Thanks all.
It's just so anti-climatic... I keep thinking I'm on my way out of town, then another delay... I did "graduate" from training, my security clearance has been approved, and I'm getting my CAC tomorrow, so any day now I should be on a commercial flight east.
Thanks Crimzy for quickly clearing up any misconceptions; I am going as a civilian contractor. I respect our men/women in uniform too much to let anyone confuse me with them.
That said, I'm not really going for business opportunities either. I'm 35 and single with no kids. No better time than right now to head overseas and be a part of an historic event. It should be a great experience with a great company, working for a US Department, while broadening my horizons considerably. Don't get me wrong, I'll be getting paid well. I won't deny or try to hide that. Plus this job opportunity should go a long way in buffering my resume if I decide to pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the SD.
As for the political discussions, I hope this job gives me more credibility when it comes to discussing Iraq. I'm looking forward to learning Arabic, talking with locals (in the Green Zone of course), and getting a first hand take on events in the Middle East.
Anyway, thanks for all of the well-wishes and prayers. I'll have regular access to the internet, so I'll be around as usual. I won't be able to discuss my job, but I will certainly discuss the state of Baghdad as I see it.
I realize this... And in lieu of stirring up a mess and hijacking this thread I'll leave it at that.
