Here is an Est. on US Civilian/Contractor casualties in Iraq

[PETA]

Originally Posted by combatcarpenter

Speaking as a civilian contractor who has spent the last 18 months in Afghanistan, I can sincerely say that with a couple of exceptions, you people are all fucking idiots. I am also a disabled veteran who served in the first Gulf War, so I don't need to hear anything about not serving. In fact, I believe that I am still serving, a sentiment shared by the soldiers I live and work with. As far as the compensation goes, the industry standard is around $84,000.00 a year. What you probably don't know is that we work seven days a week, at least 12 hours a day for four straight months before we get one day off. And unlike our soldiers, we are required to stay out of the United States 300 days a year to maintain a tax-free status. I did my time willingly, and made a lot less money than today's specialist. And I am far more technically proficient than 90 percent of the soldiers who perform the same job. I am a union trained carpenter with 12 years of experience. I can design build anything from the ground up, independent of any supervision. These facts, as well as many I won't bore you with, explain why I can say in no uncertain terms that I am, if anything, underpaid. I can't do a damn thing about military pay and allowances, except to offer this advice: Learn a trade and do what I did. Man up and get on a plane to Afghanistan or Iraq. Talk is STILL cheap.

First, thank you for your past and continued service (you're right - the dollars don't really accurately represent what you and others like your are really worth) but do you need to be such an abrasive ass in making your point? So now, curious how any of your comments (including your blanket insult) followed from my quoted comments?

[Nyteshade]

Originally Posted by combatcarpenter

Don't get a day off? How about every Sunday, every soldier?

That must be something the army does. Either the Corps or possibly just the unit I was in, never got a day off the entire time. Neither did any unit I had dealings with.

How about standing watch once every three days for 3 hours for the QRF? Please, don't try and discount my argument by discounting me. (Argumentum ad Hominum fallacy) When I said I did my time willingly, I was talking about the 13 months I spent as an E3/E4 during the first Gulf War. And yes, the kids these days make a hell of a lot more than we did. Not bitchin, just stating a fact. If you have any comment to make that addresses my post, feel free to reply.

Again, I'd like to know how? I finished out as an E-4 two years ago and even with combat pay, BAH, BAS, blah blah, I was pulling in $3200 a month. So excuse me if I call bullshit on enlisted servicemen clearing $85k.

[GodlessSodomite]

I think what's going on with Brittany Spears not wearing underwear and Michael Richards saying 'nigger' is far more important than this.

[zcwilly]

Originally Posted by GodlessSodomite

I think what's going on with Brittany Spears not wearing underwear and Michael Richards saying 'nigger' is far more important than this.

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans feel the same way as you do. That's why the corruption will continue.

[GodlessSodomite]

I dont feel that way. I was just trying to break up the e-fight.


JESSICA SIMPSON SEX TAPE REVEALED!!!11

[zcwilly]

LOL

At least is wasn't "Dancing with the Stars"