What would your opinion be on establishing a NATO Work Exchange Program?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:51:33 -0500

So how about this idea: All the NATO countries create a job exchange program where members of the countries apply to get job and language training for another NATO country?

Citizens of a NATO country will have the ability to work in another NATO country.

Possibly on contract. Housing bills and other expenses can be talked about, but this program will be funded by NATO countries.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2023 2:12 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:12:40 -0500

I would think more like European Union not so much NATO.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2023 2:36 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:36:04 -0500

You mean, like the Military Personnel Exchange Program but for civilians? It makes sense on paper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2023 4:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:09:05 -0500

Considering most of NATO is in Europe, and people in Europe can already move around freely and work in different countries, I don't see this as filling a need.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2023 6:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:11:46 -0500

I'm all for making it easier for individuals to live and work wherever.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 7 at 2023 6:58 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:58:23 -0500

Having served the bulk of my career in Europe I do not see the value in such a program, what is to be gained as these cultures are already wide open to each other.

Who pays for the language studies housing etc. many of the EU/NATO countries are hard pressed to cover their debt let alone take on another. On the other hand what would the US have to gain even if there was such a program.

Anyway it sounds fun, just not practical. By the way there is a truly robust student exchange program ongoing around the globe.

Just my thoughts.

Response by Cpl Jennifer Smith made Mar 17 at 2023 10:21 AM

Cpl Jennifer Smith — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:21:42 -0400

I think that would be incredibly beneficial to all parties.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 17 at 2023 10:44 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:44:14 -0400

Exchange Officer programs were in place many years ago. I assume they still are. Expanding to the DoD civilian workforce could provide great opportunities.