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need advice/info on Afghanistan

bcw1284

bcw1284

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 18, 2008
1,821
2
39
Cheyenne, Wyoming
If this is not the correct section, please move the post. I didn't really know whether to put it here or in maggies or what.

Background:
I have been unable to find a suitable carrer position since finishing my Bachelor's in Geology (December '09). I have considered going into other fields, but the economic downturn is kicking my ass right now. Running out of money, patience, etc.

The prospect:
In my job hunt I have stumbled across a DOD contractor position (non-combat) that would require me to spend some time in-country following hadji's around and making sure they are not screwing around while on base. Sounds like babysitting to me, but the pay is excellent and tax deductible, which is music to my broke ears right now.

Specifics:
Employer: DOD contractor (a BIG one)
Duty Station: Afghanistan
provinces: Bagram, Kandahar
postion: third-party monitor, non-combat
required clearance: have or be able to obtain secret or interim secret clearance

SO, those of you who have done time in-country, please tell me a bit about what to expect from these two provinces, the weather, the people, the fighting, etc. I have done some homework but i'd like to know what it's actually like, not what some book says it is.

Thanks in advance. I know it's a broad subject, but I certainly do not want to jump into this blind because it's halfway around the world and requires me to apply for DOD secret clearance.

PS- this is a cause I believe in as well, not just a job. I'm adding this to clarify my position, but I don't want anyone to think i'm a glory hound. There are guys really laying it on the line over there and I did not want to detract from them is all. Hope that makes more sense.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

I'm currently south of Bagram. Weather is not bad, 80's to 90's. Been rainy last couple of days. Current tempo is pretty low.
As for the haji herding, hope you have lots of patience and don't get bored easy. Could be as menial as watching a group filling sandbags and escorting them to chow.
Sorry if thats too general, but not much going on right now.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

thanks! that is exactly what I wanted to know. Menial is OK, i'm used to it, lol. Keep it commin' with whatever you think I should know on the subject!
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

Couple things: referring to an "obamaconomy" and trying to live off the contracts that system provides is hypocritical. If you don't believe in it, don't willingly participate in it. The reason I say that is if you take on a job like this for a year and don't want to be doing it, you're going to be miserable and make everyone around you miserable. Anyone who's been downrange in an austere environment with people who hate life can attest that the last thing you want is another brick in the wall of bitterness and angst. Do everyone a favor and stay away from that job.

If, however, you want to participate in the act of nation-building, then there's room for you to work, earn a good wage, and even excel. Afghanistan is incredibly complex religiously, ethnically, and politically. The minute you decide to take a job there is the same minute you need to begin educating yourself on the nuances of the various tribes (Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Hazaris, etc), regions, and pressing issues. You've got a lot of catching up to do, and "I'm the new guy" isn't an excuse after 9 years of war when soldiers and Marines are dying outside the wire.

The quotation at the bottom of your signature tells me you're a bad fit for Afghanistan. The US govt is trying to expand the Afghan govt to become a functioning entity instead of the utterly corrupt, factional institution it currently is. Do yourself a favor and don't get involved with something you seem to ideologically disagree with. The Dow is getting stronger, employers are starting to rehire, and I think you'll be much happier on American soil. Hang in there, and good luck.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

OK, now pay attention:

You will be doing this as a civilian LN(Local NAtional) or 'haji' watcher.

1. Take the bus to the main ECP and show your ID to the man in the window.

2. The man in the window will call the SOldiers to let them know to release your LN's into the base(They arrived hours earlier and have already been searched)

3. You will proceed on foot with your work detail, or in your issued vehicle to teh work point where you will have the LNs do the job while you make sure they do not steal, take, or handle anything but what the job demands.

4. You will take breaks for prayer, and food, and rest if needed

5. At the end of your shift, you will take all of your LN's back to the main ECP INSURING they do not have on their person ANYTHING US Issue, Technology, etc except for the clothes on their backs, AND THAT DOES NOT MEAN 'garbage' Uniform pieces

They will entice you to walk out into the front AO past the ECP. Here you will be able to peruse the LN haji tea rooms and LN merchants. You will be enticed to buy liquor. GO ahead buy it. You and your bags will be searched when you re enter the ECP and you will be caught, arrested, and expelled on your own dime to get back to the USA. These people will aslo offer you hashish, the finest in the world. See the last sentance to see your fate should you go there.

