Iraq/Afghanistan - Move from UK?
 

I'm a dispatcher in the UK at the moment (turn around coordinator, red cap, whatever you want to call me!) and looking for a change. Been looking into contract work in Iraq/Afghanistan, whether it be in dispatcher, ramp operations, airport operations etc, I've got experience in all of them.

Is anyone able to point me in the right direction in terms of companies operating in these countries? Advice via this thread or PM would be greatly appreciated :ok:

From previous advertisments, some military experience is usually required to work in Iraq/Afghanistan.

Not sure whom best to approach ...

Not that I did a great deal of it when in the military (before Plans123 jumps in :)) you will find that most companies prefer ex-mil because they're familiar with the basic conditions, but they will provide their own pre-deployment training of a fashion that has a paramilitary flavour (what a landmine looks like, what to do if an air raid warning sounds etc). Health and safety don't you know.

A lot of the type of work you're talking about is well paid, generally not dangerous other than on the way in/out and except for the occasional freak attack like was seen at Bastion recently, but otherwise fairly groundhog dull with a monotonous routine. So forget any images of magging-up with Ross Kemp and think more of working and sleeping in a variety of portacabins with little more than a/c.

First time it will be an experience; third time you'll have bought all the fob penlights from the BX and will be able to predict the menu at the DFAC (eating place) days in advance. If you've got a mentality that can cope with cabin fever/groundhog day - and some people can - waiting for the bucks at the end of the month then it can be lucrative, but it's more of an open prison scenario than a Michael Palin adventure.

Not that any of this answers your question. :} I'll try and find some names.

ISAF??
ISAF - Vacancies | ISAF - International Security Assistance Force

4exMilitary

:ok:

Hi, I'm currently on a tour (ISAF). Sadly working for army not air force: looking to make a move after couple of months back to airlines or flight training. Pre-tour I worked for an european airline (flight planning).

Let me know if you hear anything or need more info about Afghanistan, I don't have much knowledge about civilian companies/contractor work in theater though.

ISAF employs may prefer Ex-MIl personnel but it is not compulsory.
The security clearance can be a pain (has to be done in London), but once out there the job is not much different from what you do now.

I know a couple of peeps who have worked for ISAF including 1 ex SGS/SWP from MAN who worked out there for 3-4 yrs doing check in. She did not have any mil experience btw.


Good Luck and if you get it keep yer head down ;)

PS also have in mind that days are numbered for ISAF in Afganistan with the withdrawal coming up shortly....