Truth About Overseas Contracting - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
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5 жыл бұрынSupport this channel: / falloffthemap
The truth about overseas contracting? Most of us are in it for the money, though travel, adventure, and serving something bigger than ourselves are important as well. I mean, where else can you get paid to travel and fly in a helicopter to work? In this video we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of working as an overseas contractor. We talk about the boredom, the bad food, the racism and prejudice, and of course missing family and the dangers.
Listen to the perspective of three experienced overseas contractors working in Bagram Afghanistan. Is this life for you? The money is great but it's not an easy lifestyle. If you'd like to learn more please subscribe and check out my other videos detailing how to get a job overseas and about life in places like Antarctica, Afghanistan, the Marshall Islands and more.
This video was filmed with an iPhone Xs in Bargram Afghanistan. What we discussed here could just as easily apply to Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, or military bases in Korea, Japan, Europe, or just about anywhere.
You can connect with me at / falloffthemap
LOGCAP, DOD, career, incoming, Afghan, Balkan, Bosnian, Macedonian, Morning Indian, OCN, workers, trafficking, contracting in Afghanistan, contracting in Kuwait overseas job, start contracting, Iran, latest news
@bgjr2304 3 жыл бұрын
As a person of colour considering contracting, I really truly appreciate you addressing the racism you've witnessed on the job. It's unfortunately always an extra factor I have to consider when looking for work.. hard one to escape. Its nice to know there are people like you out there who aren't afraid to step up, or tell it like it is. I appreciate you! Stay safe. Thanks for the great video and information
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for telling me this. Sometimes it’s hard to know if the more important parts of my message make a difference to anyone. There are a lot of good people out there contracting, but it is an environment that makes it difficult for people to talk openly about the problems they see in the industry. There have been a couple articles published recently in the Stars and Stripes discussing workers striking at Bagram because of pay discrepancies based on nationality and race and certain nationalities being held prisoner after their jobs ended with no pay, no way to travel home, and no freedom to use a phone to contact their families or move around base. It’s interesting that of all places, it was the military’s newspaper that broke the stories, so some progress is getting made at least opening up and acknowledging there is a problem.
@happyuk06 3 жыл бұрын
Do it anyway. Contracting can be good - there's none of the corporate political BS, you just go in, do your job and go home. You often find among contractors there is an 'all in it together' camaraderie that you never get with 'normal' employees.
@Tesla_ofthe_Skies 3 жыл бұрын
Stars and Stripes allowed that news to break bc it keeps guys especially veteran well trained soldiers from leaving the military and re-uping/extending their contract instead of leaving for the $$$
@seanhazelwood3311 5 жыл бұрын
If it wasn't dangerous and if the environment didn't suck, it wouldn't pay as high as it does.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
This is true.
@independentcontractor1633 4 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap Aviation?
@NAWFSIDE_SLIM 4 жыл бұрын
All of these Ifs... I’ve been overseas twice and didn’t get shot at until i got back home . It’s different for everyone
@grumpent 4 жыл бұрын
Tyvion Shaw how did you get shot ?
@NAWFSIDE_SLIM 4 жыл бұрын
Young Grump i said shot at . I didn’t get shot but believe it or not man my old friends
@danielpucher3367 5 жыл бұрын
This seems like the closest you can get to experiencing the Wild West in the 21st century.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
In some ways, yes. Though perhaps, working in ocean shipping, dealing with new age pirates, or working as a mercenary/security in the legal gray area that is international waters might be a closer fit.
@samueljosephgarza 3 жыл бұрын
This is how I felt coming back from my deployment in the military. All I had to do over there was literally work and workout. Once I came back I felt overwhelmed by life and the pace of it all. Bills, civilian job, being surrounded by a lot of ppl. It was as hard to adjust back into the American way
@lovingdemon2932 Жыл бұрын
Bullets have the decency to kill you bills only do that if you have a heartu attacku as the italians say
@pssita 5 жыл бұрын
I've been contracting for about 3 months now. And the boredom is ridiculous. Today is my day off and I've walked around the base 2 times and watched about 12 hrs on youtube. For me, boredom is the hardest part.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
WxGuy wow, you get a day off? I’ve had a range of experiences. I’ve worked at places where it was a pretty heavy workload, and I’ve worked at one job where I literally spent 9 months waiting for parts and did no actual work.
@pssita 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap 60 hrs a week. But the pay is amazing! I just watched all of your Marshall Isand had a couple of your Equador vids....
@chad1755 5 жыл бұрын
I would strongly encourage you to spend your time learning something new with your time off. I used to work a remote contracting job (survey pilot) where we were often stuck in the middle of nowhere, and when the weather was bad we had lots of time off. Look at your free time off as a great opportunity, not just empty time to kill on youtube. I spent my free time learning how to code, and have successfully transitioned into an all around better career. You don't have to take it that far, but you never know when having a new skill or extra knowledge can benefit you or advance you higher into your career or even a different, better one.
@_av_3591 5 жыл бұрын
What is your pay/ salary? I’m just looking for a ballpark number
@TheChivasRegal 3 жыл бұрын
@@chad1755 Left a private message for you.
@alexmagana7006 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the very interesting information and especially getting other point of views from other contractors.
@familyfrost1399 3 жыл бұрын
Completely random view purely for interest, cracking insight. Kudos
@j.p9655 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing. Seem like a bunch of great people.
@Shaka-Papa 5 жыл бұрын
Great Video. Keep them coming. Mental health is a big deal as well.
