moral of the story.....don't ride old horses, fellers.
He gets drafted.....does not want to serve with the south, as he saw it as the lost cause. So he and the horse take to the country. Occassionally he would run into the local militia.....that would chase him...him be a draft dodger.
The things he could get that horse to do. Being local and cowboy....he knew the lay of the land well. Would ride them till dusk...then slip into a swamp. Or would ride them till out sight and lay the horse in a gully and wait from them to pass by. According to my gran daddy....he had more tricks that Barnum and Bailly Circus.
They chased him the final two years of the war.....the closest they got was 100 yards. Moral of the story.....don't ride old horses, fellers.
Just for fun, did you know that one of the requests during the surrender was that the south be able to keep their horses (Saddlebreds) to continue the breeding program? It was granted, too.
WhatUwish4: Just for fun, did you know that one of the requests during the surrender was that the south be able to keep their horses (Saddlebreds) to continue the breeding program? It was granted, too.
Coming from a talking horse,i'm not suprised that you know that.
WhatUwish4: Just for fun, did you know that one of the requests during the surrender was that the south be able to keep their horses (Saddlebreds) to continue the breeding program? It was granted, too.
I did not have family in this country on either side at that time. I do however live in the capital of the confedercy, so I have to know somthing about the flipping mess.
One of the privileges of rank was horses, a general was allowed six (i think that number is right). Durring a retreat saving horses was more important than saving cannons.
Dennis (sorry getting off of topic)
WhatUwish4: Just for fun, did you know that one of the requests during the surrender was that the south be able to keep their horses (Saddlebreds) to continue the breeding program? It was granted, too.
Horse and cattle were big business back then. Central Florida had a lot of cattle operations....at the beginning of the war......feeding the
southern Armies.
By the mid and end of the war, the Confederate money was so bad
the ranchers did not want to take it in on trade. So instead of doing full spring round ups......several of them began to partials.....just bring a few head into the rail heads for the south. By the end of the war, Union armies were in Florida....the cattleman took thier herds....still large to sell to the Union commissionary.
Talk about getting the locals angry. The several cattlemen families names that did it....were mud for the next 75 years....but it was the beginning of carpet bagging here....not much the locals could do.
alabamabebe: Wow, an unbiased opinion. How refreshing.
yes my comments have always been unbiased lady didnt you like it? it is all right because i know human-beings like you you think you are perfect and all of the middle-eastern people are terrorists how a good perspective of you to return to me with such an insuniating comment it was highly appreciated by my side thanks for that
concept_of_love: yes my comments have always been unbiased lady didnt you like it? it is all right because i know human-beings like you you think you are perfect and all of the middle-eastern people are terrorists how a good perspective of you to return to me with such an insuniating comment it was highly appreciated by my side thanks for that
Hey dude! Lighten up! Some people just would like the job or the chance to help other people. Forget the politics, most people here are more involved with their own situations then trying to change/conquer the world!
Sparky55: Hello All,
I am considering and in fact have a great opportunity to go and work in either Afghanistan or Iraq late this fall after my retirement is settled. It would be working for an NGO and be geared towards reconstruction. I've been to both countries before and am painfully aware of the dangers but there's a part of me that really feels driven to do this. Would any of you go?
I am considering and in fact have a great opportunity to go and work in either Afghanistan or Iraq late this fall after my retirement is settled. It would be working for an NGO and be geared towards reconstruction. I've been to both countries before and am painfully aware of the dangers but there's a part of me that really feels driven to do this. Would any of you go?
Hi Sparky! How are you?
Well, here's my input. You say there is a part of you that feels driven to do this. You have been there so you know the lay of the land so to speak. Your profile show you believe in G-d. Maybe He is the one giving you that feeling of being driven. You will have to weigh out for yourself what you are supposed to do in this situation. Our input is just that, only input. Since it is not about money, and since you feel so strongly about it, it may be a Blessing. A Big Blessing. Becareful, think thoroughly, and Prayerfully.
For myself, I had the opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia before getting laid off in 1999 @ 3yrs worth of pay in 6mos time. I would not do it. My Father was dead as was my ex-husband and I was not with my recent ex-fiance, yet. I knew that I had to be under the authority of a male to live and work there. I had been told that if I did not have anyone to take I would be assigned to someone, not necessarily an American nor someone I knew.
It was not worth it to me. I would have had to wear the traditional garb while working, I did not know the language. Even if I had, I would not have been able to lip-read through the veils, if I was wearing one or if I was trying to communicate with someone who was. It would have been to easy to make a mistake in any arena if I could not hear what was said or if I misunderstood. The possible ramifications were scary. I knew when one is in another Country, the native laws prevail, what if I made a mistake that could cost me my life or worse locked up in a strange country for who knew how long?
However, if my Father had been alive, I probably would have gone. Dad was ex-Special Forces. He would have helped me there and he would have agreed with me if I wanted to go after we had discussed it thoroughly, especially @ the pay they were talking,( he'd have had trouble with Mom though). Or if either of my Grand-Fathers had been alive, I would have discussed going there with them. If my ex-husband had been clean, I might have considered it with him or if I was married to a good man whom supported me in this as a once in a lifetime experience but not anyone else.
Hope that helps, its not much and it really is a different line of thought than you'd have but that's my input.
NOPE.
Ah, NO.
lorax111: and the winter will be a lot more pleasant there than here.
Yep, I think you're right about that until it gets too hot temperature wise.
Hi Dennis!
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Good for you,,,,,,, hell I may just follow you.
Dennis