• Where can I find a contractor job?
• What is the general Pre-employment process?
• Do I need a passport?
• Can civilians carry weapons?
• What is "Baghdad Boil" & how can you prevent it?
• How can I prevent insect transmitted diseases?
• How can I recognize and prevent heat stress?

You can look at the company websites that I have collected, and run a search on the internet. You might also try these internet web sites:

• http://iraq.jobs.monster.com/
• http://www.thingamajob.com/

The person hiring you will have details specific to your situation; however, in general, it will go something like this:

• FAX, email or send in a resume in response to a job ad
• Fill out and sign an authorization for a credit check and/or background check
• If you are prior military, send copies of any forms DD 214's, certificates of merrit, diplomas for relevant military courses completed, and similar stuff
• Send in copy of State Driver's license and copy of your Passport; some places also want a copy of your social security card
• Fill out a bunch more paperwork, including things like
  • Agreement to not hold employer responsible if you get kidnapped or killed
  • Papers that describes the working conditions
  • Papers that describe your pay and benefits
• Take a pre-employment drug screening test
• Take a pre-employment physical
• Receive a plane ticket to a "civilian training center"
• Spend one or more weeks at the "civilian training center" and then ship directly to your base (you may not know where you are going until you get there - and - you may or may not be allowed to tell anyone where you are going.)

In most cases, probably Yes. If you don't already have one, you should apply for one as soon as possible as it may take 4 or more weeks to arrive. For more information on passports, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Can civilians carry weapons?

Generally speaking, unless you are being hired as a security person, No.

What is "Baghdad Boil" & how can you prevent it?

These open sores are caused by a parasite transmitted by sand fly bites. Presumably, if you can prevent the sand fly bites, you will be able to avoid coming in contact with the parasite. The use of insecticides around your living/work areas and using insect repellant may help. Read more at http://edition.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/04/18/baghdad.boil.ap/ and at http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/infectious/leishmaniasis.html .

How can I prevent insect transmitted diseases?

Check out this site: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/illness/insect_and_tick.html . Note: to exclude sand flies, the insect netting needs to be finer than traditional mosquito netting as sand flies are smaller.

How can I recognize and prevent heat stress?

Heat can expose you to not only the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but can also increase the risk of accidents. This is especially so if you are performing a job that is already hazardous to begin with. To learn more about how to stay safe when it's hot, check out these sites: http://www.ergonext.com/aa-articles/prog-heat-stress.htm and (in pdf format) http://www.cpwr.com/hazpdfs/hazheat03.pdf.