@Carltonancil 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for all the info you provide. Very interesting!
@jwrappuhn71 5 жыл бұрын
Excellent vid bro, I've been seriously thinking about over seas work.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
It’s a good experience. I don’t regret going overseas at all. I’ve been at it since 2010 when the recession caught up to me. It does make it hard to deal with life in the US though. I don’t really fit in back in my hometown anymore.
@givennameidk4515 5 жыл бұрын
Great video as always.
@ridingwiththereids 4 жыл бұрын
I currently work for a contractor in my home town of North Pole, Alaska as a diesel mechanic and have been thinking of trying to get over to Iraq or Afghanistan and work for a while so I can financially get ahead. Being away from my 3 year old daughter is going to be the only thing that will change my mind if I end up doing so. Thanks for the video. You answered some questions I had. But you're an electrician so you can't answer them all
@aphysique 4 жыл бұрын
You seem like a very level headed, insightful no bullshit type of dude, that's just putting out legit Content about PMC subject matter!
@McMurdoStation 5 жыл бұрын
Your use of the phrase "real world" resonates with me. I wintered at McMurdo Cosray long ago and used that phrase so often.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Yeah, it’s something I spend a lot of time thinking about. I’m flying home today from Afghanistan, preparing myself for dealing with all that normal life stuff. Even then, my “real world” is pretty different. I live in Ecuador when I’m not working, so even in my home I’m an outsider, a foreigner.
@goodvives1038 5 жыл бұрын
I understand EXACTLY what you talking about brother.. I love my job
@craighorsburgh8055 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a down to earth and honest video. There are way too many knuckleheads showing off and making out how "deadly" they are and painting a totally false picture... Big thumbs up
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Yeah, I don’t understand that either. I mean, they have to know how quickly they get labeled ass idiots.
@shuppy100 5 жыл бұрын
I fell of the map in October. Doing good . Your video is very helpful. Also baf
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Where did you fall off the map to?
@kylengriffin5285 3 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed all of my time in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan. Afghanistan was awesome, I was mainly at FOB Orgun-E, Sharana, and Bagram.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I heard Oregon-E was rough. I really liked Sharana. Beautiful views up there when the mountains were covered with frost.
@jensalder5224 3 жыл бұрын
Best description.
@renegade7493 5 жыл бұрын
Wish I could go with my skills. Thanks for this vid.
@heavychevy2289 2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad I stumbled across your video I'm looking to this after I retire out the Air force in 4 years. My back ground consist of HVAC/vehicle maintenance and electrical power production. Thank you for the information.
@FallofftheMap 2 жыл бұрын
You skill set will serve you well in the overseas contracting world. Not sure how it will look in 4 years, but right now the contracting jobs are booming in Africa. If you have a clearance you’re golden.
@heavychevy2289 2 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap thank you for the advice stay blessed and safe in your many endeavors.
@rottana 5 жыл бұрын
Great video..
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@Alex-cu8hk 4 жыл бұрын
Man, the only thing stopping me from pursuing this type of work are my two toddlers. Wish I knew what the best thing to do was. Thanks for posting these real experience videos.
@dawidbylka2706 3 жыл бұрын
your kids are going to appreciate you being around more than anything you can buy them.
@teamsix7185 4 жыл бұрын
Good vid
@genearbogast7525 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Man. Great Info.I finally pulled the trigger and applied to PAE for Mcmurdo last night
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome. I’ve head they’ve increased the pay for some professions significant this year.
@timoonitamarooni 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap ooh, nice... I applied to some jobs too, but I'm so nervous because people say it's hard to get a job down there. Was it hard in your experience?
@msalavea 5 жыл бұрын
Mcmurdo?... wow man... waaaay too cold for my taste
@RaspingPompano2 3 жыл бұрын
Please bring these people back onto the. Channel. They were all great to hear their thoughts of being there..
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I would love to, but it’s unlikely. We’re all in different parts of the world now.
@fordhipo1493 3 жыл бұрын
14:11 That was my old ambulance!
@irietropicals4255 5 жыл бұрын
Awesome video man. I been talking to a few guys I work with about stepping into the overseas gig for financial freedom. I’m 30, married, no kids. 7 years of aircraft paint experience, No military. Any advice, references or tips?
@Hero.Lone-Wolf 3 жыл бұрын
@ 5:14 ... it was till here then I realised there was someone sitting behind him at the back seat .. lol !!!
@matthew10alexander 3 жыл бұрын
Love the videos, I’m thinking about contracting after I finish school!
@jtmurdock 5 жыл бұрын
I did my contract in Iraq for a year. The good: The money. The people. The change of scenery and lifestyle. Having a plan and seeing it met. The bad: The racism and sexism. The religious nuts thinking they are in a holy war. The ugly: Having to watch my pay like a hawk because the company tried to screw us at every turn. People addicted to the money. Contracting, overseas or in country isn't for everyone. If you have a spouse, you both have to be on the same page. I saw a lot of guys having to stay out longer because they weren't on the same page as their wives. Have a plan and make sure you both know what the plan is and where you are in the plan.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Absolutely true. I have a feeling that this is going to be one of those videos where the best information is in the comments
@eugenebach5421 5 жыл бұрын
My wife and I want to do this together... she's more qualified than I am lol
@Charles-jh4nt 5 жыл бұрын
Ah don't worry about your wife... Jodi will take good care of her while your away
@pepper5128 5 жыл бұрын
@@eugenebach5421 Please turn in your man card.
