This article was originally authored by Patricia Kime and posted on July 18, 2019 by Military.com. You can find the original, here.
If you are a veteran who would like to return to the Middle East, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES, may have a job for you.
AAFES is currently recruiting veterans for jobs “downrange.” Right now, jobs are open in Kuwait, but positions frequently come available in 41 stores in eight countries in the Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
Current openings include safety and security managerial positions, courier, logistics technicians and service business technicians.
According to AAFES, salary is commensurate with experience and, although the jobs start at $33,000 for salaried positions and range between $11 and $22 an hour, downrange employees get free housing and meals at installation dining facilities.
Deployments can last from six months to a year, with an option to extend to two years. After a deployment, employees are eligible to apply for other jobs within the system.
“When the exchange hires veterans for downrange assignments, these former service members draw on the same strong work ethic, commitment and loyalty they used to serve our country,” said AAFES senior enlisted adviser Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes. “Many have already served downrange.”
AAFES officials said veterans who have held security clearances are highly desired because they can be employed more quickly than employees who need background checks.
The Navy Exchange Service and Marine Corps Exchange each have job openings, but none are in active areas of operations. Information on downrange jobs at AAFES can be found at its website. NEX jobs are posted at its site, and the Marine Corps Exchange advertises its openings through the individual stores’ websites.
AAFES Jobs Marine Corps Exchange Jobs Navy Exchange Jobs
Leroy Elliott, who served in Vietnam, is the service business manager in Kuwait. “The work is challenging and the days are long,” he said in a news release. “It’s all worth it when we can bring a little bit of home to the men and women who are putting themselves in harm’s way and serving our country.”
This article was originally authored by Patricia Kime and posted on July 18th, 2019 by Military.com. You can find the original, here.
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I have truly enjoyed reading this particular blog… Currently laughing myself to suffocation, and dying unable to breathe, thanx for the medicine !!!
would like to apply for the exchange jobs over seas in Kuwait
Would like to know about current position anywhere. I am considered 100% permanent and total disabled due to PTSD.Otherwise healthy . College graduate
Do you hire Vets who not only disabled but almost 60 years old?
Is there a age limit, would like to consider Asia, Europa or latin america, I’m up there in age but, in good health, he doctor says excellant health for my age. He estimates that I’m going to live to 93/94 years of age.
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25212&siteid=6075#home
You have to go to this link. They all require a BA, even the $11.25 per hour sales clerk.
dont waste your time on that sht matt, mwr employees when i was there, were housed, fed, in ac all day putting dvds on and selling sodas to us, for 80k a yr with tax free incentives as well. im sure alan or sean could find you something more worthwhile ;)
For everyone that can’t read the job position descriptions. There are many jobs at the Exchange, PX, Furniture, Food services, and so on. I started here… https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25212&siteid=6059#home
I am a Vietnam era Vet. I had a secret security clearance. I have never been to the middle east. Would I be a good prospect for a position?
Hey, got out in “57 hmm, 85 n doc gave me 5 mo yrs. When he told me that, thought I’d get couple of hookers n celebrate. Prbly live longer with job over der.
Serving those who are serving. Amazing Grace.
You should have used the GI Bill to take some basic English grammar classes….
33k a year to be away???? LOL!
I see this as a great opportunity for veteran retirees like myself. It becomes supplemental income and a chance to serve in some capacity again. However, I’m still married and don’t see myself dragging my wife along with me, or her wanting to go, and I’m sure not leaving her behind. If I was single, I’d try it, maybe even extend if it went well.
ARMY STAFF SERGEANT MOS STOCK CONTROL AND ACCOUNTING ALSO MATERIAL STORAGE AND HANDLING SPECIALIST. Looking for a job in Europe or Korea.
As a veteran and worked for 4 years overseas ! I used to make close to 200k a year. Yes my job was not inside the wire and not every one can do what ican. But As a veteran this pay chart of 11 to 21 dollars an hour working in dangerous country,s. risking your life by the hour, Separated from your family if you have one! is actually INSULTING by AFFES. This is a joke no wonder no one is applying.
Agreed
The pay is low, but I believe you will have no housing or food costs to worry about. Not sure about taxes. I remember them using the chow hall when I was there. (Iraq).
Working in Saudi with per firm and perks plus salary
My last government position GS11, series 0101
I admit $11 an hour is peanuts. But 1. That is the LOWEST, i believe the range went up to $22 an hour. BUT, even at $11 an hour housing is free, where i live (in California, thats an easy $1,000 a month for a one bedroom. Not too mention utilities. So that $22,880 just became $34,880. Plus food, lets say an average of $350 a month. I spend much more than that but eating healthy isnt cheap. I would hardly call chow hall food healthy. So now we are at $39,080. That $11 an hour is actually worth $18.70 plus, isnt it tax free out there? Thats another 15% your saving if it is. I do wonder if hazard pay would also be added in just like military members get. And you have to also think if you DID only come in at $11 an hour, you have plenty of room for raises!
How do I find jobs to at an exchange in Iraq, or Afghanistan? I was a aviation supply NCOIC, and still remember a lot from my Marine Corps years. I performed Stock Control, Supply Screening, Technical Edit Verification of Documentation, Warehousing, Aviation Supply Accounting, and other supply functions.
Not sure how you figured this but you need to go back to school and learn how to multiply!
Since I have a M.S. degree in physics with some original theoretical physics papers; I would like to teach in the Southeast Asian bases. Siapan or Guam sounds good to me. Of course, my next choice is Europe. My first choice is the Philippines, but I don’t know much about the present situation there. I did spend 22 months in the Philippines recently. Then I spent 1 month in Thailand with good reception from common people. So, Thailand would be my second choice would be Thailand. Thanks
Bruce Kidd
With your M.S degree and interested in working in Asia or Europe, USAJOBS.gov will be your best bet.
