Medic / AEMT: Iraq or Afghanistan?

[airbornenurse]

Greetings gentlemen,

I am getting ready to go back to work overseas as a medic. I have offers for Iraq and Afghanistan. Been 10 years since I was in Iraq and never been to the 'ghan. What are the conditions like and which is the better fit long term?

Thanks,
Doc J

[O_Pos]

Originally Posted by airbornenurse

long term

Yikes. You'll get a ton of mixed advice if that is your real goal.

That aside, the answer to your question is so heavily dependent upon what the actual job is, who the client is, and where exactly you would be located in-country.

It would be naive of me to provide generic input without knowing the above; although the weather is great in both this time of year, and the social scene is just picking up - especially in northern Iraq and southern Afghanistan

[airbornenurse]

Looking at SOC, TC, AEGIS or Academi. Contracts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Just trying to narrow down the field. I have heard the things are scaling down in Iraq and up in 'ghan. Not sure if this is true. I am hearing good and bad for both areas, so I am guessing is really doesn't matter much. Horse apiece. I am looking long term.

[Jong]

IMHO, Kabul is a nasty place. I left that place hoping to never return because the air pollution is extremely bad during the winter. Kabul sits in a valley at approximately 6000ft and the locals burn whatever they can get a hold of to keep warm.

[O_Pos]

Guessing you are talking about WPS? No way you've been fully processed by all 4 companies. Are they just offering to run your Bio? Or do you actually have a hard offer from one (class/deployment dates)? Looking at static or mobile slot? Have they told you what embassy/consulate? All of these things matter in order for you to get best advice/input from the members.

[O_Pos]

Originally Posted by Jong

IMHO, Kabul is a nasty place. I left that place hoping to never return because the air pollution is extremely bad during the winter. Kabul sits in a valley at approximately 6000ft and the locals burn whatever they can get a hold of to keep warm.

Good ole' black buggers all day e'ry day. Hahaha.

Not to mention air fecal count is one of world's highest, if not THE highest (ok, ok, this was pretty much debunked and based on speculation... BUT, air quality is proven one of worst in world).

[airbornenurse]

I have not been processed by all 4 companies. Just been corresponding with the recruiters and providing all my credentials. There are opportunities in both countries, just trying to get a feel for working/living conditions in both. Sounds like Baghdad, Erbil and Kabul are the locations. Jobs very from QRF, to mobile teams, to static duties.

[Jong]

I have been to all 3. Erbil is the best one by far!

[O_Pos]

Almost any contractor will say this same thing:

Take the first one that will get you on the ground and paid.

That aside, I prefer Afghanistan over Iraq. But then there are plenty of guys who prefer the opposite.

If you choose Kabul mobile, hopefully the old BW/Xe dining facility isn't still trying to kill everyone with dysentery. Nice gym though.

[10thvet]

Originally Posted by O_Pos

Almost any contractor will say this same thing:

Take the first one that will get you on the ground and paid.

That aside, I prefer Afghanistan over Iraq. But then there are plenty of guys who prefer the opposite..

Yep...all day long and three times on Sunday. I also prefer Afghanistan over Iraq. FYI, 3 years in Bdad, 7 months in Kabul and about more 18 months FOB hopping in Afghanistan. Never been to Erbil

[CAVmedic]

I'm hoping to get on in Kabul after I finish college this May. Bio has been approved no training date yet. Do they have BJJ etc in Kabul?

[MedicFL]

Originally Posted by O_Pos

Almost any contractor will say this same thing:

Take the first one that will get you on the ground and paid.

That aside, I prefer Afghanistan over Iraq. But then there are plenty of guys who prefer the opposite.

If you choose Kabul mobile, hopefully the old BW/Xe dining facility isn't still trying to kill everyone with dysentery. Nice gym though.

Its a totally new DFAC and the food isnt half bad actually anymore..

[O_Pos]

Originally Posted by MedicFL

Its a totally new DFAC and the food isnt half bad actually anymore..

Good to know! Hahaha.

[20boatguy22]

Erbil is set up real nice, newly built gym and pretty decent DFAC (haven't been anywhere else to compare). All wet pods now, single occupancy rooms.

[Jong]

Where is the consulate now?

[airbornenurse]

If what I have read is true. The consulate is in Erbil and the US has committed to spending $60mil to build an entirely new consulate and compound.

[usn_medic]

I got out of the navy in 2015, I just graduated paramedic in Orlando. been looking into overseas contracting. how do i go through WPS/PSS training. 6years active/2 years reserve. any guidance would be helpful.

[The Fat Guy]

Originally Posted by usn_medic

I got out of the navy in 2015, I just graduated paramedic in Orlando. been looking into overseas contracting. how do i go through WPS/PSS training. 6years active/2 years reserve. any guidance would be helpful.

You start by following instructions and posting your introduction as per your welcome email.

Welcome to SOCNET.

[Jong]

Originally Posted by airbornenurse

If what I have read is true. The consulate is in Erbil and the US has committed to spending $60mil to build an entirely new consulate and compound.

Yes it is. I was there for 4.5 yrs. Just wondering if they moved it yet.

[O_Pos]

Originally Posted by usn_medic

I got out of the navy in 2015, I just graduated paramedic in Orlando. been looking into overseas contracting. how do i go through WPS/PSS training. 6years active/2 years reserve. any guidance would be helpful.

Originally Posted by The Fat Guy

You start by following instructions and posting your introduction as per your welcome email.

Welcome to SOCNET.

Follow-on suggestion is that the way you present yourself goes a long way to guys being interested in helping you out (especially considering that leadership from most all of the companies are members here).

Let's just say that the style and lack of capitalization, etc. in your post isn't incredibly motivating.