Infrastructure Specialist Career Guide and Counseling

Question: How can i trace companies who are Airport infrastructure specialists? looking for a company who are in the field of Airport building .

Answer: yellow pages?

Question: I received an offer of employment from Western Geco Ltd. How can I know if this is a scam or not? Tel: +447045713892 Fax: +448704795285 Ingoted: +448063439406 Date: 05/06/07 Ref: WG-HR/OE/CSE-908/2007 Attention: MANISH VISHWAKARMA, RE: NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT/ JOB ENGAGEMENT: 1.1 After verification and confirmation of details contained in your submitted Resume/CV, it is with great pleasure that we extend to you the offer to join the Western Geco Ltd in UK as (SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER) a total monthly wage of GBP 8,200.00 (Eight Thousand Two Hundred British Pounds Sterling) Only. You have been requested to join the Western Geco Ltd in the UK on JULY 23RD 2007. Western Geco Ltd shall arrange and pay for your flight ticket to join us in the UK for commencement of job in due time upon your compliance with the Western Geco Ltd/ British Expatriate Services paper works requirements. JOB STATUS: You shall be expected to enter into an initial job engagement contract with the Western Geco Ltd for a maximum duration of 365 days and can be converted/renewed to full-time service or otherwise upon your successful/satisfactory performance and preference. Where the Government of the EU/UK either by legislation or administrative pronouncement, provides for new and/or additional benefits, including increase in salaries or directs that such benefits should apply to private sector, the Western Geco Ltd and you shall meet to discuss the new measures. You shall be entitled to travel and relocation expenses plus travel/ contingencies allowances of GBP3, 200.00 that is excluded of relocation expenses and flight ticket prior to your job commencement as part of our service commitment/incentive to encourage our employees who have met our official statuary requirements. 1.2 YOU HAVE BEEN OFFERED THE POSITION SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: As one of our Senior Electrical Engineers, you’ll provide specialist engineering technical support and advice in specifying appropriate maintenance, inspection and reliability activities. We’ll also require you to evaluate new systems and procedures and provide advice regarding application and support for their introduction. You’ll identify, share and apply best practices, both from within Shell Group and from external sources, and provide electrical engineering support for projects and plant changes, either managed locally or by the project department. You can expect to assist the ENG Team Leader Electrical Engineering and ENG Distribution Engineer in long term planning of the electrical infrastructure and management of the generation and distribution system, including protection coordination, system modelling and system studies. In addition to these tasks, you’ll also have the following tasks: Acting as contract holder of a number of site term contracts Estimating or providing input to estimating for plant changes and projects Providing input to the site standards and procedures, electrical safety rules, guidance notes, electrical permit to work system, etc. Designing support for projects across the whole of the site Providing discipline input to multi-discipline teams looking at specific site issues or problems. 1.3 Other employment benefits/entitlements include and not limited to: . Fully furnished accommodation (Family/Single housing) . Medical, Dental and Optical care for employee/family . Scholarship / Educational assistance . Mobility. . Relocation Expenses . Life/Health Insurance Policy implementations . Overtime Allowance benefits 1.7 PARTY A shall pay to EMPLOYEE on satisfactory performance of the services stated in 1.1, the sum of ₤9,200 (Nine thousand two hundred pounds sterling) monthly basic salary, or equivalent depending on EMPLOYEE’S home country and currency preference. (a) PARTY A shall pay EMPLOYEE for the services rendered under this agreement by cheque presented on a monthly basis upon due presentation and receipt of undisputed Quality single or family housing shall be provided by SPDC or in the alternative the sum of ₤2,000.00 per month shall be paid to you as Housing Allowance. (b) The sum of ₤3,100.00 shall be paid to you for personal effects shipment and excess baggage allowance. (c) SPDC shall provide you access to some of the finest social and recreational facilities in the United Kingdom. (d) SPDC will provide the employee with comprehensive health care for the terms of contract and follow-on care for injuries suffered during the term of contract for employer and family. (e) The sum of ₤2330.00 per month shall be paid to you as Educational Assistance Benefit with family status contracts. (f) Complete meals for you as deemed appropriate. (g) ₤3.200.00 flat rate travel / entertainment allowance shall be paid by your employer for each international trip. Travel shall be by business / first class. However for the purpose of commencement, the cost of travel ticket shall be paid in addition to travel / entertainment allowance. Cost shall be substantiated and shall be the rate charged at the period / time of employees. Travel ticket including that of employees’ family only on employees’ early notification to employer and as shall be requested by employee. (h) Employee shall also be entitled to maximum security including members of the state security service in housing community. (I) the employee will be reimbursed by the employer for reasonable moving expense incurred only as a result of relocation or early termination of leases, storage charges: procurement of travel documents, immunization etc. Reimbursements shall be paid not more than five (5) working days from submission of report / and receipt as proof of payments. 