Looking into US military civilian jobs in Germany

I've always wanted to live in Germany and heard that there are civilian job openings with the US military there. What types of positions are generally available and how competitive is the application process?

The U.S. Department of Defense indeed offers civilian job opportunities in Germany across numerous sectors. These positions range from healthcare workers such as physicians, nurses, or childcare specialists, to jobs in IT, logistics, supply chain management, and engineering. Other opportunities encompass roles in finance, education, or HR.

Regarding competitiveness, it largely depends on the type and level of position you're applying for. Entry-level positions in areas with high job turnover such as food service or general labor may have less competition than specialized roles. For example, a job in medicine or IT may attract candidates with a higher level of expertise and experience, making the application process more competitive.

Additionally, it's important to note that preference for these jobs is often given to military spouses or dependents, veterans, and then to the general public. Therefore, if you fall into one of the first two categories, you might have a slight advantage in terms of application competitiveness.

Jobs with the military in foreign countries sometimes require security clearances, so be prepared for that aspect of the application process as well.

A good first step to applying for these positions would be to browse the USAJobs and Department of Defense Education Activity websites as they're where civilian job postings with the U.S. military abroad are typically listed. Keep in mind, that networking can also be an effective approach to finding opportunities, so don't hesitate to reach out to individuals already residing or working in Germany for advice or potential leads.