Jobs Abroad - Iraq

Currently the comsui.com database has 454 job openings that require at least some travel to Iraq. For many these jobs would seem risky at best and highly dangerous at the worst. Although I have neither served there nor worked there as a civilian contractor I do have several friends who have done both.

As a civilian contractor you can expect to be stationed either in the Green Zone, or on one of the many smaller bases located throughout the country. In general these are safe areas, probably safer than where I grew up. The problem is getting there. You have to run the gauntlet of road side bombs, random militia attacks and other dangers. If you are there full time then you will probably get a two week break in the middle of your twelve month contract. One last note, as you probably have guessed, the night life if non-existent. For a break you can catch a ride to the nearest British base or the Green Zone if you want to hit a pub (from what I here the Brits are the only force that maintains pubs for their soldiers and are generally hospitable).

The rewards of working in such a hostile place can be two-fold. First, the jobs pay very well and the first $80,000 is tax free (consult your tax advisor). Second, whether you agree with the war or not, you are generally helping make the area a better place for your fellow man. Pretty altruistic, but almost everyone I know who has been there has that feeling.

If you are still interested here is a list of currently open positions.