1.4 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT. 1.8 Serve as other wise specifically stated in a superseding document, the project administrator of PARTY A, shall maintain general administration and management of this contract on behalf of PARTY A and all correspondences relating or pertaining with this agreement should be made, forwarded, addressed to same. 1.9 PARTY B / EMPLOYEE agree to indemnify PARTY A in respect of any third party claims arising from PARTY B’s performance of this contract. 2.0 This agreement shall not be assigned or transferred in part of whole by due to termination of same any party to this agreement without prior written consent of the other party, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld. Notwithstanding any of the aforementioned obligations, terms and conditions neither party shall be deemed, considered in default of any of its obligations under this agreement as a result of “Force Majeure�, but if an interruption of performing the obligations under this agreement as a result of “Force Majeure’ condition for a period more than one month; PARTY A shall pay EMPLOYEE only 70% of the amount stated in paragraph 1.7 of this agreement as standby or agreement termination fee. PARTY A shall; in the event of default or non-compliance of PARTY B/EMPLOYEE with the terms and conditions of this agreement; in writing give notice to PARTY B / EMPLOYEE specifying the areas of default and PARTY B / EMPLOYEE shall upon receipt of the said notice have ten (10) calendar days to rectify to the satisfaction of PARTY A the said default. 1.5 WORK HOURS. The working hours shall be 40 hours working per week: Monday to Friday inclusive. Saturdays, Sundays and Gazettes public holidays shall be rest days. However, some employees’ who work on shift may have different work hours and rest days other than Saturdays and Sundays. 1.6 WEEKEND/ HOLIDAY DUTY ALLOWANCE: Where an employee is required to be on duty on Saturdays, Sundays and Gazette public holidays, he will be paid as follows: Total Performance: 9.0%- for work done for 6hours and above Partial Performance: 4.5%- for work done for 3 hours but not up to 6 hours Transport Allowance: GBP 30.00 per day worked Meal Allowance: GBP 40.00 per day worked 1.7 SHIFT ALLOWANCE: Western Geco Ltd shall pay shift allowance of GBP 45.00 only per shift to employees who work on shift either in the offices or fields. Presence Weekend (PW), this rule will apply to periods arising from delays in evacuating the field, location site or office according to the arrangements subsisting between the Western Geco Ltd and the Department in question. 1.8 VACATION: You shall be authorized Three (3) times paid vacation (Not exceeding 21 Working Days) each year, to be used at your discretion after duly informing and receiving approval from employer’s management. Employer will pay for travel expenses (i.e. flight tickets) and flat rate travel allowance of GBP2, 800.00. COMPASSIONATE LEAVE: In the event of death or serious illness of employees’ father, mother, wife husband or child, necessitating presence of staff, Western Geco Ltd shall grant compassionate leave with pay up to a maximum of 12 working days per year. INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EMPLOYEE: You shall be given the opportunity for international assignments within the group for the acquisition of experience and exposure to enhance your competence and not limited to job engagements as shall be required by the Western Geco Ltd as such you shall also be entitled to benefits on such issues. DISCIPLINE: You are expected to recognize the right of the Western 1. TERMINATION: In addition, the company reserves the right to terminate the employment of any staff who flagrantly or repeatedly fails to comply with the company’s code of conduct or commits an offence of a magnitude that the company considers him unsuitable to be in its employment. 2. SUMMARY DISMISSAL: In rare cases, an employee may be dismissed for the commission of a grave offence, in which case no notice is given. Such offences shall include inter-alias. a) Theft and fraud in connection with company’s business or property. Any staff found guilty or implicated in any of these offences may be liable to prosecution. b) Disclosure of confidential information of the company or its associate to a third party. c) Conviction and/or imprisonment for criminal offence. The Employee’s High Commission, Embassy/Consulate shall be given benefit of consultation in any case involving the dismissal of its citizens as such, Employee will also be given the chance of fair hearing and proper investigation prior to decisions conclusion. With compliance with the mobilization, advancement & reimbursement policies (MA&DP) of the Western Geco Ltd, you shall be required to incurred all initial expenses as a result of your documentation & paper work processes/procurement and would be reimbursed in not more than five (5) working days upon your submission of invoice receipt or proof of incurred expenses. This is for confirmation of readiness & seriousness of employee to join the Western Geco Ltd. team within the stipulated time frame and also based on previous occurrences experienced by our corporate management from expatriate services employees. NOTE: You would be required to personally bear the initial expenses as regards the processing, procurement and acquisition of your legal immigrant paper works as a sign of your readiness and seriousness to join our team here in the UK in due time and you shall be reimbursed incurred expenses by the Western Geco Ltd management prior to your resumption in not more than Five (5) working days from date of your acquisition of the legal permit documentation , if you do not find this term agreeable, then do not hesitate to furnish us with a letter of declination of your job engagement offer as soon as possible to enable us timely replacement on your position. Welcome to our family. Sincerely, Prof. Richard Don Lawrence Human Resources Manager, Western Geco Limited. Gatwick Airport RH6 0NZ, West Sussex, United Kingdom. MANAGING DIRECTOR MR. MICHAEL FISH AND ………………………………………… EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE & DATE

