Prospective U.S. military recruits have long been told "Uncle Sam wants you!"
Well, Stars and Stripes reports Tuesday that Australia wants you even more and is willing to pay for it.
"The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) welcomes enquiries from both officers and sailors who are interested in a new career and new life in Australia," the Australian Navy's website says.
The U.S. ally down under is seeking everything from submariners to doctors at ranks from enlisted to officers in all branches of its services and salaries can be substantially higher, according to the Stars and Stripes report.
A staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force with six years of service makes $31,946 while a corporal in the Royal Australian Air Force makes $57,277 in U.S. dollars, Stripes reports. The difference is pay for an officer is less, but Australia still comes out on top, with a U.S. Air Force captain earning $63,263 and the Australian equivalent, a flight lieutentant, making $66,417 in U.S. dollars.
Stripes points out that Australia's economy, boosted by Chinese demand for its mineral exports, is in better shape than many other areas of the world.
Australia is seeking experienced applicants only and has a program in place to grant permanent residency to foreign passport holders.
Australia has signed on about 500 foreigners from the U.S., Canada, Britain and New Zealand in the past five years, according to the report.
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How much of the extra money will you get to keep after taxes is what I would want to know. If take home pay is less, then maybe not worth it. Just asking..............
$500 per week 6.4% tax – >$3300 per week 15% tax
+ unspecified tax free benefits for military personnel
Depends on what your taxes are paying for. If you don't have to pay for health insurance at all because they have universal health care, you just might end up spending less and come out on top.
If all the sailors in Australia are that cute, I think I need to move
....and they are not in a war! I recommend that any young US Armed Forces retiree take them up on the offer before too many apply. Also, great opportunity for those who got out of service with the required experience and are looking for a job in the USA, but can't find one. Australia is a great country and, if your single male, the women are among the best looking in the world and smart too. If you're Army, how about that neat hat and the bayonet?
An army not at war. BORING! (P.S. I have seen some Aussies scurrying around Iraq and Afghanistan)
Yes, word is out. The American military is basically a bunch of high paid Mercenaries who join for the money, benefits, free college, bonuses, or join because they cannot find another job that pays as much.
Too funny.
How convenient. You left out the sense of duty. Or do you have no concept of what that is?
And our army and marines will enlist people from Mexico and other countries.
Really? I took a pay decrease of almost $15 to be the oldest 2nd Lt. I ever knew. Some people do things others refuse simply because it's the right thing to do.
Yeah, but you're here enjoying all the freedoms they provide, aren't you?
Excuse me, but being the wife a Ret. CWO3, YOU"RE WRONG!!! We didn't do it for the money, benefits, or bonuses. We would have made much more on the outside doing the same thing. If you want to know what Obamacare is going to be...ask me. I live thru it everytime I have to see a doctor. WHAT bonuses? We never got one. That's not something a lot of military members get. It's only for a few specialties that they NEED, b-cuz too many got out, or not enought are entering that field. Sometimes because THEY need you, you can recieve a ONE TIME re-enlistment bonus and the amount varies depending on the militaries NEED. I've also seen many, many forced retirements. Yes we recieve a retirement, but do you know how many sacrifices we made as a family to EARN that? Oh and those "lifetime" medical benefits they told us would be free, umm WE PAY FOR!!! Yes it's at a reduced rate, but we're still paying. Do you have any idea what we as a spouse or family member give up to marry a military person? Probably not, you're probably one of those military bashers who couldn't hack it. Or most likely WOULDN't even try to hack it. We did it because we love our country.
Truly you have a dizzying intellect.
They look pretty sad. Not exactly killers are they?
Don't kid yourself, Ausie fighters are some of the toughest in the world! Their military record is exemplary.
The Aussies actually have an incredible reputation and military tradition. Not a country to be trifled with at all.
Swear allegiance to another country and you could lose your US citizenship. For a few dollars more, is it really worth it?
Australia permits dual nationality
The U.S. economy is in the tank, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and Australia is an economically healthy western country. I can see this being an attractive option to some of our better soldiers. This should send a message to our own government that they pay too little and don't support our own troops well enough financially. In another 10 years, the U.S. army will be made up of ex cons from ghetto neighborhoods.
Incorrect. It's called dual citizenship!
US citizens have been serving in allied militarys since there has been a US, notably in the Canadian forces prior to US entry into WWII. I suspect they've gotten it worked out to where you won't risk your US citizenship for serving in the Australian Army.
Ask Clint Eastwood
If you ask a Repub looking for less government and more 'Globalizaton', then perhaps.
Wow... what a deal!!! I'm a little too old these days!! But back in my younger days, I would have gone there after my Marine Corps enlistment was up!!!
Hot chics, more money, no war!! sign me up
U.S. Air Force captain earning $63,263 and the Australian equivalent, a flight lieutentant, making $66,417 in U.S. dollars...
That's only a big enough jump for extra grocery. What kind of croc offer is that...
When you've been RiFfed and are out of a job, how good of an offer do you need?
Free Aussie Language lessons.
To all new recruits, in order to be understood
Replace "er" with "da"
The price is tempting and consider the freedoms of the every day citizen is eroding, the freedoms down under is worth the consideration.
I think it's cute how so many Americans posting in this thread think Australians all act alike and aren't individuals or something. They're mostly caucasians who speak English and have a very similar culture, economy, and level of technology. Really not hard to figure out why being allies is so natural. Prepare to be astounded by... similarity.
So true. When I deployed there a few years back to play war games with the Aussies I experienced the similarities. Instead of Wal-Mart, there's Big W, same logos and all. Movie theatres are overly sized, just like in America; and the best part, the kangaroo burgers..AWESOME!!! I'm from Oklahoma and I visited a little town called Rock Hampton, felt like I was back home. Now that I think about I'm starting to miss Australia.
Now there will be 3 Foreign Legions– The French, the Spanish (the poor man's French) and The Australian. Good move Aussies. I'd love a crack at it. Was even training to enter the FFL a few years ago. Glad to help an ally in need. But, I guess since it's the RAN, there will be no chance to try for the SAS...which is brutal training, of course. God, this almost sounds like the l days in Rhodesia. Anyway, all up with the Queen.
Hey teddy Baxter jones
Being in the RAN does not preclude you from service in SAS as they recruit from all 3 services a couple of times a year, just have to pass the testing, just...
I severed in Aus subs for 12 years, Australia has recruited commonwealth sailors for the last 30+ years so this is just an extension or that practice as ties get closer. US sailors have already been doing secondement on Aus subs for last 5 years. Australian navy is at critical low levels now to the point of tying ships and subs up alongside. Once techo's get their military training they do their 6 yrs service and go the the mining/ resource sector for $200000 p.a. For 3weeks on 3 off work. Military cant compete. But the pay/ benefits are much better than the article suggests.