Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The 5 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Defense Jobs Overseas.

By Alexis Tierce

You've heard the news about the newest surge, right? The US is sending upwards of thirty thousand troops over to Afghanistan, which means the opportunity for well-paying civilian contracting jobs (through the LOGCAP 4 project) is strong like never before.

Considering an application? If you're thinking about it, check out these no-holds barred tips before you go.

#5: Defense Jobs Aren't About Camaraderie.

Lots of people go over to Afghanistan hoping for a great experience, much like the military, working together, in harmony, for the mission itself.

That's just not the way it is. Contractual work under the LOGCAP 4 program isn't the military - it's LOGCAP. If you don't get this into your head before you go, you're in big trouble.

#4: If You Don't Change Your Approach, You'll Sink - Fast.

A lot of people head into a LOGCAP 4 job with their core attitudes unchanged - they might even realize it's a much tougher, different environment than expected, but think that an honest, direct approach will serve them in the end.

Take it from the other direction - not a nihilistic one, just a slightly pessimistic one. Prepare for the worst, so when it doesn't always arrive, you'll be laughing.

#3: Doing Well in Defense Jobs? It's Not Only About Shooting Straight.

Ever read Machiavelli's "The Prince"? You should, before coming over to Afghanistan. This isn't a clear chain of command like it is in the military. If you thought the army itself was full of politics and backstabbing, wait till you see LOGCAP 4.

#2: Get Ready For Some Bad Eggs.

It's not all sunshine and roses when it comes to your co-workers' personalities here. With criminal background checks only going back a few years, you can get some hardened people on these jobs. Feel up for it? Good. If you're unsure about working around some "rough" types, though, think about it some more.

#1: Above all, When Looking for Defense Jobs, Know What You're Getting Into.

Sweetening the whole experience and pretending it's easy, something simple to earn some good cash? Why bother? People (usually) don't pretend war is all that great, either, so why should you expect anything different (or even as fulfilling) from a civilian mission? Keep your eyes open and you'll have the right mindset.

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