Answer: The general rule of thumb with things like this, is that if you even need to ask if it could be a hoax - Its a Hoax! :-) Follow that rule and you won't get caught out!

Question: Average yearly income for an IT support specialist? My husband just got his degree in Computer Technology & Infrastructure. He recently accepted a job being a Junior IT Support Specialist and the starting pay was $9.75. His boss told him once the 30 day "trial period" was up, he'd get a raise to at LEAST $11 / hour. Now, that's already so low.. but the thing is, his boss still hasn't given it to him.. instead, raised him to $10.00/hr. We can barely live off of that and I want him to look for a new job or present to him that that is NOTHING for someone who spent thousands of dollars to get a degree to be making $10/hr. Anyone know the average income for a Junior Support Specialist in IT? Ah and I forgot to add that his boss LOVES my husband and is constantly telling him what an asset to the company he is, etc etc. For someone who has such a liking in his employee, he should expect to pay him a hell of a lot more than $20k a year.

Answer: WOW...that is rough. IT is a tough business now and lots of competition but $10/hr. is still pretty low. However, depending on where you live this will vary (in any industry). I am in the NorthEast and the starting pay pretty much anywhere is atleast $15 - add to the fact that your husband has a degree, I would say $15 to start and then move up the ladder. Since he is in the "Jr". support position, he is not going to see much more than that. i would encourage him to send resumes out to others while keeping this job. if he gets a better offer, he can always present it to his boss that loves him so much and see if the boss will step up and pay him a fair salary. You did not mention benefits - but typically, a company pays out benefits that are equal to half of the employees salary (cost of health insurance premiums, disability insurance, dental, 401K etc) GOOD LUCK!

