Video by War Dog Byron Blake
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Wild Wild East..... War Dogging....
My former employer, rock on.
https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-company-turned-blind-eye-to-wild-behavior-on-iraq-base-1.466471#.WQoIOfl9600
https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-company-turned-blind-eye-to-wild-behavior-on-iraq-base-1.466471#.WQoIOfl9600
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Salaries
We have seen recent salary/contract prices in the region. In the Mideast region (Kuwait, Qatar) we see pricing in the US$110K range (excluding R&R payments and bonuses) for fire technicians.
In the Africa region prices are slightly lower (US$95K-$97K).
It doesn't seem to matter if you live off on on base. In most cases it isn't the employee's option (you don't get to decide). It very much is dependent on what your employer has agreed to, the amount of on base housing and security issues.
Some technicians prefer on-base and some don't. Since the decision isn't yours I wouldn't worry about it.
- There are a few things we don't know.
-We don't know the number of employment contracts that are actually completed [that is the number of employees who actually finish a full year]. I speculate that the number is quite low.
-We don't know the number of employees who get pro-rated bonuses if they leave their contracts early. I know it happens from time to time; it happened to me.
- We don't know how many offers these employers make and how many get accepted.
Consider contributing to our knowledge pool.
Byron
Block 1, Fintas District Kuwait City
Task Force 5, Fire Alarm Services Lead
What's It Like In Kuwait?
On this contract we live off base. We drive ourselves back and forth to work. In my case I drive a 4 door automatic Corolla. In the mornings it can be fun (0440 AM), in the evenings, not so much. Local traffic conditions are not like the US of A. They drive like lunatics, so you get to become one.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
NFPA, Performance Work Statement, AHJ
As a technician working on a military fire protection contract there are a few things you should understand.
1. NFPA is not the standard. Unified Facility Criteria (03-601-02) is the standard. NFPA is only used as reference guides.
2. Your work is set by a contract and that contract is often called the Performance Work Statement (PWS). It often contains glaring errors (typographical errors, errors of omission and commission). These documents are not written by fire protection personnel. They are of poor quality. Ask about your PWS, ask specific questions, before you arrive on site. You will be surprised by what your contractor/employee thinks you should or can do and what they have promised the government they will do.
3. Ask who your AHJ is. This is sometimes a mystery. Sometimes no one is your AHJ, and sometimes the person you least expect is your AHJ, sometimes you'll be your own AHJ. Talk about a conflict of interest, there are many.
BB
AJAB 30.04/17
1. NFPA is not the standard. Unified Facility Criteria (03-601-02) is the standard. NFPA is only used as reference guides.
2. Your work is set by a contract and that contract is often called the Performance Work Statement (PWS). It often contains glaring errors (typographical errors, errors of omission and commission). These documents are not written by fire protection personnel. They are of poor quality. Ask about your PWS, ask specific questions, before you arrive on site. You will be surprised by what your contractor/employee thinks you should or can do and what they have promised the government they will do.
3. Ask who your AHJ is. This is sometimes a mystery. Sometimes no one is your AHJ, and sometimes the person you least expect is your AHJ, sometimes you'll be your own AHJ. Talk about a conflict of interest, there are many.
BB
AJAB 30.04/17
Friday, April 28, 2017
Kuwait - Ahmed Al Jaber AB Openings
Openings for fire alarm inspectors and installers also exist at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base with PAE. I know this facility and contract well, I'm able to conduct an in-depth briefing on what to and what not to expect. Contact me directly at bfblake@hotmail.com.
I will be departing the installation on the morning of 18 May 2017 and returning to CONUS (Continental United States) via Frankfurt (Lufthansa). I expect to be in the Orlando (FL) area through at least 22 May 2017.
Openings for Ahmed Al Jaber (Al Jaber or less frequently The Jab) are through PAE and possibly through their sub (sub contractor) Louis Berger.
BB
War Dog Fire Protection
I will be departing the installation on the morning of 18 May 2017 and returning to CONUS (Continental United States) via Frankfurt (Lufthansa). I expect to be in the Orlando (FL) area through at least 22 May 2017.
Openings for Ahmed Al Jaber (Al Jaber or less frequently The Jab) are through PAE and possibly through their sub (sub contractor) Louis Berger.
BB
War Dog Fire Protection
Kuwait Openings
Here's correspondence regarding an opening at Arifjan, Kuwait (Army). As I have not been there before nor worked for this employer I cannot add any additional information other than guidance:
Hi Byron,
I am not at liberty to discuss pay, that would be between you and the recruiter. However, if you can tell me what amount you are looking for, I can say Yes or No or Almost…..if that helps
Rhonda
v/r,
Rhonda Matthews
Fire Alarm Technician Supervisor
Fire & Emergency Services
It is easier to prevent an incident than fix the consequences!
Fire & Emergency Services
Camp Arifjan, APO AE 09366
Kuwait
Cell: +965.6930.5947
VOIP: +965.2208.3634
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