Now Ye're Talking - to a worker on a US Military Airbase

Chuchote

Interesting, thanks. When I asked about learning languages, it was in the context of people from many countries working together - it would be a fabulous chance to get another language under your belt.
What a pity City & Guilds courses aren't available for workers there - I'd say it would be a big attraction for people to work there.
Do people tend to save well, or is there a temptation to spend a lot of money out of boredom and nerves? (Hah, second question answered while I was writing it down!)

sjb25

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA wrote: »

It's like any job really. You can save as much as you like as long as you put your mind to it. The difference is, you can earn a lot more out here than at home so in theory you can save more.
It can go one of two ways: You can live extremely frugally and save a fortune in a relatively short time. Or you can go nuts with your increase in salary and live the high life!
Personally, I spent like crazy at first but then knuckled down and am saving as much as possible now so I don't have to be out here forever.

Yeah if I was to do it it would be to save like mad for 1-3 years max then come back I'm in a lucky position that my qualifications would be still in demand here but wages aren't great here just something I'm toying with to get money together without killing myself with overtime I'm sure it's hard not to go on a spending spree

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

...And Justice wrote: »

You're a brave man If you do it, my mate got €100,000 for his time over there, he was shadowed by the military at all times, after the Ken bigly murder, contractors are escorted everywhere just to do the menial jobs, like changing a light bulb, but they are there places people get snatched and beheaded, it's definitely a brave move going out there.

That's not technically correct. Once you're on base you can move around freely. Obviously not in sensitive buildings and maybe they'd be escorted if they needed to do some electrical work in a room with sensitive files or equipment but that would be to keep the files safe, not the contractor.
Once you're on base, you're pretty safe from being abducted and beheaded!

Chuchote

It sounds harder to save now, though. At one stage two people I knew had bought their Dublin suburban houses in a nice area outright for cash, out of their savings from teaching English in Japan. Another friend worked in Saudi for two years (though he said it drove him kind of nuts the lack of women - not for romance, but just not having any women around at all made it weird). He saved enough to build a house on a site he'd bought.
But being able to save €150k max in two years, that's not the same level at all in today's economy.

...And Justice

How do people have sex?, shurly on a base like that and with the opposite sex everywhere, you'd want to get your nuts off.


I read an extremely good article about reporters on the front line, and they said they had sex with every other reporter, because of stress and impending doom of being caught by enemy forces

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

_Tombstone_ wrote: »

It's an AMA and he said he has no problem answering and they are fair questions...you don't like the question so it shouldn't be asked? Cop on.

To be fair to the guy, they are genuine questions and I said I'd answer anything I could.
I just don't have the answers to those questions and I don't have the knowledge or expertise to give an in depth analysis of this entire situation so I wouldn't even try to attempt it.

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

GLaDOS wrote: »

What's the local cuisine like?

Well there's only really the food in the DFAC to eat so you don't get to sample much local cuisine. But occasionally there are Afghan dishes on the menu and I have tried them but they didn't really do it for me.
The "Afghan meat sh1ts" are a very real thing.

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

Chuchote wrote: »

Interesting, thanks. When I asked about learning languages, it was in the context of people from many countries working together - it would be a fabulous chance to get another language under your belt.
What a pity City & Guilds courses aren't available for workers there - I'd say it would be a big attraction for people to work there.
Do people tend to save well, or is there a temptation to spend a lot of money out of boredom and nerves? (Hah, second question answered while I was writing it down!)

I actually meant to say that when replying to you. If you were trying to learn a new language and studying in your own time then you are in the right place to learn. There are so many different languages spoken on this base that it would be pretty easy to make friends and immerse yourself in that language. Most people here are extremely friendly and would happily help you learn their language if you ask.

Gmol

How does the base react when Mick Wallace and Clare Daly show up?

The Specialist

Most interesting AMA I've seen on boards, thanks OP and stay safe

You spoke earlier of the locals that come on to the base to sell goods, and the fact they are indirectly supporting the Taliban. I'm just wondering why the base allows them to enter in this case, it sounds like a big risk to take. What do these people offer that the staff couldnt already get on site or is this more to appease the locals ?