Question: Salary of BD 1166" Versus "Cost of living of Bahrain" - Kindly hep Greeting Friends. Need your help. I have got an offer from "Polaris Software Labs" Manama-Bahrain as an IT-Consultant for a payout of BD 1166 per month. I would really appreciate if folks out there can help me in understan the "Cost of living" (good & moderate lifestyle, but no luxuries) of Bahrain. Following would be some data about me that might help you all: - 1. I am married and having 2 months old baby 2. I don't drink/ don't smoke. 3. Would want to effort a normal house. 4. Would want to effort a normal car.(as I have heard that, it is a necessity) 5. Yes, I would want to save some good money as well. 6. Go out site seeing - eat out etc. etc. But rarely 7. My work permit will be sponsored by the Company. 8. The Company is also covering me under "Hospitalization and Surgical medical insurance scheme". Currently I am in India working as a "Infrastructure specialist" with an IT company here getting a payout of INR 75000/- per month (inclusive of Bonus) (aprox 1200US$) after taxes. I have a little more than 8 years of "IT- Infrastructure admin & support". I want to know , if this salary range is correct based on my experience or not and is it good offer or not. How do I proceed further. Eagerly waiting to hear from people.. Thanks/Regards raj

Answer: dont play around with different names you have already asked this question with BD 1055 and now you are asking the same thing with 1166. Idiot

Question: Which college program should I enroll in: Programmer Analyst or Information Systems Specialist? I am trying to figure out which IT program to enroll in. There are a few offered in the province, and I have it narrowed down to these two. Which program would make more employable? Program 1: Programmer Analyst (Business) Co-op - College of the North Atlantic - St. John's, NL Semester 1 CM2100 Workplace Correspondence CP1120 Fundaments of Programming CP1920 Computer Hardware and Troubleshooting MC1805 Software Applications MA1900 Problem Solving for Information Technology SD1460 College, Career and Portfolio Preparation Semester 2 CM2300 Report Writing CP2130 Fundamentals of Programming II CP2481 Microcomputer Database Programming CR1100 Network Fundamentals CR1510 Web Site Development EP1150 Business for Information Technology Semester 3 WC1150 Work Term I Semester 4 EP1140 Business Operations in Information Systems CM2200 Oral Communications CP2280 Object-Oriented Programming in Java CP3410 Fundamentals of Database Design CP3421 Fundamentals of Systems Analysis and Design SD2410 Personal, Professional and Portfolio Development CR2800 Security for Programmers Semester 5 WC2150 Work Term II Semester 6 CP2190 Unix CP2560 Advanced J2SE Programming CP1950 Object-Oriented Development with UML CP1330 Windows Server Administration CP4411 SQL Using Oracle Semester 7 WC3150 Work Term III Semester 8 PR2460 Comprehensive Project CP4461 Database Programming using ADO.NET CP4471 Emerging Trends in Software Development CP3561 Java Database and Web Component Development SD3410 Portfolio Completion and Career Preparation Elective (minimum of three credits) Program 2: Information Systems Specialist - CompuCollege - St. John's, NL Computer fundamentals with keyboarding Software fundamentals Operating systems fundamentals A+ Novell NetWare Windows XP Professional Manage and maintain Windows server 2003 environment Implementing a Windows server 2003 network infrastructure Implement & maintain Windows server 2003 Active directory Infrastructure Plan & maintain a Windows server 2003 Network infrastructure Design security for Microsoft Server 2003 Introduction to Cisco routers Exchange server 2003 administration Implementing ISA server Unix/Linux Student success strategies Professional skills Career planning and preparation Field Placement (8 weeks) TOTAL WEEKS: 83

