CSA Contract!?

[cowfire]

I have been looking into CSA out of kuwait and I am very impressed with there benefits and living conditions.

Is there anyone on this thead currently working for or worked for that can pass on any information regarding the company. Work hrs? leadership? training? living? recreation and so on?

thanks

[pyromike66]

Cowfire, I worked for CSA for 2 years and can help you out. Just send me an email to [email protected].

Mike

[tanker3213]

I am considering going through CSA...any suggestions? I have also reasearched KBR and WSI...any thoughts on these?

Thanks!

[cowfire]

Go to CSA!!! Little less money but from what I have been told by pyro and the csakuwait.com website its WORTH the less pay.

[Rescue241]

I am looking for alittle more info on csa. How much is the pay? and what kind of hours do they work?

[pyromike66]

Salary depends on hours and OT. Just heard that the hours are going to be 24 on 48 off. Expect between 65 - 75K salary (that is including per diem and end of contract bonus).

[needlejockey]

How difficult is it to get on with them? What all do they provide for leave wise? I saw on their site that they give you a trip to Frankfurt Germany at 6 months. Also lastly, I know it's a year long contract, but what happens if you find that Kuwait just ain't for you and you want out of the contract?

One more lastly - How dangerous is this? What kind of safeguards are there?

[cowfire]

You can get out of any contract if you want. You have to remember is that it can follow you if you decide to continue contract work, that you quit before your contract ended. I know for us in Iraq its more dangerous than kuwaut, you should ne ok but like anywhere you never no man. Just be smart about what you go out and do and dont run around whearing clothes that say USA RULZZZZZZ!!!

[pyromike66]

Cowfire is right about getting out of a contract. But, with CSA anyway, you will forfeit the end of contract bonus (approx 3K), and I believe if you quit within the probationary period (90 days) you will have to pay back all costs including the flight to and from Kuwait (another 3K) and any other costs that CSA provided to get you there. If you pass the initial 90 days and then quit, you will just have to pay for the return flight. Dont quote me on those specific details as I can't remember exactly. Remember that if you do quit, you will possibly "burn your bridge" there and hurt your chances for working there again in the future.

It is a little difficult getting on initially. They are very specific about who they hire, cert and experience wise, because of the past morons that have been hired, and also because of being full staffed. If you apply just be patient and keep buggin the recruiters. I also just heard that alot of firefighters I knew there are about to finish their contracts. So they may be needing ff's soon.

As far as safety goes, ill just say that I was there 2 years and never felt threatened in any way. Like Cowfire says, just got to keep your head on and don't be stupid...remember that we are a guest in their country. The US Embassy will post potential threats periodically, which we always read to be aware of the surroundings. However, a HUGE danger I believe, is the driving. Absolutely crazy and I responded to quite a few fatal accidents (involving both servicemembers and civilians) because of the "no - rules" driving. Its no joke.

Hope this helps

Mike

[needlejockey]

Thanks for the info. I hadn't really thought about doing this until recently, but it seems like a really nice deal. Hopefully I'll hear back from them soon.

[pyromike66]

Oh, CSA will pay for a ticket to Frankfurt at the 6 month point or give you cash - in - leiu if you choose to go somewhere else ($860).

[needlejockey]

One last thing (probably not but worth saying it), I was reading on their requirments for the job that they want you to have attended a "formal academy". Me being a volunteer I've never had the occassion to attend something that's pretty much reserved for most paid guys. Any thoughts on if that will make a difference? I've still got the certifications, just no "formal academy".

[pyromike66]

I don't know the specific rules on this one. Could be a case by case situation. If you have enough paid and/or military experience, and the certs, I would still apply and see what happens.

[FireGirl78]

Oh, rell ro PyroMike Don't I know you from somewhere?

Hey Mikey,
Now don't let these good people just know the finner parts of Kuwait. There's a drawback. Nothing's as good as it seems. Its a good way to come home with some equity but remember you go there alone and its a far place. You need to know who you can trust as fast as possible so if you're a bad judge of character don't go. Also, if you're looking for an education I hope you look inward cause its all self taughtor whatever guys are willing to share. The training dept is a joke. I only add that because of high expectation I had. Also, rumor has it that being former Marine helps you get in. Hey, don't shoot the messsanger...its just what I heard.

The Black Widow

[ksheets]

Hey FireGirl
You should not be as concerned about other peoples character as you should your own. Those who do, Do and those who dont find a forum to bit** on.