@eugenebach5421 5 жыл бұрын
@@pepper5128 I must've done some badass shit for a woman like her to love me, don't you think? Haha
@winterpamphile 4 жыл бұрын
Appreciate your videos, loud and clear how things going on in the real. I'd like to work overseas, I have no military experience, just normal skills, Reserve Police Officer, Forklift driver and more... Would you mind give me some advice please Sir.
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
I never hurts to apply. Overseas work can be boom or bust. If you get a resume submitted and profile set up with the big employers like KBR, when a hiring boom happens they’ll scramble for people regardless of military experience. Right now is not a hiring boom. Things are scaling back under Trump.
@bransonjessel8063 5 жыл бұрын
I’ve noticed you were talking about experience in Antarctica and the Marshall Islands. I’d personally love to go to these more isolated places and live/work here. I’ve got military experience, and I know I can deal with being away from the real world for periods of time. I just don’t know where to sign up at.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Awesome. I’m actually working at Summit Station Greenland right now. It’s about as remote as it gets. Most of the Kwajalein jobs are with Dyncorp. Antarctica operations and maintenance are PAE, the big project rebuilding McMurdo Station, Antarctica is Parsons, and Greenland is Polar Field Services. There are many other smaller contractors in these locations as well. Where to look is dependent on exactly what your profession is. I’ve got a video about finding work in Antarctica but it’s a little outdated: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o99nda1qmLPIeZ8.html
@william731 5 жыл бұрын
What company would you recommend for an industrial electrician of 20 years experience who wants to travel to tropical locations such as the marshal islands? I’ve worked in st. Croix USVI before, but otherwise all US work. What certs would you recommend for the best chance of success?
@michaelexman5474 4 жыл бұрын
ive flown on that exact chopper when i was in AFG
@Martin-Young 4 жыл бұрын
Michael, same here! Good old orange & white!!!
@douglaswages702 3 жыл бұрын
It’s eye opening to see that the U.S. is one of the most least racist countries in the world compared to 99% of the world. Wish more people could travel abroad and see just how good we really have it
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Many places are more openly racist, but the US tends to be more serious, more... genocidal in how it’s racism is expressed.
@thecasualcitizen492 4 жыл бұрын
Sounded like a fighter jet take off. Maybe at Kandahar. I was there for a year. visited a half dozen FOBs during that time in 2008 - 2009. Food could be steak and lobster on the high end and beans and Afghan bread at the low end at some remote locations.
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Bagram
@caseynorton2625 4 жыл бұрын
Great videos, I would like to ask you some questions regarding your time at Kwaj Atoll
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Ask away, I’ll answer as best I can.
@gasaxe6056 5 жыл бұрын
Well done. Straight up information. I might take a middle east contract that's why I'm watching.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you found it useful. I’m contracting at the other end of the world now. Sitting on top a a glacier in the middle of Greenland. Sadly, I can’t upload videos from here so they’ll have to wait till I leave the ice at the end of summer.
@gasaxe6056 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap I did find it helpful and thanks for the honest outlook. I was offered a position in Iraq doing heavy lift and rigging so found your view. Think I will stick to Latin America. Less money but we don't crap in a hole in the floor 😂
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
I would love to work in Latin America. As an electrician it’s really hard to find decent work down there.
@christyassid8871 5 жыл бұрын
Interesting.
@8.21productions9 3 жыл бұрын
is there a place for concrete workers out there? I can do basically anything when it comes to concrete. from setting it all up to finishing it, etc.
@veni3vidi3vici3 5 жыл бұрын
@fallofthemap What are some good IT contracting companies ? With good benefits ? I have 2 years of experience but I’m barely getting my secret CL...
@nicklatino7157 5 жыл бұрын
So, I recall from another video that you said engineers can get a job basically anywhere. I was wondering, would someone with an MBA be able to do the same?
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
No. Not that you couldn’t find work overseas, but it would be more challenging. There’s simply more global demand for engineers. That said, for anyone with a Batchelor’s degree that is a “native English speaker,” can find work as an English teacher in S Korea. It can be a fun gig, but you won’t make as much as tradesmen working in war zones or the oil industry.
@superdon1chw 5 жыл бұрын
this life for me
@8427175 4 жыл бұрын
Met the Jamaican guy in Fenty a few years ago, really nice guy!!👌
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, he’s good people. I hope I run into Colin again sometime.
@franciscoburgos787 5 жыл бұрын
The money is the only good thing about contracting. But not all companies pay the same. Not all companies offer the same benefits. R&R is also important. I would say ir ur already in a location like where I’m from, Southern California, and the work is already good, it’s not worth it. The money isn’t much more than what you can already make being a hustler. If you live in a place where work is scarce, might be worth your while if your willing to accept the bad and the ugly. Fluor seems to pay the better salaries, but they have dropped a bit from years prior.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Pretty accurate assessment. It's the tax free status and the paid living expenses that tip the scales for me. I can make more if I work in Seattle, but I keep far less.
@abcantiques777 3 жыл бұрын
What an EXCELLENT video...explains everything! Yes, you do get addicted to the lifestyle. I was in Kabul for 4 years. It changes you in a way that is very difficult to describe. Dangerous but it's Prison with a paycheck.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
“Prison with a paycheck” is a pretty accurate assessment of how it feels, isn’t it?