If you do your job well, you will find so much boredom it will bring you to tears. The PX sucks, the food sucks, the BK sucks and the Subway is the worst you will ever see in your entire life. You will find that 5.11 pants, and the latest OAkly boot/shoes/sandles are high fashion. The little INdian girl will tempt you to buy perfumes and colognes, the LN, and TCN merchants will entice you to buy old American coins and jewels.

KBR has and maintains a whore house but we could never find it or locate it, but we knew that there were several women who entered the post but were never seen in any of the businesses. They would leave after a month or so, and new ones would come in. It couldn't have been off limits to teh military because if that were so we would have found it in short order.

You will be enticed with lots of money. Yes, it does look like high pay. You will pay your own health insurance, airline tickes to and from, and Uncle Sam will tax you at the highest rate you have ever experienced. If you are single, you will be tempted to marry any one of those sweet girls you work with from Korea, the old Soviet states and the 'stan places. India and a lot of other places send people there too(TCN, or Third Country Nationals).

You WILL NOT be allowed to touch, handle, fold, spindel, or mutilate ANY weapon unless your job requires it. IF you touch a weapon you will be fired for it may be against your contract to do so. You will be tempted to eat the LN food. If you like consuming Keopectate and the pink stuff by the case, have at it. After you arrive in country you will go through this for about ten days anyway. You will swear you are pissing out your ass and that you cannot walk two feet without shitting your pants. It goes away after about ten days.
The AT&T phone cards are the cats ass, all else suck. There are haji cell phones. Go ahead, buy one, you will pay out the ass to call home. Buy the AT&T phone cards.

Any questions?
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Couple things: referring to an "obamaconomy" and trying to live off the contracts that system provides is hypocritical. If you don't believe in it, don't willingly participate in it. The reason I say that is if you take on a job like this for a year and don't want to be doing it, you're going to be miserable and make everyone around you miserable. Anyone who's been downrange in an austere environment with people who hate life can attest that the last thing you want is another brick in the wall of bitterness and angst. Do everyone a favor and stay away from that job.

If, however, you want to participate in the act of nation-building, then there's room for you to work, earn a good wage, and even excel. Afghanistan is incredibly complex religiously, ethnically, and politically. The minute you decide to take a job there is the same minute you need to begin educating yourself on the nuances of the various tribes (Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Hazaris, etc), regions, and pressing issues. You've got a lot of catching up to do, and "I'm the new guy" isn't an excuse after 9 years of war when soldiers and Marines are dying outside the wire.

The quotation at the bottom of your signature tells me you're a bad fit for Afghanistan. The US govt is trying to expand the Afghan govt to become a functioning entity instead of the utterly corrupt, factional institution it currently is. Do yourself a favor and don't get involved with something you seem to ideologically disagree with. The Dow is getting stronger, employers are starting to rehire, and I think you'll be much happier on American soil. Hang in there, and good luck. </div></div>

I appreciate your take on things. Let me clarify a few points. I didn't mean obamaconomy to be hypocritical, I simply meant that his admin's policies have not been good for my professional field and it's hurting the job market in our sector. It's not a slight to him personally, and there are alot of other factors involved too. I do think you're right that it sounds offensive though, so I will change it.

Your reaction to that makes me sound like i'm standing here with my hand out, but that's not the case. I don't like giving people anything for free who have not earned it, and expect to work for mine. I am not taking any money from anyone that I don't earn. The job i'm after is capitalism in its finest, IMHO. Gov wants to pay, contractor is ready, willing, & able to fill the need. Were I to be hired for this, I would give the job my 110% as I do everything else I do. I'm not going to piss and moan on the job. If it sucks that bad, i'll resign and not become dead weight. I didn't mean for the OP to sound whiny, please do not misunderstand me. I'm simply saying I will have to branch out to stay afloat.

I appreciate what is going on over there, and everything our military has done. I realize people are putting their lives on the line, and while it's not my first choice of profession, I will sign up if becomes necessary of me. We are on the same page with the studying, which is why I asked for info to help me catch things I may not have thought of and things you only learn by being there for real. I have already taken several courses on mid-east history, and though I realize it's only a spit in the ocean, it's something to start on and go from there. I appreciate the advice on the tribal research and I will make sure I include that in my learning. This post is only a small part of my research before I even consider trying to get hired by this or any other contractor. I do not want to be a liability, and I expect to earn my keep. I guess that's why i'm going so stir crazy here without a career... that make sense?

