Australia looking to recruit in our military.
Yep, with all the talks of cuts within the military and ending of the operation in Iraq, the military of Australia is looking into number of people that are being affected by it. That is, they are looking to enlist them for their military experience.
With the Iraq War officially over and the Army downsizing in the face of defense budget pressure, more troops will be making the transition back to civilian life — a potentially challenging prospect given the state of the economy.
But for those who want to stay in uniform, there may be a new option emerging — just not an American one. Australia has put out the “Help Wanted” sign for foreign national veterans.
“We are looking for serving or ex-serving foreign military personnel, who can directly transfer their job and life skills to whichever Service they join, with limited training and preparation,” the Australian Defence Force has announced on its website.
Also it seems that you do not have to lose your US citizenship for serving in the Australian military. What makes it more interesting is that is seems to have some level of support from the VFW.
According to the U.S. State Department, the U.S. and Australia each recognize dual citizenship. Serving in the military of one is not listed as a cause for losing citizenship in the other. The Australian defense site also notes that security clearances acquired while in the U.S. military are transferable to the Australian military.
“Australia is a great country and staunch ally, and aside from a common language, we share the same values and beliefs,” said Joe Davis, a spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “As our military begins to downsize, it could be a great opportunity for those who want to continue serving.”
I may email them to see what is going on with this program. I will post anything that I get back.
Category: Breaking News, Veterans Issues
Were I younger, I would head down there in a heartbeat.
Hey Spork, off topic here, but didn’t Australia just do away with restrictions on females in combat arms? They have been recruiting from the UK in this manner for years. This is not a novel or new concept for them.
The Aussies have their own problems with leadership, despite some recent steller performances(like East Timor). A few years ago they put restrictions(including infantry) on what kinds of operations non special operations troops could conduct. That was true in both Iraq and Afghanistan, an actual “digger” officer wrote an Op-Ed complaining about this(can’t remember where I saw) a few years back. This is partly why they faded from view overtime. They suffer from many of the same afflictions our forces do/did except since they have done no where near as much fighting, they are evolutionary behind our institutions.
A few other thoughts. Australians are mostly urbanites, despite their reputation, even more then US. Private firearms ownership is also now outlawed. With a population hovering over just 20 million and a tiny military, the country is basically indefensible.
They aren’t recruiting medics. I might actually have taken them up on their offer
What about the language differences?
I’m sure there’s an “Americans doing the jobs foreigners won’t do” line in there somewhere!
Cedo
I saw that too but as of right now according to their website they are not.
Doc
Are you are I thought I saw something under Medical Technician.
You know after a while the Warrior Ethos doesn’t really recognize borders.
I wonder if they have a CA/Psyop component?
I don’t suppose they’ll be buying or building any nuke boats anytime soon?
They are recruiting engineers…too bad I am too broken to go.
Article has been posted and passed around inside our Light Armored BN. Thanks. We are losing a lot of good members and they would certainly like to continue serving.
#4 – LOL 😉
#4 The language barrier is very easy to overcome. It’s easiest to search youtube for all the Foster’s beer commercials and then watch the “Crocodile Dundee” movies on DVD.
Can’t imagine ever wearing another country’s uniform but if I had to, it’s hard to think of a better choice than Australia, the only country in the world that has fought alongside us in every major war we’ve fought since WW1.
@alex F your a retard britain has fought with us more.
Yes, Alex F…. in fact, both the British and the Canadians have done FAR MORE than Australia has done. Don’t get me wrong, I like the Aussies. They are a great country, with a great military (albeit small) But to suggest that they have done more as an ally for the U.S.A. than either the Brits or Canucks is fantasy
Doesn’t matter who has fought along side who more.
I’m a digger, and to work with you boys and girls in Afghanistan 2010 was unreal! You guys took over the Dutch in tarin kowt. And once you boys landed we got into so much trouble on the ground haha ! For anyone, YouTube ” battle of derapet ” is says it was an Aussie fought battle but, we had help from your apaches, 155 excaliber guided shells and 105mm stryker and 120mm mortar. Legends! Saved us . And total respect for Americans!
Dear friends, given the refusal of Network Ten to dismiss Yumi Stynes, and George Negus, please encourage everybody within your networks to sign this petition. Please also approach your local RSL, and request their, and their individual members support. Please share with any ADF member you know, and any Veteran you know. Share with your friends, family, and work colleagues, and encourage them to get their networks to sign this petition. Please also post a copy of this petition to your wall, and post to any other social media profile (ie. twitter, myspace, stumbleupon, digg, reddit, etc.) Thank you for your ongoing support! Together, we can make a difference!
https://www.change.org/petitions/network-ten-holdings-limited-abn-14-081-327-068-dismiss-yumi-stynes-and-george-negus
Alex F did restrict his comment to “major wars”. And, frankly, with that caveat he’s correct.
Since 1900, US “major wars” would seem to me to be WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf (1991), Afghanistan, and Iraq (2003). The various actions in the Carribean from 1900-1940, the DR (1965), Lebanon (1950s), Grenada, Panama, Lebanon (1983), and Haiti, while violent at times, were not exactly “major wars”.
AAustralia sent combat forces to all of the US major wars. The UK and Canada didn’t send anyone, combat or not, to Vietnam.
@Hondo: the UK didn’t send troops to VN, true. They fought their own version practically right next door in Malaya (along with Australian, Rhodesian & NZ troops), & won.
But Australia — great guys. They have their own problems (very small, govt tends to be left of center, different culture when all is said), but my limited experience with the troops is very positive.
As long as I didn’t have to renounce US citizenship, it would be something to consider.