Final Post

Well, looks like this will be my last post. I initially planned on this blog being a resource for fellow I.T. professionals that were thinking of taking a similar overseas position in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as it being a diary of sorts for my family & friends to follow along my journey.

Facebook filled the role of diary quite nicely, allowing me to post pictures and updates on a regular basis.

As for the resource to other I.T. professionals - my advice: don't do it.

If you're new into the I.T game, or you "don't get it" when working in the civilian I.T. sector back in the states - then this job may be for you. If you can't find a job or get hired back in the states - then this job may be for you. If you have personal problems, have issues with your social skills (moreso then the average computer geek), then this job may be for you. If you are in massive debt, then this job may be for you.

I had none of these issues when I took this position. I, naively, believed I was going to be working with the best of the best; the cream of the crop in the I.T. field - supporting the most powerful country & military in a mission I strongly believed in. I still believe in the mission, and believe what I did this past year was extremely beneficial & necessary. However, the price paid to do so was heavy.

No, I'm not talking about the fact that I've been in a war zone, or overseas & away from family. Those were expected & I knew I had the capacity to deal with both of those issues. What was unexpected was the level of mismanagement - from the bottom to the top - and the complete lack of competence by my peers at every level of the I.T organizational structure supporting the mission.

Turnover is extremely high here. But, not for the reasons you think. It's not due to lack of money; it's not due to being shot at; it's not due to being overseas. It's because the few qualified folks simply get sick & tired of not just being "leaned on" by their managers - but because they have to literally carry the whole team they work with. Those who either don't know what they're doing - or simply don't care to do more are left to do "nothing". They will not be reprimanded nor fired. To the contrary, they will find themselves transferred when enough people have had it with them, or, even worse - they apply for & often receive promotions! I've seen it with my own eyes time & time again.

Now, don't think I'm disgruntled because I was passed up on a promotion or something to that effect. I applied for - and turned down - one position because the contract I would've had to sign if I accepted it was absolutely ridiculous. I was offered another position at the top level of the I.T. organization in Kuwait - but, honestly, you simply cannot pay me enough to stay in this type of "amateur" environment. I did accept another promotion - but only because I felt that if I was going to continue to have to carry the load as much as I was - I may as well get a few dollars more in the process.

Am I glad I did this "whole thing"? I have mixed feelings. As I said before, I'm glad to have been a part of the mission. I gave a lot to the cause. I set several goals for myself this year - and achieved all but two of them. I have a new appreciation for "home" because Kabul, Afghanistan is no place to live - no matter who you are or where you come from. It's as bad and worse than those of you who have never been here may think.

But ultimately - I honestly expected the threat of death & attacks to be my biggest worry and concern; and while those thoughts & fears were definitely ever present, they paled in comparison to the level of aggravation, frustration and stress I dealt with day in & day out simply because the I.T. personnel & those that manage them are just so poorly qualified and lacking even the most basic industry standard best practices & principles. And, no, the fact that we're "in a war zone" has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on those deficiencies. It's simply the blind leading the blind.

While I did make some great friends, and found myself working with some highly skilled and professional contractors & military personnel alike - these were rare exceptions. Based on conversations & comments from these folks, I think its safe to say that I'm echoing their thoughts as well. It's a damn shame there weren't/aren't more like minded individuals serving over here.

I'm looking forward to my return to the US, joining up with a company I am proud to be a part of - finding myself once again rubbing elbows with & working with true professionals - and just putting the bulk of the memories of this past year behind me.

Best of luck & safety to all those contactors & service membes who continue to fight the good fight.