The quotation is being taken out of context. If you go look up the full speech by Reagan you will see that he is referring to economic policy and the issue regulation of capitalism, as well as government programs that contribute to bloat/pork and restrict freedom of the people without merit. I believe there is no reason why we cannot have a government that is not intrusive in our everyday domestic lives, and still do the right thing abroad to help other peoples who are victimized by their governments/regimes/whatever. I don't equate DOD contracting with a "big government" initiative, it's not like they are trying to seize a-stan and add it to the USA. I do not disagree with trying to facilitate the improvement of another nation for the betterment of it's people. Quite the opposite. Though I didn't delve into it, I do believe it's a cause worth fighting for and I would be proud to say that I did something to assist. I'm not trying to take anything away from our troops, and that's why I didn't say anything. No matter how much babysitting I did over there, it would never compare to the sacrifices they make and the risks they take, so I left out my idealogical stance. Hope that makes sense.

Relax a little man, no offense but you seem wound awful tight. I insinuated that the economy sucks, not that Obama is after a "new world order". I'm not an anarchist just because I agree with Reagan's stance on financial issues... LOL. Let's not politicize this, PLEASE. This board and politics have a long, sour history and I don't want this to be part of it.

Nevertheless, I asked for a no bullshit response and you gave one... so I do thank you for your point of view, and I understand your concerns. Please don't think i'm taking it lightly, I make damn sure I mean to do something right before I commit to it. I'm not trying to get a job where I can fly out next tuesday and start raking in fat cash. I understand there is alot of time, money, and effort that will have to be commited.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

Switch, thanks for the info, that's the kind of stuff I was looking for. I have one question off the top of my head... how does the tax thing work? I'm just confused because the contractor's listing said it was exempt from withholding. Please don't think i'm trying to shirk my taxes, that's not it at all... i'm not trying to get rich here, just to get a job that both A)get's me a living and B)does something useful. I just want to know what the real deal is before I get in too deep. I'm sure the listing is "dressed up" to sound enticing. You've given me some excellent questions to ask them. Thank you.


PS- I also didn't mean Hadji as derogatory, just trying to add some levity. I'll change it if that's a sore spot for anyone.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, now pay attention:
KBR has and maintains a whore house but we could never find it or locate it, but we knew that there were several women who entered the post but were never seen in any of the businesses. They would leave after a month or so, and new ones would come in. It couldn't have been off limits to teh military because if that were so we would have found it in short order.

You will be enticed with lots of money. Yes, it does look like high pay. You will pay your own health insurance, airline tickes to and from, and Uncle Sam will tax you at the highest rate you have ever experienced. If you are single, you will be tempted to marry any one of those sweet girls you work with from Korea, the old Soviet states and the 'stan places. India and a lot of other places send people there too(TCN, or Third Country Nationals).

</div></div>

Do you know this information from personal experience or just rumor? If the contractor is who I think it is you are wrong! If you have done a contracting job then you have had a very bad accountant to say that Uncle Sam taxes you at a high rate.

Your first $90k(don't know the official number) is tax free. After that you pay 35% on any remaining income. So if your income is less than $90k you don't pay any taxes except social security and medicare.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

It doesnt quite work that way. The tax exclusion deal covers up to $91,400 only if youre out of country 330 days... So to qualify, you can only return to the US for 35 days a year. Most contractors don't qualify if they take regular leave back to the states.

Im assuming the exempt from witholding statement just means the company doesn't withold the taxes from your check. You ARE still liable for them though.

I always pay a lot of taxes, just the way it is... The bottom line is you need an accountant familiar with contractor taxes to get the best savings.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

BCW,

No insult intended, you asked for my opinion, and I gave it to you. There's a high likelihood I may be in Afghanistan this summer myself and I'm telling you, there's a real cost-benefit analysis to be done. The big issue is, don't go to Afghanistan just for the money. If you want to help, by all means, go. But one year is a lot of time to blow if you aren't going to enjoy the job. And by the sound of things, no one would enjoy the job you're looking at. How much is your time really worth?
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BCW,

No insult intended, you asked for my opinion, and I gave it to you. There's a high likelihood I may be in Afghanistan this summer myself and I'm telling you, there's a real cost-benefit analysis to be done. The big issue is, don't go to Afghanistan just for the money. If you want to help, by all means, go. But one year is a lot of time to blow if you aren't going to enjoy the job. And by the sound of things, no one would enjoy the job you're looking at. How much is your time really worth? </div></div>

No worries, i'm not insulted. I just wanted to clarify all that so nobody thought i'm in it for the wrong reasons. Everything you said was a valid point and I was serious when I said I appreciate your evaluation. I am also scouring listings for other contract jobs, i'd much rather find something more interesting but this is the one that keeps popping up because it's listed all over and there are many positions available. I'd love to use my professional (geology) knowledge somehow if I could find that job over there. I have alot of other skills as well, I have a very mechanical mind.