Answer: you need to be keeping away from anything to do with Microsoft, Businesses are dropping MS like hot bricks and moving over to Linux. the reason for this is Linux is faster, more secure and Free to download and use Businesses only pay for the support services, They don't have to pay for Operating and Software Licenses at a cost of millions of dollars a year that they have to pay Microsoft, Linux will run on any computer system plus the fact that is it supported by Intel, Ibm Oracle .Google and Yahoo, The up and coming next generation of operating systems and software Programming language is Linux. Java and Unix once you have Linux qualifications under your belt you will be able to start your own business, I wish I was in my 20's now this is the best opportunity to get places these days. has they say strike while the irons hot

Question: Who will be qualified to fill the jobs that Obama has promised to fix the infrastructure? We have graduated from a trades population to a technology based work force. I sincerely doubt that a computer programmer will be able to survive as a bricklayer, cement specialist, framing expert, etc. Besides that the technology-trained workforce probably will not have the physical stamina to survive in a blood and sweat career. Another point, technology trained people will most likely not "lower" themselves to get their hands dirty and sweat to do the manual labor jobs that fixing the infrastructure will involve. This can be substantiated by the fact that many of those who are unemployed will do everything they can to avoid taking a job "not in their career field" while searching for that "dream" job.

Answer: once the depression hits and the computer programmers don't have jobs, they'll either have to learn to be brick layers, etc. or live out of a garbage can.

Question: I need financial assitance to start professional refrigeration service workshop. Can someone advice pl ? I am a professional engineer, with several years of experience in Ac & Ref, and also a specialist in maintenance / repair welding, locally and overseas. There is good scope for a really professional, fully equipped refrigeration service centre in Sri Lanka. I have or have easy access to basic equipment and also have suitable location for commencement of business. I need assitance to set up infrastructure and buy other advanced equipment, etc.

Answer: In the US you can check out the Small Business Administration. I don't know if there is anything similar to that in Sri Lanka.

Question: Network specialist? networking with switches and routers These r 'some of the courses in the program at the college': CIT 130 CISCO 1 Cisco Network Fundamentals 4 CIT 131 CISCO 2 Routers and Internet Operating Systems 4 CIT 135 Novell Network Administration I 3 CIT 136 Novell Advanced Administration II 3 CIT 220 Network Server Technology 3 CIT 226 Windows Network Infrastructure 3 CIT 227 Managing a Windows Network 3 CIT 228 Administering Windows Directory Services 3 CIT 230 CISCO 3 Local Area Network and Design 4 CIT 231 CISCO 4 Wide Area Network and Design 4 I see alot of jobs with cisco as one of the things you would need to know....should i take up this course at my college...computer information techonology? thankzzz thanks for the advice and this is a real college uni so im not sure what you mean?

Answer: I would take the Cisco1-3 and possibly the 4. Cisco does lead the way - not "seems to lead". I wouldn't bother with the novell (other than reading about it) but would consider some of the windows courses. As noted you need to understand IP and how it works as well as the upper layer stuff. Once you take these you need to get the CCNA and possibly the CCNP. The NP will set you a bit higher up the food chain than the NA when it comes to entry level jobs. I have the IE so I am a bit biased. Still, I've been in the industry 25+ years so I think I have a bit of a background in this. Wish they had these types of classes when I started out. Good luck!