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

...And Justice wrote: »

How do people have sex?, shurly on a base like that and with the opposite sex everywhere, you'd want to get your nuts off.


I read an extremely good article about reporters on the front line, and they said they had sex with every other reporter, because of stress and impending doom of being caught by enemy forces

Well, technically you're not allowed to have sex on base. Members of the opposite sex are not supposed to be in each others living quarters during certain times either.
But they sell condoms in the PX so they clearly know people are going to have sex if they want to.
Like I mentioned previously, a single man with an Irish accent on base can do very very well with the ladies.

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

The Specialist wrote: »

Most interesting AMA I've seen on boards, thanks OP and stay safe

You spoke earlier of the locals that come on to the base to sell goods, and the fact they are indirectly supporting the Taliban. I'm just wondering why the base allows them to enter in this case, it sounds like a big risk to take. What do these people offer that the staff couldnt already get on site or is this more to appease the locals ?

That's a good question and one I'm not really convinced I know the answer to.
I think it's probably a combination of reasons.

Firstly, it's a little bit of a boost to troops to have these market stalls and little stores they can visit on base. They can buy pretty much anything from these guys. There's a few jewellers on base and even a pretty reasonably priced local tailor who sells custom made suits. There's a really talented artist who sells portraits and stuff like that too. It's nice for the troops to have a sense of normality.

Then I think it also appeased the locals, supports the local economy, and also sends a message to the world to say "Hey, look at us. We're not so bad. We integrate with the locals and they're as involved in this effort as we are."

Then there's probably another facet to the situation.
These people are obviously background checked and screened before they're allowed on base. The powers that be know exactly who they are and who they're connected to. I'm sure they're being watched closely both on and off base and can be a good source of Intel, whether they know it or not.

Gloomtastic!

When you said you spent money like crazy can you go into more detail please? What was the most pointless thing you bought?

You should have a go at the writing. Words seem to come easy to you. Perhaps a story around a military base in Afghanistan........

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

When you said you spent money like crazy can you go into more detail please? What was the most pointless thing you bought?

You should have a go at the writing. Words seem to come easy to you. Perhaps a story around a military base in Afghanistan........

Honestly nothing.
I didn't go and splurge on $1,000 pair of socks or anything crazy!
I just spent it on having a good time at home. Going out everyday with the family, eating in restaurants all the time, nights out, weekends away and things like that. You could say I have nothing to show for it but I had good times and I have memories.
I'd rather have an empty bank balance and great memories than a house full of....stuff.

And thanks for the compliment. I don't think my writing would be any good but I enjoy it nonetheless.

Gloomtastic!

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA wrote: »

I don't think my writing would be any good but I enjoy it nonetheless.

So all the people who have complimented you on here are wrong? :rolleyes:

jasonb

Fascinating AMA, thanks a lot for taking the time to do this. And as another poster said, stay safe out there.

I do have one question. I'm very curious about what your job is, and also about why it's not something you want to share. Obviously if you don't want to say, then that's fine, but are you not telling us what you do because you're not allowed to, or because you'd rather not?

I guess I'm just curious about the lack of detail about your role considering how much else you're able to tell us.

But either way, this in an amazing insight into your life, thanks!

J.

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

So all the people who have complimented you on here are wrong? :rolleyes:

I'm just not very good at taking compliments. It's an Irish thing I think.
The Americans love giving compliments and there's been plenty of times people here have said something simple like, "Hey man, that's a really nice t-shirt."
And my immediate reaction is to tell them to Fcuk Off.
:pac:

But thank you!

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

jasonb wrote: »

Fascinating AMA, thanks a lot for taking the time to do this. And as another poster said, stay safe out there.

I do have one question. I'm very curious about what your job is, and also about why it's not something you want to share. Obviously if you don't want to say, then that's fine, but are you not telling us what you do because you're not allowed to, or because you'd rather not?

I guess I'm just curious about the lack of detail about your role considering how much else you're able to tell us.

But either way, this in an amazing insight into your life, thanks!

J.