Stay safe if you head over there. I think you are right that the contract i'm looking at would be super boring, but hey, it's a foot in the door. I have spoken with some experienced guys and they said the salary for this position is not as high as many contracts, but it does have a full benefit package on top of it. It is pretty much equivalent to what i'd be making here in a job relating to my degree, so at least it's not like I would be losing money. I will continue to research it, money isn't my sole motivation but it doesn't hurt either.

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far and please continue to add anything relevant. thanks!
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, now pay attention:

You will be doing this as a civilian LN(Local NAtional) or 'haji' watcher.

1. Take the bus to the main ECP and show your ID to the man in the window.

2. The man in the window will call the SOldiers to let them know to release your LN's into the base(They arrived hours earlier and have already been searched)

3. You will proceed on foot with your work detail, or in your issued vehicle to teh work point where you will have the LNs do the job while you make sure they do not steal, take, or handle anything but what the job demands.

4. You will take breaks for prayer, and food, and rest if needed

5. At the end of your shift, you will take all of your LN's back to the main ECP INSURING they do not have on their person ANYTHING US Issue, Technology, etc except for the clothes on their backs, AND THAT DOES NOT MEAN 'garbage' Uniform pieces

They will entice you to walk out into the front AO past the ECP. Here you will be able to peruse the LN haji tea rooms and LN merchants. You will be enticed to buy liquor. GO ahead buy it. You and your bags will be searched when you re enter the ECP and you will be caught, arrested, and expelled on your own dime to get back to the USA. These people will aslo offer you hashish, the finest in the world. See the last sentance to see your fate should you go there.

If you do your job well, you will find so much boredom it will bring you to tears. The PX sucks, the food sucks, the BK sucks and the Subway is the worst you will ever see in your entire life. You will find that 5.11 pants, and the latest OAkly boot/shoes/sandles are high fashion. The little INdian girl will tempt you to buy perfumes and colognes, the LN, and TCN merchants will entice you to buy old American coins and jewels.

KBR has and maintains a whore house but we could never find it or locate it, but we knew that there were several women who entered the post but were never seen in any of the businesses. They would leave after a month or so, and new ones would come in. It couldn't have been off limits to teh military because if that were so we would have found it in short order.

You will be enticed with lots of money. Yes, it does look like high pay. You will pay your own health insurance, airline tickes to and from, and Uncle Sam will tax you at the highest rate you have ever experienced. If you are single, you will be tempted to marry any one of those sweet girls you work with from Korea, the old Soviet states and the 'stan places. India and a lot of other places send people there too(TCN, or Third Country Nationals).

You WILL NOT be allowed to touch, handle, fold, spindel, or mutilate ANY weapon unless your job requires it. IF you touch a weapon you will be fired for it may be against your contract to do so. You will be tempted to eat the LN food. If you like consuming Keopectate and the pink stuff by the case, have at it. After you arrive in country you will go through this for about ten days anyway. You will swear you are pissing out your ass and that you cannot walk two feet without shitting your pants. It goes away after about ten days.
The AT&T phone cards are the cats ass, all else suck. There are haji cell phones. Go ahead, buy one, you will pay out the ass to call home. Buy the AT&T phone cards.

Any questions?</div></div>

Holy shit! I almost peed myself when you mentioned the Indian girl selling perfume! YOU SIR have officially spent too much time at BAF! As have I for that matter...

BCW, switchblade has hit the nail on the head. Except for the cell phones. If you get the AWCC (Afghan Wireless) I believe you can call the US for about .05 a minute. Actually, he might be right, cause I don't know what the rate is for AT&T phone cards...But look into it!

Oh, and the Afghan food is AWESOME! Maybe I'm some kind of mutant, but I end up eating Afghan food quite a bit out here and the only time I ever seem to get sick is when I"m at the DFAC.