@geechyguy3441 3 жыл бұрын
So just a question what is the job title for the contractors who are there to provide “security” essentially stand around with guns and protect military bases. Or maybe even go on patrol like grunt units? Currently working a security job in the military and I’m wondering
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Some are “escorts.” Others, I assume are just called guards. I have never heard of them patrolling with the military. Escorts typically just babysit a group of local national civilians while they work on base. Jobs in guard towers or outside DFACs are now mostly taken by low paid Ugandans. I’m sure there are many other niche security jobs out there that I don’t know about because they’re things that aren’t talked about.
@geechyguy3441 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap Ok, because plenty of combat footage I've seen from Afghan has contractors out patrolling with regular troops. Im guessing they sometimes do other things that aren't on the "job title"
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
There are contractors and then there are operators. As an electrician, that’s a bit outside of my relatively sheltered world.
@post3144 3 жыл бұрын
WooHoo FOB Shank!! miss it
@victorbuciomylife1096 3 жыл бұрын
Would I be able to do contracting if I'm in the army national guard? Or do I have to wait tell my army contract is over?
@danm.bagley5030 3 жыл бұрын
I worked in Roi for a couple of years. Very lonely.
@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078 4 жыл бұрын
True story and I can tell you after doing it for years it changes you big time. I use to be a people person and after just working for years and going back to my rent alone it changed me.
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Expat Explorer yeah, I don’t think any of us are quite the same after a few years of this type of work. Though, I don’t personally feel like all the ways it changed me were negative. I’m definitely more confident in tense situation. Nothing much phases me now.
@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078 4 жыл бұрын
Fall off the Map Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t change my time over there for anything it was well worth it. Some memories and friends I’ll never forget.
@traditionaltools5080 3 жыл бұрын
I've always thought about working over seas. Specifically the middle east. I almost had a job with Fluor as an electrician at Bagram. But the jobs seem to be tough to find. Especially for Canadians. It seems the same or better that oil camps.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I only worked with one Canadian out there, also an electrician. He hated it and pretty quickly went back to Canada. There were some stupid rules that made life harder for anyone that wasn’t an American, like he couldn’t have a phone or computer. It was mostly because Fluor didn’t want to pay to get non-Americans those privileges. Long time ago I really wanted to go up to the oil camps in Alberta, but the visa process was a big deterrent. It’s weird that it’s easy for Canadians to come work in the US but hard for Americans to work in Canada.
@scottashe984 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap Try going to Canada with Dui from 20 years ago. But if you kill someone while DUI in Canada you'll get a slap in the wrist. Politics as usual.
@RegularGuy76 3 жыл бұрын
Going to Afghanistan is super adventurous.........
@alvinoallen245 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the videos! They're very informative. I'm a chemist and I've been applying for Laboratory Technician jobs at Fluor, Dyncorp, and Halliburton to with no luck so far. Do you recommend any other companies that are seeking lab techs?
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
It’s a little out of my realm of expertise. Maybe PAE in Antarctica, maybe. I’ve found a lot of persistence and patience is necessary when applying for overseas jobs. My first time with Fluor it took 9 months to get hired.
@varunishere 4 жыл бұрын
Wow!
@msalavea 5 жыл бұрын
That looked like right out the front of Kandahar ...
@KingHondro Жыл бұрын
What do I have to do. This is what I’ve been looking for.
@FallofftheMap Жыл бұрын
Depends on your experience and skills. If you’re a licensed electrician, plumber, firefighter, EMT, or nurse it’s relatively easy. Otherwise, there’s the security avenue and various types of contractors for 3 letter agencies. That sort of contacting is out of my lane.
@nonenone4885 4 жыл бұрын
Im going to the army and looking into contracting should I go for army rangers would that help me get a better higher paying job? Or what MOS is best for this?
@livingreverence8739 3 жыл бұрын
What are the requirements...ive worked security for a year....
@pisom4314 5 жыл бұрын
I am a plumber/HVAC tech, does your company have any openings? I have been thinking bout doing this for a few years now.. thanks for the video it made me start thinking bout this again
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
There are usually a few openings. I don’t work for Fluor anymore. I’m between contracts and about to deploy to Greenland to work at a research station. My advice is to look through the job listings at Fluor, Dyncorp, KBR, and PAE, create a candidate profile on each company’s website, and then just mass apply. Think of it like deep sea fishing, you know, where you put as many lines in the water as you can handle knowing that eventually you’ll get a bite on one of them.
@lawrencethompson3239 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap That's how I got into the Oilfield with Schlumberger. I'd love to work overseas. Great channel man. Stay safe.
@Stellar001100 5 жыл бұрын
Hearing a lot of security aspects of contracting, are there other positions that require more technical skills such as radio or IT work?
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, tons of tech jobs. The majority of work is not security. It’s infrastructure support.
@efrencrux99 4 жыл бұрын
Check out constellis careers. There are tons of IT related jobs posted in that company
@Bonecrusher-ht1mh 3 жыл бұрын
Good and informative video. I think transferring back to "normal", it relates to a lot of jobs. I know some guys who works on a mega carrier. When he met a woman he decided to stay on dry land for the sake of the relationship. But it didn't work out. He's gone again and happy. As for me and some of my friends who are in the trucking industry it's the same thing. Trucking is a lifestyle. Once you get in the cab it's very difficult to get out of it again. Some tried and now they regret that decision. If you have seen a lot of things and your mind adjusts to that "drug" it's very hard to stop because you get bored very quickly in a so called "normal" job. Sorry for my English. I'm from Germany.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I hear that. I’m about to head back into it for my 4th deployment. This time in Africa.
