What do you think of joining the Australian Army?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:21:37 -0400

I heard from a buddy of mine about the Australian Army recruiting U.S. Soldiers and ex Soldiers. I would like to hear some insight on what others think before I would ever consider an option that drastic. Here is the link to the website, http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/canIJoin/overseasApplicants/army.aspx

Recruitment Centre - Defence Jobs Australia

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Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 3:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:47:11 -0400

SPC Ressler,

No circumstance on Earth could compel me to pledge my allegiance to the Queen of England. It would go against my loyalties and beliefs.

If you're considering joining the Australian Army, I wish you luck in making your decision. You can't be under any obligation to the I.R.R. though, so depending on your situation, you may need to wait a while before transferring.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 29 at 2014 9:52 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:52:28 -0400

I don't think so... that would go against the oath we made for this country. Us changing allegiance in another country, even allies, would be treasonous at best.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 29 at 2014 10:20 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:20:50 -0400

The minute you trade your flag for a paycheck you become a mercenary. Contractor security firms are not much different as your services go to whoever is paying the bill. IMHO at that point one's services exit the realm of honorable profession and become simply a job.

Response by Sgt Wilby Wolfson made Jul 29 at 2014 10:51 AM

Sgt Wilby Wolfson — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:51:09 -0400

Would they pay for your emigration as well?

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 29 at 2014 11:03 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:03:42 -0400

A factor to consider if looking at this would be its impact on your military retirement/benefits in the states. Australia is an ally, and I don't think the US would actively "punish" you (you have to be completely free from any remaining military obligation to your country of origin per the article you linked), however there may be regulatory/statutory language that states that your benefits/retirement are withdrawn or delayed if serving in another country.

There was another post here many months ago (by me, actually, as I found the idea interesting & was wondering what the reaction of people here would be), but I don't really know how to find/link to it. I'll look tonight and see if I can locate it.

Edit: Other thread https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/would-you-go-to-the-land-down-under

Would you go to the land down under? | RallyPoint

This article from Stars & Stripes http://www.stripes.com/news/job-pool-expanding-for-us-troops-interested-in-heading-down-under-1.275395#.UzwN6NysSM5  Points to this website for the Australian Defence Force http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/canIJoin/overseasApplicants/army.aspx  Would you consider joining a military that was not the US military - always assuming that you did so without violating US...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 10:04 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 10:04:55 -0400

I'll have to consult with gecko on that one