DynCorp International

[mitsdriver]

Anybody have any info on this outfit? Just saw their ad on climbto350...

 

[Ace75]

They flew OV-10's and Caravans on coca spraying runs in Colombia. I believe the 1900D job is in Kandahar or Kabul and involves flying US dignitaries around the country. They generally employ civilians for work that may not be appropriate for the military for various reasons...The pay is very good but you will be gone for weeks to months at a time.

If you need a job and are single, maybe go do it, but you need to understand what you are getting into, they don't want people that will back out during the job. They require a contract and if you can't come to terms with the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan, ie potential for exposure to hostile fire, as clearly stated in their posting, then dont apply!

 

[avbug]

They flew OV-10's and Caravans on coca spraying runs in Colombia.

Incorrect.

 

[Ace75]

I know the Ov-10's were operated by a subcontractor of Dyncorp and the Caravans were used for recce. I turned down the position in 2003. Whatever else you want to add, feel free.

 

[Cardinal]

When you say the pay is "very good," what are we talking here? My motivation isn't strictly economic, but a number would put some of the required tradeoffs in better perspective...

 

[mitsdriver]

They flew OV-10's and Caravans on coca spraying runs in Colombia. I believe the 1900D job is in Kandahar or Kabul and involves flying US dignitaries around the country. They generally employ civilians for work that may not be appropriate for the military for various reasons...The pay is very good but you will be gone for weeks to months at a time.

If you need a job and are single, maybe go do it, but you need to understand what you are getting into, they don't want people that will back out during the job. They require a contract and if you can't come to terms with the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan, ie potential for exposure to hostile fire, as clearly stated in their posting, then dont apply!

Thanks for the info. I've been looking in this type of flying for the past few months and it seems interesting. I'm single so I can travel as much I need to. And I'm willing to accept the potential risk. Heck, you can get shot at at the local Mickey D's here in the states if it isn't your day. BTW, does the lack of military background hurt one's chances for landing this kind of jobs?

 

[satpak77]

Thanks for the info. I've been looking in this type of flying for the past few months and it seems interesting. I'm single so I can travel as much I need to. And I'm willing to accept the potential risk. Heck, you can get shot at at the local Mickey D's here in the states if it isn't your day. BTW, does the lack of military background hurt one's chances for landing this kind of jobs?

Do you speak Spanish? Do you have a security clearance? Those will be needed/desired for the job.

 

[mitsdriver]

Do you speak Spanish? Do you have a security clearance? Those will be needed/desired for the job.

No, I don't have a security clearance but I'm confident that I can pass the necessary background check to get it. I don't have any records or anything that could keep me from getting it.

I also don't speak Spanish but why would I need to know Spanish in places like Iraq or Afghanistan?

 

[avbug]

Do you speak Spanish? Do you have a security clearance?

Spanish isn't generally a prerequisite in Afghanistan. A security clearance can be obtained...one shouldn't skip applying simply because one doesn't yet hold a clearance.

 

[Ace75]

Dyncorp will obtain a security clearance for you though it may take a few weeks to a few months depending on your background. Military experience is desired but they have hired people without it, as long as you have a 1900 type, clean record, and meet their other requirements you should have a shot to interview and get hired.

The pay is will most likely be over 100K per year, tax free, along with housing on a secure compound and payed tickets for the commute back to the States.

If you really want this job you need to be totally dedicated, there is a one year contract involved in order for you not to back out after learning what its really like over there. I'm sure you will enjoy the flying, but comparing it to the regular risks one may take when ordering a Big Mac at McDonalds may be a little short sighted on your part. You need to take a serious look at what your getting yourself into here, dozens of our service members are killed every month along with over 1,000 civilians so far this year. Don't let the money lure you in, that being said, if this is what you really want to do then go for it.

 

[mitsdriver]

Dyncorp will obtain a security clearance for you though it may take a few weeks to a few months depending on your background. Military experience is desired but they have hired people without it, as long as you have a 1900 type, clean record, and meet their other requirements you should have a shot to interview and get hired.

The pay is will most likely be over 100K per year, tax free, along with housing on a secure compound and payed tickets for the commute back to the States.

If you really want this job you need to be totally dedicated, there is a one year contract involved in order for you not to back out after learning what its really like over there. I'm sure you will enjoy the flying, but comparing it to the regular risks one may take when ordering a Big Mac at McDonalds may be a little short sighted on your part. You need to take a serious look at what your getting yourself into here, dozens of our service members are killed every month along with over 1,000 civilians so far this year. Don't let the money lure you in, that being said, if this is what you really want to do then go for it.

I wasn't suggesting the risk was equal here vs. there. I was just saying that everything in life has risks. Obviously there's a reason why the pay is what it is.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that 1000 civilian casualty you mentioned consists mostly of Afghan civilians who doesn't have the same level of protection that foreign contractors do.

If I do go over there, I'm confident (and hope) that I can hack it. Especially in light of fact that our soldiers face far greater risk for a lot less money then any civilian contractor.

 

[avbug]

Especially in light of fact that our soldiers face far greater risk for a lot less money then any civilian contractor.

You might want to rethink that just a little. Especially where the "risk" is concerned.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that...

Okay. You're wrong.

 

[Cardinal]

Thanks Ace!

 

[Rouge Warrior]

Anyone get a call for the job?

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

I previously saw a job as a Caravan instructor pilot. Pay was $180-$240/year. They were having difficulty filling the position. Wonder why???

cliff
NBO

 

[iwannabeatmidex]

Got called for the 1900 gig... Anyone else who got hired, please pm me!

 

[Rouge Warrior]

Me too.

 

[Flt 525]

Any more information?

The two of you who got calls from DynCorp, did you accept the positions? I know they say don't discuss it but in what ballpark does the salary fall? Is the contract for Afghan or the drug work down south? Did they mention anything about helicopter pilots for the Department of State avaiation contract in Afghan?

I knew some of the RW pilots that flew for Blackwater when they had the contracts. Pretty strange dudes.

For the guy wanting to go to Afghan and take the risk: we have some employees living at camps in Afghanistan and they don't even have port-a-lets; they crap in a bag and burn it as soon as they are through. And you sleep with one ear open all night on an army-style cot. Delivery of materials and supplies is difficult due to harsh terrain and dangers along the route. So you may eat two meals during the day that are MREs. They wear protective body vest and kevlar helmets some days because the threat level goes up. Yes, you get a nice pay-check but you earn every penny of it.

 

[betelnuts]

Was that the job for C-172 and C-208 instructors? Applied and never heard back. Bummer!

 

[F/O]

If you haven't actually DONE this kind of work, i.e. ACTUALLY FLOWN in theater then you should STFU. I have never seen so much hearsay and rumor wrapped up in a thread on FI before...and that's saying something...