@Bonecrusher-ht1mh 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap. One more thing to add about the content you mentioned: Yes those jobs are dangerous. BUT isn't life about getting as much experience and impressions as possible. I'm not that type of person who takes pride in filling out Excel sheets. A friend of mine said it like that: whenever I have to leave this planet I can be sure that I lived life to the fullest. In the end you're alone on that journey. It took a while to let it sink in. But hell yeah. That's very true what he was talking about. Enjoy Africa. Stay safe.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Bonecrusher 1983 I couldn’t have put it better.
@ajb5076 5 жыл бұрын
Hello sir thanks for this video if I want to get a job challenging work with us army in Afghanistan, can you help me?
@michaelgonzales9490 4 жыл бұрын
Where can I get more information about applying for a contracting company overseas. I have 5 years of the civil side of construction and general labor, I’m also in local union.
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Michael Gonzales How to Get a Job Overseas - From Afghanistan to Antarctica, and Beyond kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hqeDlqte19fdfJs.html
@PatRKiloCharlie 5 жыл бұрын
Amazing video. Would love to interview you.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I’d be happy to do an interview but it would probably need to be done from a distance since I’m in Quito, Ecuador for the foreseeable future. I’m taking some time off work to hang out with my family in my expat home base.
@PatRKiloCharlie 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap That'd be dope man. I sent your FB page a message lets hook up in the next couple months.
@alvsaldanha2002 3 жыл бұрын
Hey man, enjoy your videos. I was wondering what job boards you use? I currently contract in IT in Europe.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I usually use indeed and Glassdoor though the last couple years it’s been more referrals through friends from previous contracts.
@alvsaldanha2002 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap Tbh the stuff I have found has been through referrals too. Struggled to find any Afghan jobs on Indeed, seems like you can't select Afghanistan as a location in Indeed.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Leave the location field blank. If you’re on the US version of the site it will search all jobs posted in the US. Put Afghanistan in the description field with your desired trade. For example, I just ran a search on indeed for “electrician Afghanistan” and got 5 job postings, but all of them are more than 30 days old, because right now bases are closing and everyone’s getting hungry.
@bannyb41 4 жыл бұрын
Do you only see your family 30 days out of the year? If so that would suck! Thanks for the post.
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
On the last contract I worked I got to see them 18 days every 120 days. Yeah, it’s tough.
@michaelmartin8151 5 жыл бұрын
What type of money would an automotive painter make out there? I have currently been painting for 8 years and have certification from a technical college
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
That's a good question, and I'm not entirely sure there is much if any demand for automotive painters from the US or EU. Many jobs are shifting to low paid labor from India, Africa, etc... If you were to find a position, as a US citizen, I'm guessing it would pay between 60k and 100K (tax free with housing and food covered), but I'm not an expert in the pay scale outside of the electrical trades. The opportunities that are still hiring lots of Americans tend to be in the building trades and emergency services, with the best jobs right now going to firefighters and EMTs. It's been a moving target over the last few years keeping up with what overseas profession has high demand.
@j.s.3414 4 жыл бұрын
Currently applying for several explosive detection K9 contracts (8 years active handling/training/instructor--11 years total active military service) any insight on negotiating daily rate on a first contract, or hold off until after your first contract to renegotiate?
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Most of these type of jobs there is no negotiation. They offer you a contract and it’s take it or leave it.
@labanmaghanga5544 4 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap ,Hi am a Kenyan n the military K9handler interested in contract job plz how can I go about it.
@ad2181 3 жыл бұрын
I found most people are escaping their domestic problems (family, financial) by going OCONUS. After FOB Lagman, returning home was a boring. I miss the job, the excitement and the money.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I miss it too. I’ve gone back three times because life outside of Afghanistan feels like black and white TV.
@ad2181 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap I feel alive outside CONUS. In CONUS your just another chump bombarded by the toxic news media saying your bad man.
@Leo-ln9rd 5 жыл бұрын
you mention you are an electician is there a security contracting for former USMC infantry and what are the day rates
@bcooper7618 5 жыл бұрын
The money for PMC work has really dropped alot over the past 5 years or so. Any company that would be worth working for usually require that you have spent time in an SF unit. There are some roles that might be open to people who have served in conventional units but would require at least 12 months combat experience and these roles would usually be static guard positions and wont pay that great but might work as a segway into better roles later. Be warned there are alot of cowboy companies that offer roles with minimal qualification requirements. Trust me, you dont want to be operating with a bunch of civvies who have played too much call of duty and no military experience.
@healthymentality7247 5 жыл бұрын
Man I was at FOB Shank 11-12 and it was no joke. Getting ready to retire soon and seriously considering going back over there for a year or so to build up the savings account. I just left HKIA a few months ago and all I did was network so we'll see. Thanks for the video and stay safe...
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Small world. I was at Shank 11-12 as well. Left a couple months after the VBID. Fluor was hiring electricians pretty aggressively about 4 weeks ago. They may still be at it, but it’s because they keep cutting the compensation package so people are quitting in droves.
@amedverastegui5537 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap shank was danger place allot incaming , my co workers nice video
@eugenebach5421 5 жыл бұрын
Is it true it's called rocket city?
@cmos2010 5 жыл бұрын
Eugene Bach Yes! It has been that way since 2009. J-Bad has got to be the most dangerous area by far.
@nigeltheipodmaster 2 жыл бұрын
I wonder if I a canadian can do this? Or do I have to move to america.