I'm just not saying because I'd rather not.
I just don't want to be recognised here that's all.
But trust me when I say it's absolutely nothing exciting or covert or anything like that. I wish it was but I'm just not that cool.

Gloomtastic!

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA wrote: »

I'm just not very good at taking compliments. It's an Irish thing I think.
The Americans love giving compliments and there's been plenty of times people here have said something simple like, "Hey man, that's a really nice t-shirt."
And my immediate reaction is to tell them to Fcuk Off.
:pac:

But thank you!

So do something about it!!!!!

cerastes

You say rocket attacks occur, is body armour available? Do military personnel wear it?
Can you?
Also I don't get whats with the mystery over the work type? It's civilian work and seems it's not sensitive, anything it could be would hardly be a surprise but if someone isn't a helicopter pilot, in IT, or cleaning the toilets? You mentioned doesn't require a degree or a trade? Just specific experience.Why by not give some more insight for those that might be interested?
I'm sure there's loads of jobs on a base but with many filled by military tasks the remaining seem to be service roles.

Not sure how the locals on the base don't end up in a bad situation as it must be widely known they are on the base, so either they will be pressed to relate details or at some point a bomb will be brought in, although I'm sure there are searches and maybe even detector methods used to sniff out chemicals in bombs.

Chuchote

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA wrote: »

I'm just not very good at taking compliments. It's an Irish thing I think.
The Americans love giving compliments and there's been plenty of times people here have said something simple like, "Hey man, that's a really nice t-shirt."
And my immediate reaction is to tell them to Fcuk Off.
:pac:

But thank you!

You could show them the Aldi ad:

What kind of work is available? Electrics, carpentry, plumbing, obv, but what about things like bookkeeping or secretarial or technical writing, or… what?

Gen.Zhukov

cerastes wrote: »

You say rocket attacks occur, is body armour available? Do military personnel wear it?
Can you?
Also I don't get whats with the mystery over the work type? It's civilian work and seems it's not sensitive, anything it could be would hardly be a surprise but if someone isn't a helicopter pilot, in IT, or cleaning the toilets? You mentioned doesn't require a degree or a trade? Just specific experience.Why by not give some more insight for those that might be interested?
I'm sure there's loads of jobs on a base but with many filled by military tasks the remaining seem to be service roles.

Not sure how the locals on the base don't end up in a bad situation as it must be widely known they are on the base, so either they will be pressed to relate details or at some point a bomb will be brought in, although I'm sure there are searches and maybe even detector methods used to sniff out chemicals in bombs.

I'd say the better question is, do the contractors get to wear body armour while diving to a runway in a C-130

The guy doesn't want to get into the exact job he is doing there and has said so many times. Fairs dues to him for the interesting AMA. Give him a break re the 'what are you doing exactly' stuff.

livedadream

Maybe he's the only Irish guy working as the only electrician/Aeroenginner/bar tender on base or something... Does it matter?

Donkeygonads

Are you heading to Angeles city next month ?!?;)

Twiggy69

Just read this entire thread. Its a great insight into a volatile scenario. Well done for taking the time to do this. Come home safe to your family.

Manic Moran

I'll answer some of the ones which the AMA can't

Helicopter service comes in three categories. Military, civilian passenger, civilian cargo. The military choppers carry stuff going into dangerous places, and some stuff which just can't go civilian for whatever reason. Civilian companies compete for the various other contracts and regions. For example, when I was there, Molson Air (A Canadian company) serviced Eastern Afghanistan with Bell 212s. I ended up taking a Presidential Air AW139 from Kandahar to Southern Afghanistan. I've no idea who was running the S61 I saw in Kandahar, but the cargo company in our area was Ukrainian, flying Mi8s and Mi17s.

Contrary to an earlier poster's implication, the use of private civilian contractors to augment the US military to some extent or another in non-combat roles has been a policy dating back to the Revolutionary War. And, in all fairness, even the Irish military has done so. Witness the helicopter contract in Chad (It made the news when the contract was for helicopters which didn't meet EU civilian passenger configuration regulations).

