LIFE OF A QUEENS FAN IN IRAQ – PART THREE
I have had some questions sent to me that a lot of people want asked regarding working in Iraq.
Alcohol is not banned in Iraq as such and is tolerated (if you are Christian, or non-Muslim) however on the US Military base all soldiers and contractors come under General Order Number One which states that the following is prohibited:
“Introduction, possession, use, sale, transfer, manufacture, or consumption of any alcoholic beverage”
Whilst this is the case there are two bars on camp, the British FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) and the US Consulate, however these are out of bounds to contractors unless invited. Even when invited if you leave either venue smelling of alcohol (driving or not) the MP’s will arrest you and have you removed from the base. This basically means if you are caught drinking it is a dismissible offence, as the Manager in charge, I have to set an example, so even if I get an invitation it is maybe a shandy at most.
Without giving my salary away, I am paid fairly well but of course there is the constant threat of danger. Over and above this the salary is tax free which is another benefit. I am salary paid so even get paid for my 12 weeks holiday and my company pays for return flights home for all rotational leaves. I think I will probably continue working for this company until the end of the year and see what the situation on the ground is before I make any further decisions.
All contact with the locals is strictly on a employer/employee relationship and is conducted during work hours, apart from night-shift workers all Iraqi’s must be off the base by early evening, so apart from work place banter and chatting there is no real chance to have much social interaction with them.
We have a multi-gym for our own use which is OK but that is it in the way of sports facilities, sometimes we use parts of the base for having a kick-a-round and the Indian/Pakistani staff also have a mini-cricket pitch where they get together in the cooler months for games.
As for TV I use a system called OSN Network, there are some sport channels on it and I also subscribe to Al Jazeera sports so get a good variety of sport. However the rest of it seems very ‘US Typical’ so other than sport and the odd film I don’t really watch much TV.
Due to being in the Army for 22 years it doesn’t seem a strange way of life. If I was still serving I would be away for 6 months out of every 18 on Operations, so in a way, me and my wife are used to the separation and cope with it well hence being married for 22 years. I know my wife worries about my welfare but as I say there is no point in worrying, we all have to go one day and when it’s your time – it’s your time.
I am not armed, through choice, it seems an aggressive stand to take, and after all I am a visitor in another country. However as previously stated I go out with a security team which has armed guards in the vehicle. I do have permission to bear a weapon and have thought it through many times, so far there has never been a need to use one so I am still happy enough to go unarmed.