@lelandgaunt9985 5 жыл бұрын
I wish I contracted before getting my current job.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
What’s your current job?
@lelandgaunt9985 5 жыл бұрын
I currently do construction inspection and retired army as a surveyor and materials tester.
@BENYEET 3 жыл бұрын
@@lelandgaunt9985 you will live longer
@Jakeheflin5 3 жыл бұрын
Any info for someone who has a IT background with industry certifications on where to look for Overseas jobs
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
It’s tough times to find work in most overseas locations, but Kwajalein and Antarctica are decent possibilities. A lot of the Kwajalein jobs will want an active security clearance. I’ve found several of my overseas jobs just by putting my job tittle and desired location in the description field on indeed and leaving the location field blank. For me, this looks like “Electrician Kwajalein” or “Electrician Antarctica,” both of which are job searches that have landed me jobs over the last few years. Hope this helps and good luck.
@Svveet69 3 жыл бұрын
My brother has seen your videos and is looking to this kinda work as a master electrician. What companies are hiring for this kinda work in 2021
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I think it’s going to be a tough year for overseas contracting. Maybe try PAE and Lockheed Martin. Normally the big three are KBR, DynCorp, and Fluor, but they’re all cutting back due to base closures in Afghanistan and Iraq. He may also want to look into work in Kwajalein.
@africaart 4 жыл бұрын
I have no technical or military skills. Can I get *any work* there? The only skills I have is the ability to work for 10+ hours and can be in dangerous environment.
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Maybe. There are lots of non/low skilled jobs there, but they are usually occupied by people that have been doing overseas contracting for many years. Being able to work 10+ hours a day is unimpressive. They typical work day in Afghanistan is 12+.
@user-hv4po8ek3b 2 жыл бұрын
Hello, your advisor to Mauboudin in Kandahar, can you help me get out of Afghanistan?
@paulabarnes233 3 жыл бұрын
I'm currently going over sea sometime next year I'm taking a custodian but is it true that before you go overseas do you have to restrict yourself from social media?
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
You have to be careful about what you post on social media, but you don’t have to give up social media. For example, you shouldn’t post specific dates and locations of travel because it could affect OPSEC (operational security).
@paulabarnes233 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap o alright and thank you cuz I deactivated my Facebook but I don't have nothing explicit on my Facebook or nothing like that and I don't plan on telling nobody that I'm going
@19641029 3 жыл бұрын
Did 8 years been there... 2004-2012. iraq, afghan and kuwait. Can wear on you mentally after a while. Substandard living conditions. Hard to hold on to that cash - like picking up sand. but if you keep it tight you can get a leg up.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I ended up putting most of what I made into farmland in Ecuador. I knew I had to invest it quick or I’d waste it.
@19641029 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap lol, My money disappeared multiple times over the years but i finally put it all on my current home here in florida. Worked out well - glad i did, now living the dream lol
@3-dreticle826 2 жыл бұрын
Government contracting is great money. But I’m on the DOS side. Way better lifestyle and more upward mobility.
@FallofftheMap 2 жыл бұрын
If my career goals had been more geared towards a long term position rather than short contracts with long sabbaticals in between I would likely have tried to go that route. I’m inclined to try to steer my kids in that direction when they’re older.
@3-dreticle826 2 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap My job in the military give me experience and the network pool for this occupation. Other than that. I would not be able to work for State themselves. Because I would need to get a bachelors. But after 8 years in the military I would not want to be DoD contractor unless it’s CONUS logistics like the guys that issue and store CIF gear and serialized gear on base. Their job is easy and make 6 figures. Or anything IT related. Other than that I would not want to Be DoD side of the house at all. Homeland security and State department contracts pay more, higher quality of life and generally your not in combat zone unless you want to be. Besides that it’s all the same stuff. I don’t wanna get stuck doing this forever but just need to for a few years.
@FallofftheMap 2 жыл бұрын
@@3-dreticle826 just a few more years is the official contractor slogan.
@adamcaza879 4 жыл бұрын
I was thinking of getting into contacting I'm 19 and have a lot of time on my hands and going into te coast guard and going to be deploying with the navy, and CG, what advice do you have
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
If the option is open to you, seek a position that requires a high level clearance. Satellite communications or anything involving missile intercept technologies are hot, and could lead to some of the better contracting jobs in places like Kwajalein or Diego Garcia. An alternate path could be going into electrical as a Seabee, follow it up with getting a state issued electrical license (in some states the Seabee experience will let you skip some of the required apprenticeship hours and fast track you to getting a state license). The reason electrical is a good option is because the licensing requirements are written into most overseas contracts so you can’t be easily replaced by low wage workers from other countries. That said, the war zone contracting is currently scaling down. We’re about to draw down to 5700 from 13000 in Afghanistan, and contracting jobs will scale down accordingly. I wouldn’t be surprised if we draw down to almost nothing in a year or two.
@acerrulz1053 3 жыл бұрын
I think what you wanted to say is “one gets institutionalised” and becomes harder to go back to old work.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
That is a good way to describe it.
@johnbrandt2167 3 жыл бұрын
This is true for me, big time. I have had a really hard time putting up with the BS of stateside jobs since my Afghan and Kuwait contracting days.
@russkydeutsch 4 жыл бұрын
What's the demand for IT work as a contractor if you have a secret clearance?
