You have commented 338 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Down Under
Australian Military Recruiting US Veterans
2012-11-05
Interesting. Australia's economy is in relatively good shape, and they know they live in a somewhat dodgy neighborhood with a really big mook a few doors down who keeps pit bulls in his front yard. So what to do when you have a small population but need folks NOW who have technical training and experience? Get resourceful and hang out the "Help Wanted" sign, of course...
U.S. servicemembers looking at career options in this era of shrinking military budgets and force drawdowns might want to take a look Down Under.

The Australian government is recruiting experienced U.S. enlisted personnel and officers to fill a range of positions -- from submariners to doctors -- in its military, according to a posting on the Australian Defence Force website.

"The Australian Defence Force looks to overseas candidates to fill gaps in our Services, which can't currently be satisfied by standard recruitment," reads the intro for overseas applicants on the Defence Force's recruitment website. "We recognise that these candidates can bring skills and attributes to the Navy, Army and Air Force that will strengthen their overall operation and success rate."

The job offers could be tempting for U.S. troops as the Afghan War winds down and the Department of Defense looks to trim billions of dollars and more than 100,000 uniformed personnel from its books.

At a time when other Western countries have slashed spending, the prosperous Australians have been growing their military. In the past five years, the Australian military has recruited more than 500 personnel from the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Applicants have to meet certain minimum rank levels, as well as medical and interview requirements, Australian defense officials said in an email this week.

The U.S. Air Force website lists the annual base pay for an E-5, staff sergeant, with six-years' service at $31,946. An O-3, captain, with six years' service makes $63,263.

By comparison, a newly promoted E-5, corporal, in the Australian air force makes $57,277, when converted to U.S. dollars, while newly promoted O-3, flight lieutenant, takes home $66,417.
Posted by:Threling Unimp8298

#6  "better than ending up in some cheap gin joint in Casablanca after running guns in Spain, a Mr. Blaine? "

Really? With the economy the way it is now, I was thinkin' that the whole "Rick's Place" operation is lookin' kinda sweet. Know any good piano players??? HAHAHA!!!
Posted by: Raider   2012-11-05 10:59  

#5  Just down the road is a Crippled Eagle and retired US Army Command Sergeant Major still serving our nation.

Klik hier
Posted by: Besoeker   2012-11-05 09:14  

#4  ...better than ending up in some cheap gin joint in Casablanca after running guns in Spain, a Mr. Blaine?
Posted by: Procopius2k   2012-11-05 08:52  

#3  The gendor and demographics of the 500 who have departed the US for OZ might make an interesting study. I am old enough to remember a day when men from all over the world came to the United States to enlist in our armed forces. Nothing against the Australians, thank God they've made a place for our poeple. But it is a sad day indeed.
Posted by: Besoeker   2012-11-05 03:57  

#2  Depends on what Tuesday brings.
Posted by: Skidmark   2012-11-05 00:49  

#1  An E-5 is a corporal? Okey dokey...
Posted by: gromky   2012-11-05 00:07  

00:00