Think you're too old to work in a War Zone?

Think you're too old to work in a War Zone?
Think you're too old to work in a War Zone? Consider it a
place for young people?

Fear not, plenty of contracting jobs exist for young and
old alike. Depending on your skill set, you may find the
perfect job to enhance that badly needed retirement fund or
even jump start your retirement by several years. Working a
year or so in Afghanistan or Iraq could certainly help you
do that.

With the lucrative salaries that can be made, many people
of all ages are accepting positions in the Mideast, (okay
War Zones) for the big bucks. Numerous positions still
exist and many skill sets are needed from entry level
clerks to highly skilled engineers.

I've traveled throughout the MidEast over the past several
years and have met many people, middle aged and up working
in a variety of positions. People in their 50's, 60's and
yes, 70's working in a War Zone.

Contract positions are available throughout the MidEast,
but the most lucrative by far, are located in a War Zone
such as Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to your base
salary and overtime, you may be authorized hazard duty pay,
post differential and foreign service pay. These allowances
add up and are often calculated on your base salary. Thus,
the higher your base salary, the higher will be your other
entitlements. Many people often exceed $10,458 every two
weeks. This makes for a very lucrative year.

The majority of these positions are located within the
secure perimeters of military installations. One time I met
an elderly woman who worked in the vehicle dispatch office
at Camp Liberty in Baghdad. One of the nicest and happy go
lucky people I've ever met. Her goal was to complete two
years and then retire.

The basic requirements to work in one of these positions,
is to be able to pass a basic fitness examination and able
to carry your own personal protective gear when needed.
This refers to the typical flak vest and combat helmet
which is required to be worn at times on site and when
traveling between locations.

The method of travel between sites is typically by
helicopter or convoy, riding in armored vehicles or a
"Rhino" which looks like a big armored RV. In either case
you would be expected to travel wearing your vest and
helmet.

Other than the inconvenience of the travel, most people get
accustomed to the environment and try and limit travel to
as little as necessary. With thousands of other contractors
in the region, most quickly adapt.

Regardless of your skill set, many opportunities exist for
people of all ages. If you are considering such an
endeavor, you'll find jobs throughout the region and will
work with dedicated professionals in both the military and
civilian fields.

----------------------------------------------------
Alan Nelson is editor and publisher of the Mideast
Contracting Newsletter. To learn about the many lucrative
opportunities in the Mideast, visit:
http://www.mideastcontracting.com