But looking at the requirements from a deontological reasoning point-of-view, I don't think the requirements reflect a fair and true assessment of the working and living conditions that each employee has to deal with daily here in Iraq. This is a dangerous place, and being physically competent is vital because when a person puts in 12-hour shifts 7 days a week -- that adds up to an 84-hour work week -- it is very tough. Being apart from one's family and friends for up to six months at a time takes a toll on a person's physical and emotional condition.
The culture shock is huge, especially when a mortar or rocket attack hits the base near where you are working. Dealing with this culture shock brings a lot of stress, and the natural instinct is to find things that help the person cope with the stressors. Some individuals start smoking, some work out to deal with the stress and others play video games or snack on unhealthy food....
Others engage in eating habits that result in weight game, which in turn results in high blood pressure. Many people working here on the government contract are forced to return to the States because the stress on their physical and emotional health has caused them to fail to meet the company's rigid physical requirements.
For example, I'm 6'3" and I weigh 300 pounds; my BMI is 36.9%, and I'm in as good a physical shape as someone 6'0" tall who weighs 295 pounds and is at 40%. But the person at 40% BMI is on the verge of being sent home -- and I wonder, is that really fair, to take a job away from someone so close to the BMI limit? The good news here is that the contractor I work for has launched a health life challenge, urging all employees to think smart, eat smart, get out and exercise and keep a healthier lifestyle going. It's a step in the right direction for the company, and can help the employees keep…
