I'm exploring the possibility of serving with the U.S. military abroad, and I'm particularly interested in any job opportunities in Bulgaria. What roles are available, and what is the process for applying to these jobs?
For those interested in serving in the U.S. military while abroad, there are various opportunities available depending upon which branch of service you're interested in and what your skill set and training includes. The scope of roles in Bulgaria are diverse and could range from diplomatic security, data analysis, technical operations, engineering, and many others.
Each job within the military has distinct requirements, and certain roles may require language proficiency, specific technical skills, or specific military training. You would also need to meet the general standard military requirements concerning age, fitness, and education.
Moving to the application process, you typically begin with enlisting in one of the six U.S. military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force. During enlistment, you will go through military training and then choose a Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). MOS refers to the job you'll do in the military.
From there, you could seek opportunities for placement in international areas such as Bulgaria by expressing an interest in serving abroad to your commanding officer, or through formal volunteering or application processes for overseas assignments. Note that locations are usually assigned based on the need and availability of positions. For specific postings and jobs in Bulgaria, you should look at the military's official job postings or consult with a career counselor within your chosen branch of the military.
Keep in mind that living abroad in the military is different than a civilian moving abroad. In most cases, you would live and work within a U.S. military base or embassy and your lifestyle would be based on the guidelines and rules set by the U.S. military.
Lastly, it is also worth noting that international military service is often accompanied by rewarding benefits such as the opportunity to learn another language or culture, gain valuable experience, plus potential financial incentives including tax benefits and allowances for cost of living and housing.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.