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Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers that may help you understand more about the Justice Sector Assistance Programs in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Please see also Department of State Iraq Job Opportunities and Afghanistan Job Opportunities.
IRAQ
Q: What living conditions should I expect?
A: Employees will likely live in Containerized Housing Units (CHUs). CHUs are essentially small trailers situated on secure military bases. Employees may be required to share a trailer with another civilian working in Iraq, or they may be assigned to a single occupant trailer. Sometimes the trailers have a toilet and shower, but sometimes the trailers are "dry" and the employee must use a shared bathroom facility located within walking distance from the CHU. The CHUs are sparsely furnished with a bed, small storage closet, refrigerator, desk, chair and sometimes a television set.
Q: What will be done to ensure my safety?
A: Employees assigned to a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) reside inside a military base with the requisite level of force protection. Employees assigned to or visiting Baghdad live inside the International Zone on the Embassy grounds. While off the military base or outside the International Zone, employees are under the protection of U.S. Forces or under the protection of a Personal Security Detail approved by the Regional Security Officer for the U.S. Embassy. All employees are under Chief of Mission authority (the U.S. Ambassador) and must comply with rules set forth by the Regional Security Officer.
Q: How long are the assignments?
A: Employees are expected to spend 12 months (365 days) in Iraq. The assignment lasts 14 months and includes training and briefings before and after the assignment.
Q: What will my status be during the assignment?
A: Employees will remain on the rolls of their organizations, and will be on a Change of Duty Station status for the duration of the assignment in Iraq.
Q: How will my pay be affected?
A: An employee on a one-year assignment will receive their base annual salary (without U.S. locality adjustment). Additional pay will include danger pay (35%) and post (hardship) differential (35%).
Q: If I am scheduled to be in Iraq for one year, will I be able to take leave or come home to visit my family during the detail?
A: Employees serving a one-year assignment are eligible for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) travel benefits. R&R is a travel benefit which provides employees a period of relief from post. In addition to R&R, there may be opportunities for consultation travel back to Washington, DC. Employees on a one-year assignment may be granted up to 20 days of administrative leave to be used in conjunction with the R&R travel benefit. Administrative leave may be used in conjunction with other categories of available leave the employee may have, including annual and sick.
Q: Will my current benefits change while I am serving in Iraq?
A: No. You will retain all the benefits you have prior to deployment. In addition, you will receive additional pay benefits as explained above, based upon your deployment. You are strongly encouraged to review all of your benefits and designations of beneficiaries to ensure that elections and designations are current. Furthermore, you should ensure that your family is aware of your benefits and their entitlements based upon your service, and is provided a point of contact for assistance during your deployment.
Q: Is medical and dental care provided for non emergency care?
A: Employees accepting a one-year assignment are required to complete a physical and receive medical clearance by the Department of State. While routine medical/dental care is available, if more acute medical care is required you will be transported to an appropriate facility. Employees considering an assignment to one of these locations are encouraged to receive a dental checkup prior to deployment.
Q: If I am injured while deployed, who pays for my medical bills?
A: While deployed, you will be covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act Program, known as FECA. Any medical care provided in Iraq will be covered. If you require further care once you return to the United States, FECA will cover your medical expenses. Any injury sustained while serving is administered under the same process as an injury arising in the course of your position of record. The Office of Workers Compensation has a dedicated unit to process claims arising from injuries sustained in Iraq. These units provide prompt service to injured civil servants.
AFGHANISTAN
Q: What living conditions should I expect?
A: All permanently assigned personnel are assigned to a living container (hooch, 7 feet by 15 feet, the bathroom measures 3 feet by 7 feet) located on the Embassy compound. Living quarters are allocated from the Embassy Housing Pool, managed by the Management Section. All hooches come equipped with a single bed, desk and chair, dresser, wardrobe, nightstand, dormitory size refrigerator, TV, DVD player, internet hook-up, transformer, microwave oven, and sink. The hooches are also equipped with a toilet and shower in a separate room. Electricity in Kabul is 220v, 50-cycle AC. All hooches come equipped with a combined air conditioning/heating unit, plus a hot water heater.
Q: What will be done to ensure my safety?
A: Your living quarters are within the Embassy compound. Security is provided through private contractor and Diplomatic security personnel.
Transportation for all official appointments and personal errands will be provided by the DOJ Senior Federal Prosecutors Program or the Post's Motor Pool with official travel having priority over personal requirements. Travel off the compound to the Task Force site for training and mentoring or Ministry offices for meetings is restricted by security and/or availability of vehicles and drivers. All travel is done in armored vehicles. Travel into and out of Afghanistan from Dubai, U.A.E. is arranged by the Embassy through the DOJ Senior Federal Prosecutors Program.
Q: How long are the assignments?
A: Assignments are expected to last 12 months (365 days).
Q: What will my status be during the assignment?
A: Employees will remain on the rolls of their organizations, and will be on a Change of Duty Station status for the duration of the assignment in Afghanistan. Under the change in duty station assignment, employee will be eligible for certain relocation and shipping allowances.
Q: How will my pay be affected?
A: An employee on a one-year assignment will receive his/her base annual salary (without U.S. locality adjustment). Additional pay will include danger pay (35%) and post (hardship) differential (35%).
Q: If I am scheduled to be in Afghanistan for one year, will I be able to take leave or come home to visit my family during the detail?
A: Employees serving a one-year assignment are eligible for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) travel benefits. R&R is a travel benefit which provides employees a period of relief from post. In addition to R&R, there will be opportunities for consultation travel back to Washington, DC. At the end of the period of business requirements, an employee may request approval of an available category of leave to travel to their home. Employees on a one-year assignment may be granted up to 20 days of administrative leave to be used in conjunction with the R&R travel benefit. Administrative leave may be used in conjunction with other categories of available leave the employee may have, including annual and sick.
Q: Will my current benefits change while I am serving in Afghanistan?
A: No. You will retain all the benefits you have prior to deployment. In addition, you will receive additional pay benefits as explained above, based upon your deployment. You are strongly encouraged to review all of your benefits and designations of beneficiaries to ensure that elections and designations are current. Furthermore, you should ensure that your family is aware of your benefits and their entitlements based upon your service, and a point of contact is provided for assistance during your deployment.
Q: Is medical and dental care provided for non-emergency care?
A: Employees accepting a one-year assignment are required to complete a physical and receive medical clearance by the Department of State. While routine medical/dental care is available, if more acute medical care is required while you are assigned to Afghanistan, you will be transported to an appropriate facility. Employees considering an assignment to Afghanistan are encouraged to receive a dental checkup prior to deployment.
Q: If I am injured while deployed, who pays for my medical bills?
A: While deployed, you will be covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act Program, known as FECA. Any medical care provided through the Embassy’s Medical Unit while you are assigned in Afghanistan will be covered. If you require further medical care once you return to the United States, FECA will cover your medical expenses. Any injury sustained while serving is administered under the same process as an injury arising in the course of your position of record. The Office of Workers Compensation has a dedicated unit to process claims arising from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. These units provide prompt service to injured civil servants.
Q: If I decide I want to leave, will I be allowed transportation back to my home of record?
A: You will be serving under a change in duty station assignment, which requires a one-year service agreement. Although this is the maximum time required, unless extended, you may request a return to the United States at an earlier date in cases of hardship.
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