| Many people take jobs in Afghanistan for the promise | | | | checking credentials at the door, you grab a tray and |
| of higher pay. Given the economy as it is and the | | | | select your entre, desert and beverage. Of course, |
| potential to double to even triple your current salary, | | | | depending on your location you may be able to visit a |
| Afghanistan jobs are often quite enticing, particularly if | | | | local fast food franchise such as Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, |
| you are currently unemployed. For those that take the | | | | Burger King, etc. Don't expect much as these |
| big leap, they are often surprised once they arrive | | | | franchises may be operating within the space of a |
| on-site and realize what the local environment is truly | | | | small trailer but it's still a little bit of the comfort of home. |
| like. | | | | Many potential contractors are concerned about health |
| It may take some time to become accustomed to the | | | | care in Afghanistan. This is a valid concern and |
| environment. Your living quarters may be just a tent, | | | | typically contractors are provided care through the |
| wooden building (often referred to as a b-hut), or if you | | | | local military unit that they support. I visited the health |
| are lucky you may share a room in a single wide | | | | care office many times during my year in Iraq. They |
| trailer. If you're really fortunate and can arrange it, you | | | | handle most health care issues and if they detect a |
| may end up with your own room. This is often dictated | | | | potential serious condition then the physician will |
| by the contract you are working on. | | | | recommend that you travel to the nearest city where |
| For meals, the dining facilities (also called DFAC's) are | | | | the proper care can be obtained. In the case of |
| pretty much the only game in town and are set up to | | | | contractors, that would be dependent on the health |
| provide thousands of meals daily for US and coalition | | | | care plan that your company provides. |
| troops and contractors. It is cafeteria style, and after | | | | |