Australia looking for a few good U.S. troops
Australian Navy and Army troops perform during an a 2011 airshow in Geelong, Australia.
May 8th, 2012
07:40 AM ET

Australia looking for a few good U.S. troops

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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Filed under: Australia • Military
soundoff (337 Responses)
  1. SensibleJoe

    Somebody call "momma" a whaaah-mbulance...

    May 12, 2012 at 11:42 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Robert Beal

    I made a post but it is not appearing here with the rest of the comments.

    May 13, 2012 at 12:18 am | Report abuse |
    • Joseph

      Not a big surprise, I'm afraid. We have millions of under-appreciated and under employed veterans, and Australia has to face the possibility of a growing threat from China and southern Pacific radical Islam. Having a ready made base of soldiers isn't a bad idea. It's happened throughout history. Forget who earns your peace and freedom, and they'll go find someone who will remember.

      May 14, 2012 at 3:40 pm | Report abuse |
  3. ayshun

    honestly there is no problem with serving for another country, its basically just being a mercenary

    May 13, 2012 at 11:34 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Michael Calaizzo

    We must never forget that the Australians led the Bristish 8th Army to victory in World War 2.

    May 14, 2012 at 11:31 am | Report abuse |
  5. DAS

    Nice option since we are winding down in Iraq and Afghanistan. Better than a new Blackwater.

    May 14, 2012 at 3:48 pm | Report abuse |
  6. raul

    well good for them.

    May 14, 2012 at 4:46 pm | Report abuse |
  7. paratrooper1

    Not just a chance at Australian Jump Wings, but Australian Senior Jump Wings! And Australian Rigger Wings!!! If I was young enough, I'd jump on that. hehe

    May 14, 2012 at 10:00 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Texan

    uh, doesn't this violate several US and military laws? And how would the double taxation affect the final pay?

    May 14, 2012 at 10:49 pm | Report abuse |
  9. jack

    I am a USN vet. However, if I was young again, I would join the Australian Navy in a heartbeat. All right, you got me. I guess my decision is influenced by the handsome sailor pictured above.

    May 15, 2012 at 12:52 am | Report abuse |
    • michael

      LOL! Yeah, you don't think he wound up in the photo by accident, do you?

      May 15, 2012 at 8:51 am | Report abuse |
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