I'm interested in exploring military jobs in other countries as a potential career post-high school. How feasible is it for a high school graduate to be stationed abroad? Are there specific paths I should consider?
It's great that you're considering a career in the military abroad! Here's some information that might help in your decision-making process.
Firstly, each country has its own laws and regulations about who can serve in their military. Generally speaking, most countries only allow their own citizens to serve. This means you'd likely need to gain citizenship first before you could join a foreign military.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, the French Foreign Legion is a unit of the French Army that is open to foreigners. The Legion has a storied history, and recruits from around the world serve in its ranks. It's important to know though that service in the French Foreign Legion is notoriously rigorous and demanding.
The British Armed Forces also allow individuals from specific countries to join, even if they aren't UK citizens - but there are certain residency requirements that must be met.
On a different note, you might consider joining the U.S military with the goal of being stationed abroad. The U.S military has bases and personnel in a number of countries around the world, and it's common for service members to be stationed overseas for a period of time. However, remember that choosing this route doesn't give you much control over where you'll be stationed, and decisions are ultimately made based on the needs of the military.
In sum, it's not impossible to pursue military careers abroad right after high school, but there will be many factors to consider, not least of which being the citizenship or residency requirements of the foreign military you're interested in. Doing your own research, speaking to military advisors, and reaching out to recruitment offices can provide more specifics and give you the most accurate information. Good luck on your journey!
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