I don't know the rules, but maybe you could get books on tape to listen to while you watch your LN's work. You could EASILY go through the Encyclopedia Britanica before your year was up!

In the end though, the job is out there for someone to do. If you think you're the man, go for it!
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

In either case, KAF or BAF, day to day life wont be all that bad. Both are huge bases with at least some recreation. I only wish I was living at one of those places. Well maybe not Kandahar cause its hot... Im sure you will have tv and internet in your room to pass the time when youre not working. All the junk food is going away though. Gen. McChrystal has already started that ball rolling. I know KAF no longer has BK, Pizza Hut, or Sub Way. There is still a TGI Friday's cause thats run by our friendly neighbors to the north. Haven't been to BAF in a few months, but Im sure its the same.

Im assuming you're not married or have kids, so thats a plus. There is minimal risk involved, not like you'll be running the streets. You'll probably fly into Kabul, then get on another plane to Kandahar or Bagram and never leave the base until you get on the plane to fly back.

For all intents and purposes, its just a job, just like in the States, not hard, and not all that dangerous. If you were trying to come over on a mine clearing job, then you may want to weigh the risks versus rewards a little more... If you're willing to be away from friends and family, and can handle a little mild isolation, then go for it.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

Hey man, that little perfume selling Indian girl was a BAF hottie, a definate 'Plus 6' on deployment punani scale and she smelled better than the USAF girls too ROFLMMFAO!(hint, she loves citrine and white gold
grin.gif
)

I spent the entire year hanging out with some of the KBR and AECOM guys getting the entire downlow on how their contracts worked while I was there deployed for OEF VII with 10th MN. I spoke and searched several locals and other folks on their way back into the post as well as spending time outside the wire doing other stuff. To say we burned several boxes of cigars on this subject would be an understatement. Between DYnCOrps, AECOM, KBR, and a few others, we had a small group of guys that burned lots of tobacco speaking on the ins and outs of contract work. Myself and a few other joes had lots to ask, and these guys had lots to offer on insight as well as basic down and dirty ways it all worked.
These gents were pretty high up on teh food chain there too, and two of them ran the contracting company they were there for and had a SUH WEET Ford Expedition.
On the tax thing, yes the first 90k is tax free, BUT you have to spend the entire year OUT of the US. This means you will LOSE that tax free status should you come home on vacation as a civilian contractor(unless you got that majik DOD ID card)
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

So Switch, regarding the DOD card, say a national guard soldier was to take a year off, go Inactive Ready Reserves, and go over as a contractor, would they be able to come home for vacation without having to worry about that pesky tax issue?

Me personally, I'm actually thinking long and hard about applying for an embassy security position there in Kabul.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

All good things to know. Thank you all for the posts and PM's, keep 'em comming. I think the clearance will be useful in the future with what I would like to do in the long run, so I am looking hard at this one because I think it's a good way to get in the door.

So by spending the whole year out of the US, you mean I could take my vacations to somewhere else though, right? I'd love to see Japan.

Also, on the subject of phones... what about those satellite phones you can buy? They any good or worth the cost? I don't have a wife or kids to be calling all the time, but I would like to call my parents & brother occasionally.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rero360</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So Switch, regarding the DOD card, say a national guard soldier was to take a year off, go Inactive Ready Reserves, and go over as a contractor, would they be able to come home for vacation without having to worry about that pesky tax issue?

Me personally, I'm actually thinking long and hard about applying for an embassy security position there in Kabul.</div></div>

No, there is no way for a person working overseas as a civilian to avoid the taxes unless you are out of the states for 330 days or more in a 12 month period.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

IRR means they can activate you any time. The coveted DOD ID card is for dept of state, civ contract by USA for any dept, and so many other US contracts, but only those paid in the WG/GS/GA et al levels.
Outside of US soil means outside. JApan is cool, check out the underground near and in Osaka because it is way cool. If you really want to see cool, go to the museums there. We already know you will find the redlight districts on your own so we won't tell you about those
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

You'll probably have internet, so you can call back to the states for 2 cents a minute on yahoo voice. And for $2.99 a month you can get a voice in number people can call to reach you. With that incoming calls are free. I only spend about $10-15 on phone in a 90 day rotation.

