Assuming you don't want to join the military, there are loads of ways to get a job on an American military base overseas. If you're a veteran, be sure to take advantage of the fact that more jobs are open to you. Veterans 2 Federal Government Jobs and Feds Hire Vets are great resources to start with.
Government jobs offer many perks such as long paid vacation, housing, tuition reimbursement, free or discounted schooling for your children, moving allowance, flights, and more.
Of course there are negative aspects to working for the government as well. There's lots of paperwork, red tape, things seems to take forever and sometime with furloughs you'll get unpaid leave or the start date of your contract could get push back.
Advice for Getting a Job on Base
Network, network, network. I can't say it enough. It's all about knowing the right people, and being in the right place at the right time. If you know the right people, they can tell you where and when you need to be. Not on LinkedIn? Might be time to sign up. Make a name card / business card and hand it out to everyone you might. You never know who will know someone. Don't forget to follow-up on your connections and always, always thank them for their time even if they weren't able to help you.
Visas
Not all of these jobs will get you the necessary paperwork to live and work in a foreign country. Some are only open to dependents while the military member is in country. Make sure you ask and see whether or not they sponsor visas.
Types of Government JobsThere are many types of government jobs overseas. Here is a basic interview of the main ones. For the most part you're going to have to be an American citizen or green card holder.
DODEA Teaching and Staff Positions
You'll be working at DODEA schools, which are on American military bases. If you're a certified teacher, then you can get a teaching job on base. Math and science teachers will have an easier job finding a job than elementary school teachers. You can also work on the staff, such as being a secretary, school nurse, or even principal. They advertise on USA Jobs.
GS Jobs
You'll be working for the government on the General Schedule. They also mainly advertise on USA Jobs, but be sure to check the helpful link section below to find out other places to look. GS jobs have 15 grades and each grade has 10 steps. Here's more information about GS jobs and their requirements.
NAF Jobs
These are Non-Appropriate Fund jobs. You can find out more information about NAF jobs here. They usually advertise on NAF Jobs or USA Jobs.
Contractor Jobs
You're not working for the government when you have a contractor job. The government is their customer and you work for the contracting company. They can range from meh jobs to amazing jobs. There are tons of contracting companies out there. Here's a list of United States defense contractors, a list of worldwide defense contractors, the Top 100, and the Top 9.
Banks and Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions on base often have really good hours and are enjoyable places to work. Check out Community Bank and Navy Federal.
Universities
There are a few universities that are strongly associated with the military and they often have jobs overseas, whether they be teaching, staff, or admin positions.
- Central Texas College
- Troy University
- UMUC (University of Maryland University College)
Military AutoSource
Ok, you're going to be selling cars. There's definitely a learning curve. I've been told that the first year you don't make much. Maybe $20,000 but once you learn the ropes, the sky's the limit. They'll get you a SOFA visa and you'll get a ration card which gives you access to the commissary and BX/PX. Plus, you get to talk to super diverse people. The people working there are often retirees who want to stay in-country. They have jobs on their site.
Helpful Links
- Army Civilian Services
- Army Hire
- CACI
- Federal Government Jobs
