If I had a skill to offer and if I didn't have a job at the moment, I would apply for employment in a second.
Just like you and all the other people in this world, I feel I am indestructible and that my time will come but only a long way from now......
Of course, If I am wrong then the only thing I'll have to say is Oh Sh*t! I did it again! again.....
Anybody applying for employment in Iraq knows damn well what is involved and what the salary is. Obviously the salary offered outweighs the risks............at least in their minds.
I'm not sure that's true. Some would be looking at the money, period. Some would think they have the moxie to stand up to the stress, but they've not been in a shooting zone and don't really know what its about.
People have very odd and unexpected reactions in these environments. Some rise to the occasion, some divert their minds with inconsequential trivia, some are crushed by it. I watched a retired military officer (non-US) become obsessively dependent on BBC newscasts, when the reality of the situation was happening right outside his front door.
Personally I'd not want to do it again unless armed, and that's usually prohibited for civilian contractors (Blackwater et al excepted).