@FallofftheMap 4 жыл бұрын
Definitely in high demand
@oatlord 3 жыл бұрын
Weird. This particular video refuses to load for me. Using android. Edit: switching to wifi allows it to load. Is the provider blocking it? So weird, never had this happen.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
That is weird.
@tanny1229 5 жыл бұрын
Spent two years in Bagram with KBR O&M labor. Worst thing was the b huts and dealing with fellow snobby Americans who brought their crappy mindset there. Best part was working with Mississippi Ntl. Guard everyday who were force protectors then.What a laughable experience KBR was.
@fordhipo1493 3 жыл бұрын
"the b huts and dealing with fellow snobby Americans" I can relate...
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Didn’t get to really know the Bhuts until I got to Fenty. I was actually a bit surprised by how many down to earth Americans were out there. I was expecting it to be worse.
@wolfsteingaming2095 3 жыл бұрын
I'm calling it right now that guy was Moroccan. I feel that stress just from how he's talking.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Way off. I believe he’s Jamaican. Might have been one of the other nearby islands. Why is it causing you stress?
@donniev8181 3 жыл бұрын
I've got 2yrs on my electrician apprenticeship, plus yrs driving forklift, would that be enough?
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I’d focus on completing the electrical apprenticeship first.
@jamesd6026 5 жыл бұрын
How come no one ask about pay. Like is it a check every week, month or do you have to wait.... what about off time... is it like the oil field, 2mths on 1wk off and what about cell service. Do I bring my phone or what
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Each one of those questions has several possible answers. Pay is dependent on your profession, your specific employer, and unfortunately usually your country of origin. Two people doing the exact same job for the same company might have as much as an 80k difference in compensation. Vacation is also super variable. I’ve had contracts with 21 days off every 3 months and I’ve had contracts with no vacation at all. Cell service depends on your location and on also if you are cleared for a common access card (CAC). In Bagram, for example, only the Americans had cell phones with the exception of some lucky third country nationals who’s employers when through the process to get CACs for non-Americans. It was justifiably a real sore point with the U.K. guys.
@paulabarnes233 3 жыл бұрын
From what I heard it's a certain weight requirement that you have to be can you go overseas and be overweighted will they still take you?
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
You can’t be morbidly obese.
@paulabarnes233 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap alright thank you and I'm currently in the process of working out I've been power walking everyday and eating right I'm not really obese I'm just like some pounds overweighted though
@sm1tty031 3 жыл бұрын
Funny how IT people aren't named as trades people. Where category do we fall into? Whats the IT life out there in contracting overseas?
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
IT folks are classified as IT. Quality of life out there for you folks depends heavily on your particular skill set and clearance level. If an Indian can do the same work as you for less money you might be disappointed with the pay and treatment you receive. If you can work in places and on systems that foreign workers aren’t allowed near you’ll be paid and treated well. If I were an IT guy with a clearance I’d be looking at jobs in Kwajalein. Good quality of life out there.
@josephburton92 3 жыл бұрын
I need to get a contracting job I don’t have a family and I’ve deployed plenty of times. I need that money.
@hk11marksman89 3 жыл бұрын
you got the job yet?
@josephburton92 3 жыл бұрын
@@hk11marksman89 no I haven’t been having much luck. With any type of job search.
@hk11marksman89 3 жыл бұрын
@@josephburton92 if you are interested, 2 years ago my friend email me an ads hiring any ex military to work as security details to gold company expats in Papua new guinea. i turn him down because my mom is too old and there's no one to take care of her. the salary is about 720 AUD per day at the time.
@hk11marksman89 3 жыл бұрын
@@josephburton92 but, in order to do the job you must close your eyes to any "misconduct". for example www.hrw.org/news/2011/02/01/papua-new-guinea-serious-abuses-barrick-gold-mine#:~:text=(Toronto)%20%2D%20Private%20security%20personnel,in%20a%20report%20released%20today.&text=%22The%20company%20should%20have%20acted,and%20prompted%20them%20into%20action%22.
@alankaufman385 3 жыл бұрын
Go to Shanahans in Ireland. Hire lots of expats
@kristenhoffarth9039 3 жыл бұрын
So do you get paid at the end if your contract?
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
No, with most contractors you get paid every 2 weeks. Many places pay bonuses at the end of the contract to get you to stay longer.
@ricardorodriguez8729 5 жыл бұрын
how do I get in out of highschool? I have construction experience and am willing to do just about any job
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Your best way in is to do an apprenticeship after high school, and become a journeyman before attempting to go overseas. Electricians tend to be in very high demand everywhere. In very cold places plumbers are also in very high demand.
@franjackson3553 4 жыл бұрын
Ricardo Rodriguez recruiter for a contractor here. As the poster said, get an apprenticeship and get your journeyman certificate. Try to look into how to get a CAC card. Get in contact with a recruiter.
@Cp0455 4 жыл бұрын
Colheli?
@danielhawkins9717 5 жыл бұрын
Now with you guys being electrical is there a difference between in Military terms infantry contractors and POG contractors? If someone doesn’t understand like traditional mercenary’s like in pop culture and like electricians. Is there a difference between those two. Like is it different company’s or jobs. Or do mercenaries not exist anymore?
