Ok, there's something here that really burns me. Yes, I'm making good money over here (probably better than I could in the states), but you're forgetting something to. Without people like me our troops wouldn't have any support. I run all the communications equipment (internet, phones, faxes, secure lines..etc) that go in and out of this base. We need people that are willing to step up to the plate to support our troops. So before you start bagging on me for being over here and risking my life, think if I wasn't here, or if people like me wouldn't come over here because of the risk. I have a sense of pride that I can connect a solider with his family and make life a little bit easier for him and his family. Without contractors I promise you 99% of our missions would fail. Yes, there is a risk of being captured and being killed but it's better than sitting at home and leaving our troops to fend for themselves. At least I have a sense of pride for what I do where other people condem me for it and say how stupid I am. Contractors are highly underappreciated. We get treated like dirt from the military and random people that think because a few people were stupid enought to venture out on their own and get caught that everyone over here are idiots. I was in the showers last night and I turned around to a chick saying "Oh, you're one of THOSE civilians aren't you?". It was really hard to miss the scorn. Military hates us because of the money we make, but you know what...we leave our families, we put our butts on the line, we eat the same disgusting food, we sleep in the same tents and huts, and we make sure they have a direct line to home. Yeah, the military doesn't make nearly as much as I do, but I do this of my own will to come to a war torn country. Where as military does a 90 day or so tour, where as military get special R&R spots and vacation spots...we don't. They made thier choice to join or do what I do. Most of them come back as contractors. We work behind the scenes and most of the time the military doesn't even know who we are or how they have internet access or direct lines to home. I think you can have a little more respect for contractors Medik and not be so scornful because of the money we make.
//rant off
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