As to the question of why we would let folks we suspect either are talking to, or actually are, Taliban onto the base, the answer is that we would like to not have to come back, or have our kids come back. Firstly, the enmity generally isn't heartfelt, as much as a sort of default. A lot of Afghanis just don't know us, how better to convince them that we're reasonable people than to let them interact with us? Secondly, the enmity generally isn't heartfelt, as much as economic. A large portion of the Afghan population are on barely subsistence living. The Taliban will pay for intelligence, or even to shoot at us. If we're letting these guys onto our base, it's so that they can earn some honest money as an alternative to taking the Taliban's shilling. If it helps them get on their feet a bit better, then this might reduce the emphasis on taliban susbsitence. We do a lot of this sort of thing, for example, we're (the Army) helping them start to grow saffron as a cash crop instead of opium. Finally, bearing in mind that we generally only have suspicions about folks, we can't very well go about banning everyone from working with us on suspicions. We'll end up catching a bunch of honest folk in such a net, and where would they go from there? We've taken a rather pragmatic attitude to things. For example, we acknowledge that almost everyone in the country is corrupt by Western standards. It's the way of things. The question is, 'are they acceptably corrupt? What's the intent behind it'?

Finally, as to debating the reasons of war, I'll guarantee you we combat troops have far more things to worry about than grand strategy. We're there, and we have the 50m target in front of us. We're going to spend a lot more time trying to figure out how to achieve our goals and go home than debate the merits of a decision made years ago and thousands of miles away.

Pkiernan

edanto wrote: »

That defence makes no sense. I'm fairly sure that if the Taliban set up a base in the middle of Texas that the Texans would fire rockets at them and try to kill them. The facts that an occupation is resisted cannot be used to justify the resistance.

There must be some set of facts that are valid to justify your role in the occupation and coalition military actions, up to and including death. What are those facts? Come on, you must have thought about this way more than any of the rest of us.

Give it a rest will ya?
FFS theres always one.

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

cerastes wrote: »

You say rocket attacks occur, is body armour available? Do military personnel wear it?
Can you?
Also I don't get whats with the mystery over the work type? It's civilian work and seems it's not sensitive, anything it could be would hardly be a surprise but if someone isn't a helicopter pilot, in IT, or cleaning the toilets? You mentioned doesn't require a degree or a trade? Just specific experience.Why by not give some more insight for those that might be interested?
I'm sure there's loads of jobs on a base but with many filled by military tasks the remaining seem to be service roles.

Not sure how the locals on the base don't end up in a bad situation as it must be widely known they are on the base, so either they will be pressed to relate details or at some point a bomb will be brought in, although I'm sure there are searches and maybe even detector methods used to sniff out chemicals in bombs.

Yes body armour is available and should be worn in the event of an attack.
You must also bring your body armour with you and wear it when travelling in helicopters / military aircraft. When you fly on a C-130 / C-17 it's generally up to the pilot whether you need to wear the vest and helmet. You must have it with you just in case but you don't have to wear it all the time.

I'm sure the locals are pressed for information all the time. The Taliban know they work here. It's no secret. They get taxed and I'm sure they are asked for information too. And to be honest, if they do hand over information, you can't really blame them. The Taliban are ruthless and I don't think the locals are in a hurry to piss them off.

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA

Donkeygonads wrote: »

Are you heading to Angeles city next month ?!?;)

I've no idea where that is, sorry.

secondrowgal

I work on a US Military Airbase, AMA wrote: »

I'm just not very good at taking compliments. It's an Irish thing I think.
The Americans love giving compliments and there's been plenty of times people here have said something simple like, "Hey man, that's a really nice t-shirt."
And my immediate reaction is to tell them to Fcuk Off.
:pac: van

But thank you!

If your immediate reaction isn't to say "Penny's!!! €5", you can't really be Irish. I call shenanigans!!

Very interesting AMA, thanks for that.

I was wondering about the toilet situation though. Are there no local-squat type toilet facilities available? Having been to France where there is a mixed population I've been to restaurants/bars that have the squatting loos, so it seems strange that this wouldn't be available in a country where this is more usual.

Do you have any contact with Afghani women? You've mentioned locals that come on site with stalls, etc., but my impression is they're all men? Just wondering what the local women are like?