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Awesome question. Let me preface my answer by stating that I’m trying to kill a bottle of Ciroc vodka before heading to the airport in Cali Colombia, so my answer might be a little drunken. There are still many different types of contractors. The mercenaries aren’t going away any time soon, and they’re starting to expand into other industries such as facilities construction and maintenance to give them a bit more perceived legitimacy. The big LOGCAP contractors providing basic maintenance services to the military are very different from the small fly by night contractors that are picking up whatever table scraps they can. Ive worked for both. If you’re on a locap contract everything is very regulated and controlled to prevent fraud, at the expense of efficiency. Working for the smaller cowboy type companies, it’s all shoot from the hip, make a quick $, blur the lines of legality, and generally live on the edge sort of lifestyle. These sort of jobs still exist, but the avenues to finding then are convoluted and start with demonstrating that you value the adventure and experience more than you value your life.
@danielhawkins9717 5 жыл бұрын
Fall off the Map I see from my understanding company’s like black water were known for having Private Military Contractors on the front leading edge of Military operations. These companies used to be big. Are they not anymore? Now I apologize if I am wrong on my assumptions I’m a 19 year old kid joining the military so I don’t know anything about contracting just what I’ve been told by second hand.
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Blackwater is still around under a few different names and corporate identities. The Wild West days in Afghanistan are nearing their end but there are always new weird ways that private contractors find to do what they do. A lot of jobs you would expect to be military are actually private contractors, including a lot of cia fieldwork and target analysts that work outside the wire determining exactly who should be targeted by drone. As an electrician it’s not the world I really know and understand, but I have worked in some situations where it was pretty obvious to me one or more of my coworkers was there just as a cover.
@danielhawkins9717 5 жыл бұрын
Fall off the Map I see thanks for the help I’m probably going to consider contracting in some capacity after the Military
@christucker2795 3 жыл бұрын
I've been considering trying to get into one of these jobs. My background is mainly HVAC and electrical (12+ years). Im 36 now. Any companies or recommendations you could make to help me get into it? Not really expecting a response, so will continue my search. But its worth a shot. Thank you in advance.
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I’ve been getting a lot of these requests so I’m going to copy paste a response... I am happy to share what I know. Let me start by saying it’s a really difficult time to get hired. Right now the bases and jobs are scaling down. One of the first things to do is create a candidate profile on the major defense contractors’ web sites. That would be companies like KBR, Dyncorp, Fluor, PAE, Parsons... there are many more smaller ones as well. Search their jobs databases and submit your resume on any that fit. Typically, when you submit your resume it goes through some filtering software before it gets to the recruiters, so try to slip any relevant keywords in if you can. It helps to have words like “military, LOGCAP, Maximo, overseas” somewhere in your resume to get past the filtering software. Also, finding who is hiring at any given moment can be as easy as simply putting he words “Afghanistan” or “Iraq” or “overseas” into the description field in job search engines such as indeed.com and leaving the location field blank. You can filter it further by adding a few different versions of your desired job title. Example: “Human Resources Iraq.” I hope this helps. Also, perhaps look into locations in the Pacific such as Kwajalein and Guam. As bases close in the sandbox the focus is pivoting towards China.
@christucker2795 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your response! After writing this comment, I began delving into more of your videos. You put out great info! Learned alot in a short time. I will continue to do my research and watching more of your videos. Thanks again for the info!
@kingpin16052 3 жыл бұрын
just left fob shank, its real over there!
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
Oh Shank/Dahlke. Rocket city if ever there was one.
@kingpin16052 3 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap my first 6 hours there, arrived at night...sun came up and i got my first dose of "rocket city" lol
@shannonmcstormy5021 3 жыл бұрын
Normally, when most people think of contracting in a place like Afghanistan, they are thinking of military contractors. I remember talking to some friends of mine a few years ago who had been working as military contractors in Iraq, after having gotten out of the military. They had all been working for a pretty decent company. But they met other military contractors who worked for other companies who treated their employees what we in the US would consider deplorably. Yeah, housing and food and such were supposedly included, but apparently these other guy's AC hadn't worked since they got there, the food often made them ill, TV's were non-functional, etc. Plus, when these other guys got wounded, they weren't provided with standard developed country medical care, quite to the contrary. I expect the same is true for other types of contracting: it can really depend on the company you are working for. Plus, there's no OSHA in Afghanistan is there? Or is it that because its for the US military there are safety standards you guys have to follow no matter where you are at? .
@FallofftheMap 3 жыл бұрын
I have worked for both types of companies. One particular employer I won’t name had 11 Filipinos living in a shipping container with no AC cooking their food on heaters they’d converted into stoves.
@MrTimetravler 5 жыл бұрын
Hey brother good video as a overseas contractor myself i don't like the instituted living the T walls are all over the place which serves a purpose but the fact we can't go anywhere 24'7 sucks just work, dfac and chu lol plus the other thing is the work itself it's not guaranteed the corporation you work for may have the contract for a year then if they don't win it your out of a job
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
Yep, the living conditions definitely take a toll on your mood and mental state. Also, not just the risk of losing the job because the company doesn’t win the contract, but also most of the contracts are one sided. Both times I’ve worked in Afghanistan my employer has changed the terms of my 1 year contract to reduce my benefits and compensation. I’m demobing in 2 weeks for that very reason.
@MrTimetravler 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap good for you let me know where you will be i am in iraq
@FallofftheMap 5 жыл бұрын
I’m going spend some time with my family in Quito Ecuador. I haven’t been around much for the past 5 years so it’s time to take care of the kids for a bit while my wife works. I’ll be making videos exploring Ecuador for the next year or so.
@MrTimetravler 5 жыл бұрын
@@FallofftheMap Sounds like a plan man keep up with the videos ecuador sounds excotic i never been my contract ends at the end of this month going chil for a bit see yea
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