With the tax exclusion you just have to be out of the US for the 330. You don't have to be here though. So it would be a good time to go see Japan.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IRR means they can activate you any time. The coveted DOD ID card is for dept of state, civ contract by USA for any dept, and so many other US contracts, but only those paid in the WG/GS/GA et al levels. </div></div>

I'd sure like to find that in writing... I've been on a DoS contract for the last 3 years with a DoD ID, and I still pay 25K a year in taxes.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

I don't mind paying tax, I just wanted to know what the company was talking about when they said it was exempt from witholding. I'd pay taxes if I stayed here anyway.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I spent the entire year hanging out with some of the KBR and AECOM guys getting the entire downlow on how their contracts worked while I was there deployed for OEF VII with 10th MN. I spoke and searched several locals and other folks on their way back into the post as well as spending time outside the wire doing other stuff. To say we burned several boxes of cigars on this subject would be an understatement. Between DYnCOrps, AECOM, KBR, and a few others, we had a small group of guys that burned lots of tobacco speaking on the ins and outs of contract work. Myself and a few other joes had lots to ask, and these guys had lots to offer on insight as well as basic down and dirty ways it all worked.
These gents were pretty high up on teh food chain there too, and two of them ran the contracting company they were there for and had a SUH WEET Ford Expedition.
On the tax thing, yes the first 90k is tax free, BUT you have to spend the entire year OUT of the US. This means you will LOSE that tax free status should you come home on vacation as a civilian contractor(unless you got that majik DOD ID card) </div></div>

You still don't know what you are talking about. The supposed magic ID card you are talking about doesn't have shit to do with your taxes and as has been all ready discussed on here before the first $91400k is tax free if you stay out of the US for 330 days or declare residency in Iraq. I forgot to mention it before as it was early in my day and I was tired. Either you didn't pay attention to what those guys were talking about or they didn't know what they are talking about. If you think you are right go look it up on the IRS website. It is all there for people to look, although the IRS doesn't really have a clue about it.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IRR means they can activate you any time. The coveted DOD ID card is for dept of state, civ contract by USA for any dept, and so many other US contracts, but only those paid in the WG/GS/GA et al levels. </div></div>

I'd sure like to find that in writing... I've been on a DoS contract for the last 3 years with a DoD ID, and I still pay 25K a year in taxes. </div></div>

You need to find a better accountant.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bcw1284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't mind paying tax, I just wanted to know what the company was talking about when they said it was exempt from witholding. I'd pay taxes if I stayed here anyway. </div></div>

Does that company consider themselves a US company or do they have offices in Dubai or somewhere else so that they don't consider themselves as a US company. That can make a big difference in reporting your taxes. If they are headquatered in Dubai and they consider themselves an International Company then they don't report any of you income to the US and you are responsible for reporting your income.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

I don't know where all they have offices, they operate all over doing alot of engineering and environmental quality/reclaimation projects. Another good thing to find out. thanks!

I'm not complaining about the info, but lets not turn this into an IRS thread, lol. What else should I know before jumping on this?

T.I.A.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jong</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IRR means they can activate you any time. The coveted DOD ID card is for dept of state, civ contract by USA for any dept, and so many other US contracts, but only those paid in the WG/GS/GA et al levels. </div></div>

I'd sure like to find that in writing... I've been on a DoS contract for the last 3 years with a DoD ID, and I still pay 25K a year in taxes. </div></div>

You need to find a better accountant.</div></div>

I'm sure I could find an accountant that could reduce my tax bill, but that wouldn't make it leagal. I know right now I'm solid if I get audited. I know plenty of guys that live on a wing and a prayer to save a few $k. If they dont get audited, good for them, if they do, it's their own fault. I take every legal deduction I can, and pay what I owe after that. When its all said and done I still pay less that 20% to taxes which is pretty good considering I'm in the 33% bracket.

Of course if you have a suggestion for a good contractor accountant, I'd be happy to hear it...

Not meaning for this to go away from your original post bcw, just know taxes are a huge part of any high paying job. And the fact you are overseas doesnt reduce your responsibility. I know back when contracting took off big in 04, people were getting away with hardly paying anything. It just isn't as easy anymore. There is no sense going getting back home to certified letters saying your wages are going to be garnished...
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> With the tax exclusion you just have to be out of the US for the 330.</div></div>

Used to be able to fly to Mexico or Canada and have the family come across, to meet 330, has that been removed?
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> With the tax exclusion you just have to be out of the US for the 330.</div></div>

Used to be able to fly to Mexico or Canada and have the family come across, to meet 330, has that been removed?</div></div>

