Recruiters in town to fill jobs in Iraq

It's not fun and games. That's how a global company is pitching jobs to hundreds of El Pasoans interested in working in Iraq.

Kellogg, Brown, and Root, known as KBR, is in town this weekend. The company is looking for folks who are ready, willing, and qualified to work in a war zone.

An estimated 100 people attended a presentation Friday that was put on by the Houston-based company. Officials said they are not hiding the fact that Iraq, which is where many of their new hires might end up, is very hostile.

But they also point out that most of the jobs, from food service to plumbing, would never require employees to leave the base. The jobs with most danger would be truckers.

Officials said making very good money is a motivator for job applicants. But they emphasize that in order to make that money, working super hard is a must.

Recruiters said El Paso is a great town to find employees because of the close proximity to Fort Bliss, and the high number of retired military personnel living in the city.

Chris Ward, a KBR recruiter, told ABC 7, "They know the living conditions and working conditions that they'll be part of. Obviously it's not a project for everyone. It's very rough living in tents. And obviously some soldiers will have that down pat."

Jerry Sewrook, who wants to go to Iraq to work as a plumber, told ABC 7, "I was in Vietnam, and it doesn't bother me. It's a part of life. You can get killed here too."

Officials hope to fill at least 100 of their available 1000 with El Pasoans. They will be in town Saturday as well.

The KBR presentations are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Marriott by the airport.

From: http://www.kvia.com/global/story.asp?s=1869367&ClientType=Printable