Question: what kind of experience is needed for a position like this? The Internal Support Specialist is responsible for maintaining all of Oakwood’s internal technology systems, coordinating resources to handle internal support matters, and working with all practice areas to ensure that Oakwood’s information technology infrastructure is operational, efficient, and well maintained., con'd.... The Internal Support Specialist handles a variety of roles ranging from imaging laptops to creating internal reports and programs. While Oakwood’s consultants will act as resources to the ISS, the ISS is expected to be able to quickly analyze issues, determine a course of action, and bring the appropriate resources to bear. The ISS will have depth in at least one discipline and the ability to learn and accommodate additional disciplines. This position is a growth oriented consultant-level position within Oakwood’s hierarchy. Although not presently included in this position description, the ISS position could include proposal assistance, client help desk, and other functions best served by an internal resource. This position will report to the St. Louis General Manager. The Internal Support Specialist position encompasses several distinct areas. The ISS is expected to have depth in at least one discipline, as noted above. Internal Network and User Support ·Maintain laptop images for Oakwood employees ·Image laptops as required for deployment / redeployment ·Troubleshoot internal operational problems by using a variety of PC hardware/software troubleshooting techniques ·Provide user support for system problems Test and install patches as required ·Maintain inventory of all internal systems, including move/add/change data ·Place orders, as approved, for hardware and specialty internal software ·Coordinate receipt, inventory, and billing with Oakwood Controller ·Maintain Asset Management inventory in conjunction with Controller ·Maintain documentation of network, PC’s, and other data as required ·LAN/WAN support, including routing and switching, internet access ·Maintaining the security environment including firewalls and VPN, ·Moves/Adds/Changes to corporate phone system Software and Internal Systems ·SharePoint Portal and WSS support ·Participate in Portal Governance and on-going redesign ·Ensure that portal is kept clean and operational ·Website changes (website is in Content Management Server) ·Work with CEO, GMs, Controller, and Practice Leaders to modify internal reporting from key systems (as needed) ·Maintain MSDN Library, including downloads of new information, burning CDs as needed to support consultants ·Participate in search, implementation and maintenance of new internal software as required ·Licensing and compliance General ·Maintain and report on Internal Projects ·Support and maintain Oakwood’s core values and purpose ·Report consulting and non-billable time on a timely basis ·Promote Oakwood within the community Required Skills and Experience: ·Two or more years of practical experience in supporting one of the above designated areas ·Certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is preferred. ·Diverse technical background with experience in various roles, platforms, architectures, packages and technologies ·Professional image and demeanor with the ability to present oneself in a consultative, confident manner while treating team members with the highest level of professionalism ·Possess an entrepreneurial nature with the capability to understand multiple facets of a business environment along with an interest in contributing to Oakwood Systems Group, Inc. ·Ability to communicate effectively with different levels of management, as well as both the business and technical communities ·History of keeping up-to-date with technology ·Strong career interest with a focus on professional improvement ·Exposure to leadership role a plus ·Minimum of Bachelors Degree preferred with an IT-related discipline ·Strong verbal/written communication skills ·Demonstrated ability to be productive independently and/or as a team member ·Diverse understanding of industry based tols, software and techniques ·Strong organizational, interpersonal and analytical skills ·Demonstrated understanding of basic estimating procedures, capable of assembling a basic project plan and good work tracking habits ·In depth knowledge of Network Technologies Standard of performance: ·Demonstrate a strong commitment to Oakwood personnel. ·Possess a professional, dependable attitude that is oriented toward a cooperative and positive spirit in working with other team members ·A high level of customer satisfaction which exceeds standard levels of performance · Maintain a strong level of team building and technical knowledge concerning the business systems supported. · Continually increase technical knowledge and project management skills · Promote Oakwood in every aspect of work and community endeavors. · Participate in the group meetings of the branch. anyway the bottom line to this whole thing is this...I applied last week for this position and I thougth I would be a shoe in for this position especially since I have a BS in Computer Information Systems. I thought this position would be a position to be able to grow in. The problem was that I made it to my 2nd interview and all the HR parts went o.k. but when it came down to the technical parts I was stuck. They were asking me specifics about imaging a laptop...how is a person supposed to know these specifics if they are not around the software...I used the old trick of saying " I am a fast learner and pick up things very quickly". Now how hard can it be to image a lap top anyway? My point is this ..... I dont have a lot of experience in my field. I am working out of my field since graduating in 2002 with a BS in computer info. systems. I figured this position would be a perfect for someone to grow into. any advice or suggestions.

Answer: sounds like experience in system information technology, networking, knowing hardware, the internet...etc..

