Would you go to the land down under?

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:29:35 -0400

<span style="font-size: 13px;">This article from Stars & Stripes http://www.stripes.com/news/job-pool-expanding-for-us-troops-interested-in-heading-down-under-1.275395#.UzwN6NysSM5  </span><br><div>Points to this website for the Australian Defence Force http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/canIJoin/overseasApplicants/army.aspx  </div><div><br></div><div>Would you consider joining a military that was not the US military - always assuming that you did so without violating US law? </div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/images/ttl_os_apps_armmy.gif"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/canIJoin/overseasApplicants/army.aspx">Recruitment Centre - Defence Jobs Australia</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Description</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.stripes.com/polopoly_fs/ [login to see] 198573!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/image.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stripes.com/news/job-pool-expanding-for-us-troops-interested-in-heading-down-under-1.275395">Job pool expanding for US troops interested in heading Down Under</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">The Australian Defence Force, which expects to double its budget over the next decade, is looking for even more foreign military members willing to serve Down Under.</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Apr 2 at 2014 9:37 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:37:46 -0400

Sir,

I have looked into it a few times. It seems like it would be a good deal for people who want to continue service and/or want to make a few extra dollars. From what I have seen they pay a lot more then what we get. They also take care of the dual citizenship process for you and your family. Seems like a pretty good gig to me.

SFC Rice

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Apr 2 at 2014 9:47 AM

SPC Christopher Smith — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:47:01 -0400

Depending on how I feel when I ETS, this might be one of my higher options, it has always been a dream of mine to live there, and if I can get dual-citizenship I'd be alright.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 2 at 2014 9:48 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:48:28 -0400

If our military was no longer an option? In a heart beat. I've worked with the Aussies a few times, that's a high speed, professional group right there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 9:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:51:24 -0400

During this upcoming RIF if I knew for sure I was slated to be discharged I would go for a couple of reasons:

1. I have trained with the Australians at JRTC and have respect for their military. They are doubling their budget and investing in new soldiers and equipment.
2. I am a soldier, and would like to continue being one.
3. The chance to stand up new units as an SME is an excellent opportunity every leader should have.
4. The opportunity to go live and experience a beautiful country filled with friendly people? Beats the hell outta dodging bullets and IEDs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 10:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:51:02 -0400

My first choice would be to continue serving in the United States Army, but if I was downsized/QSP'd/etc, I would definitely go! I have worked with them--along with other second-party allies--several times throughout my career and the Aussies are awesome, well-trained professionals. They seem well taken care of an appreciated, and the whole institution seems outstanding. I'm pretty sure you can keep your US Citizenship as well and become a dual-citizen.