Now that passports are required for the US borders, you'll have stamps showing your entry back into the states. That's the first place they'll look in an audit.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> With the tax exclusion you just have to be out of the US for the 330.</div></div>

Used to be able to fly to Mexico or Canada and have the family come across, to meet 330, has that been removed?</div></div>

Now that passports are required for the US borders, you'll have stamps showing your entry back into the states. That's the first place they'll look in an audit. </div></div>
I understand the coming back into the US via Mex or Can, but what I was asking was, back when, you could have your family come to Mex or Can to spend time with you and not cross the border. Best of both worlds as the tax saving out did the vacation money spent crossing. The Employer normally funded R/T air fair to where ever you wanted to R&R, depending your contract an work load.

Lots of nices places in Canada, Mexico back then (late 60's to late 80's)was great as well.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> With the tax exclusion you just have to be out of the US for the 330.</div></div>

Used to be able to fly to Mexico or Canada and have the family come across, to meet 330, has that been removed?</div></div>

Now that passports are required for the US borders, you'll have stamps showing your entry back into the states. That's the first place they'll look in an audit. </div></div>
I understand the coming back into the US via Mex or Can, but what I was asking was, back when, you could have your family come to Mex or Can to spend time with you and not cross the border. Best of both worlds as the tax saving out did the vacation money spent crossing. The Employer normally funded R/T air fair to where ever you wanted to R&R, depending your contract an work load.

Lots of nices places in Canada, Mexico back then (late 60's to late 80's)was great as well.</div></div>

Oh, I misread that, sorry. Yeah, you could do that to get the exclusion. It would all depend on the company's travel policy. Unfortunately my company will only fly me to and from my home of record which is stupid.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: panchop49</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It would all depend on the company's travel policy. Unfortunately my company will only fly me to and from my home of record which is stupid. </div></div>

I understand that, as todays Companys are in the drivers seat during bad times. When good times return(if ever) it will revert again.
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

Jong, did I confuse when I stated OEF VII? My information was dated to 2006 - 2007, over three years old. Many things have changed within the way IRS does business so if you have issue a correction is solid but as to any inferred bs, I still have some sand from there that I could offer you to submit to an ever so slight pounding...


Back to Topic:
ANy contracting job will offer a lot of fun, and several times of extreme boredom. It is what it is. If you have the ability to go do it, have at it, just make sure you have the up to date information you need so you don't get hosed. Shoot, I have a DynCorps office nearby I need to check out. I got some decent skill sets that may be sellable to a contracting company for a year or so, besides if I need to come home for a break np, I'll meet Panty 6 and the kids in Hawaii and be done with it
 
Re: need advice/info on Afghanistan

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Joey762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The job is unbelievably tedious and menial. But if you're into that go for it. The workers are the laziest I've ever met, (i will never call them 'local nationals' thats retarded PC crap. They're just workers), they will avoid work as much as possible, cutting every possible corner, which if you arn't watching them could bite you ass. Never trust em either, there will always be a bad seed in the group looking to make extra money by selling intel or things, and they'll steal from you, and they stink.

But other than that, its an awesome pay check, Bagram is a pretty awesome air field, its huge! Air Force and Navy girls all over the place. I went through there coming into country and for my R+R both tours, and everytime it was a much needed break from living on rocks under a poncho, and I could actually get a shower without using water bottles at the COP. Super-super gay at times! Going from an infantry world at a COP though to the huge Air Field of Bagram you'll see why.

I'd do it if you can stand working with 'those' people (wont be TOO offensive here)

some people will hate it, but all in all its pretty easy money, just gotta keep an eye on them to make sure they dont do anything they're not supposed to. If you're in Bagram or Kandahar there will be a ton of Foreign soldiers there, so knowing other languages helps. I got to score some wine from the French soldiers and made quite a few friends! Tried to hook up with a gorgeous French Air Force girl too but my bird of course had to come 2 hrs after meeting her. Great place. Ask around to the foreign soldiers or the other civs for the "taliban tavern" (at bagram)American soldiers won't know about it.

Pay should be tax free for any overseas duty paid by the DoD for at least 6 consecutive months. (not a year as others will tell you, got this word just now from a friend who has done 2 yrs contracting work overseas in order to get a proper answer)

If anything else you'll make more contracting connections and get an even cushier, more $ job overseas too.

</div></div>

Good to know, thanks. And, since I do speak French...
 
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