Question: Do liberals fear that Bush will become one of the greatest presidents? Do liberals fear that Bush will become one of the greatest presidents? As the world awaits General David Petraeus’s progress report on President Bush’s troop surge, even war critics concede that deploying 30,000 additional GIs has improved Iraq’s security. Largely overlooked, however, is how increased safety has helped U.S. soldiers and contractors rebuild its physical and institutional infrastructure. The Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) has performed much of the Pentagon’s $11.4 billion in reconstruction. So far, they have concluded 3,014 of 3,387 planned projects. ACE’s website highlights most of the details and comments cited here. While terrorists blasted holes in highways and water pipes, America has paved 38 new roads. Once 41 total projects are done, Iraqis will ride 265 miles of fresh thoroughfares. Already, 3.1 million Iraqis enjoy 142 million new gallons of purified water daily. Eventually, 300 million such gallons will flow daily to 5.2 million Iraqis, some of whom routinely fill buckets at distant wells. ACE announced Wednesday that it completed a $266 million facility to bring drinking water to 500,000 Iraqis in southern Dhi Qar province. This should combat water-borne diseases that often kill children up to age 5. While Islamofascists built roadside bombs, car bombs, and bomb vests, America stayed busy building or rehabilitating 77 primary healthcare centers and 16 hospitals, through August 20. Eventually, GIs will have finished work on 142 primary-care centers and 25 hospitals to serve up to 6.5 million Iraqis. “In my opinion,� said one Iraqi project engineer who helped ACE construct four hospitals in southern Maysan province, “providing these new and additional medical services will help reduce the infant mortality rate of the area.� While Muslim radicals deliberately machine-gunned boys and girls on school buses, U.S. troops through August 29 had renovated or built 810 schools, supplying classrooms for 324,000 students. As part of a $1 million effort, ACE last month finished rebuilding a soccer field, cafeteria, plumbing, and air conditioning at the student center of Baghdad’s Mustansiriya University, founded in 1234 A.D. While fanatic Muslims kidnapped Iraqi women for arranged marriages, American forces have helped female Iraqis thrive in engineering, business, and law enforcement. ACE encourages Iraqi women to participate in training and networking seminars for entrepreneurs who hope to bid on construction contracts. Among 40 companies at one such event in July, 10 were women-owned. “Women are a part of this society and together everyone who had an unfair chance during the last regime can now take advantage of their new opportunities within our new country,� said an Iraqi businesswoman named Luma. Meanwhile, ACE is erecting a three-story facility for female cops in An Najaf province. “The objective for building the $134,000 female training police station is to help advise, organize, and train Iraqi female officers on basic infantry tactics, from squad to battalion level, to further enhance the Iraqi police stations,� said Army Lt. Colonel Jan Carter. “As an Iraqi woman, I wish I could see more changes in the Iraqi community,� one female cop remarked. “I joined the Iraqi Army to participate in the noble mission of restoring security in Iraq. I want to see all the Iraqi people happy and living in peace.� Through July, America had spent $435 million on 404 Iraqi security and justice facilities including 154 border forts, 91 police stations, 32 courthouses, and four major prisons. Of course, these are more than just Iraqi pork-barrel projects. These concrete baby steps forward after 35 years of kleptocratic Baathist tyranny are drawing Iraqi hearts and minds toward America. U.S. efforts increasingly counteract the frustration Ahmed Raja Al Assan expressed in a Wednesday dispatch by Pentagon public-affairs specialist Sergeant Mike Pryor. “The terrorists are trying to kill us, kill our families,� Al Assan said. “We want to fight back.� “A key aspect of U.S. counterinsurgency strategy is to provide security, then basic services as soon as possible, while there is a strategic window in which we can prove our worth to the local public,� says Pete Hegseth, an Army reserve officer who served 11 months in Baghdad and Samarra and now leads Vets for Freedom. “It’s one thing to kick out the bad guys,� Hegseth tells me. “It’s another to prove that we are better.� President Bush’s troop surge is helping America deliver that proof.

Answer: No, there's nothing to fear. Bush will go down as one of the worst presidents, if not the worst president ever.