22 an hour x 9 hour day x 180 days = around 35k so whats wrong?
I’m really tired of you not answering…
I guess I’ll consider it a farce…
Bruce Kidd
Are there any jobs in the Philippines or anything that’s close to the Philippines?
I’m Bruce Kidd and was in the Army 10/29/71 until 10/18/74 discharged honorably. I have a Master’s of Science degree in physics, cum laude. I’ve done some original work in physics.
I’m a veteran and a retired Respiratory therapist . Can I get work overseas ? Preferably non combact zone .
Russell, the military has clinics and hospitals in Europe and their vacancies are advertised on USAJOBS.gov
I would like more info on the qualifications required for employment with the VA AAFES. I am an Army Viet Nam Vet with an MOS of Infantry 11 Bravo. I am 70 Years old in good health and tired of retirement.. I’m a widower with no family ties.
11/hr is not 69k a year based on 40 hour work week. It’s $22,280. Check your math please.
Sorry. Didn’t see your reply Tim. Cheers.
There’s no way I’d work overseas for those amounts. As for room and board, summer 2018 in Bagram, Afghanistan was a joke. 2-8 man rooms. Luckily I was in a 2 man room but that guy was also a co-worker and a lazy piece of crap. AWFUL roommate too. Also, Walmart starts at $11/hr. Why even bother go overseas? AFFES sounds like KBR. Extremely cheap at what they pay their employees.
Most of the posts here show an incredible amount of STUPID! I sure wouldn’t hire most of these dolts.
please send more details and information thank you
Army supply, staff sgt 2yr. Great health. Do you have age limits?
This is all well and good however, I do not see a web site to put in an application,
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25212&siteid=6059#home
Being a Navy Veteran from 69 To 72 South East Asia I think it would be an Honor to help our country in any way I can. I live By the MOTTO of the late Commander and Chief John F. Kennedy It’s Not What Your Country Can Do For You It’s What You Can Do For Your Country…
Ur awesome!
Sorry. Last post had $ figures waay off. $11/hr @ 40 hr week = $23k/year. All the rest remains the same.
$11/hr @ 8hrs & 7 days a week worked = $32k/year.
I am ready to go to work. Air Force and Army Veteran in the armament field. Also a two time VA employee firs as addiction therapist and lastly Peer Support. Recently retired from VA GS-9 position. I have had a security clearance from the Air Force. And the Department of Veterans Affairs .
Would love to see what other benfits are at AFFES. I was deployed twice to Iraq but out of Army Reserve now.
FYI:
$11/hr @ 8 hours/day @ 5 days/wk = $69,000/yr before taxes. Normal work day OCONUS = 12 hour day, 7 days/wk (security contractor). $11/hr @ 12 hours/day @ 5 days/wk = $103,000/yr before taxes. If one worked 12 hrs/day & 7 days a week salary would be $144,000/yr. At $22/hr double the above figures.
Last time I checked, a person can withhold taxes from gross pay earned OCONUS if they stay out of the continental US for 11 non-consecutive months in a 12 month period (any 12 month period). So if you take your break after, say 6 months, in Europe and do another 5 months of work OCONUS, your paycheck would not be taxed…. up to the first $85,000 income. ;) The rest is taxable. ;(
Depending on how many hours per week and how many days per week you work can significantly impact your (contracted) salary.
To put it in perspective, a high threat security operator in a high threat area (Iraq/Afghanistan) working for DoS on contract makes about $120-$145 / year (12hrs/day, 7 days/wk; two 6 mo tours with a 2 week break between tours). Accomidations generally (depending on location is a “conex box” (metal shipping container) converted to be a 2 room, 2 pers per room with a shared shower/bathroom between the rooms. Food is generally pretty darn good in the dining facilities.
I would imagine these offered jobs would be at a bigger base, not small remote bases. Larger bases are bigger targets for bad guys, but that being said; they would normally fire a few mortars (or a rocket fired at the general direction of the base) and run away. Most bases have cement/sandbag bunkers strategically placed around all bases in case of attack; and most bases have a hospital. Bigger the base; bigger the hospital/capabilities. Internet is probably the biggest challenge; but largely depends on the base & operations at the base (Warlock jamming occasionally – few bases). Used to be at the mercy of the local providers, but believe it has improved – again depends in the base size, organization operating control of the base (DoD/DoS or other) and security neccessary to protect the base.
Persons working OCONUS can only skip tax withholding if they are NOT a U.S. federal employee. I have no idea what an Exchange employee falls under. Prior to retiring my civil service with the DoD, all of the AAFES employees I knew worked for DECA. However, it was a combo AAFES/Commissary, so that may have been why they were DECA employees.
Back on track though. U.S. citizens working for non-U.S. companies, such as all these private sector companies performing on plump government contracts, and registering their businesses in Saint Kitts or some other b.s. like that, their employees do not need to pay U.S. tax on the amount up to the foreign earned income exclusion. Any amount over that is taxed of course but an Exchange employee would ever get near that.
What are you smoking?
Are there age limits ?
Tim Myers must be using LSD and “new math” to get $11 an hour at 40 hours a week to get to that much $$$
You want to run that by us again.
$11 x 8hr = $88.00 a day x 5 days(YOUR DAY) = $440.00 wk x 52 wks = $22,880.00 yr.
I think I will also pass on ur tax info.
the numbers you put up, $11/hr @ 8 hours/day@ 5 days/wk is only $22,000 a year. Where do you get $69,000?
Wouldn’t it be a little more because of overtime pay?
I believe your math is significantly in error.
$11/hr x 8 hr/day x 5 days/week = $440/week
$440/week x 52 weeks a year = $22,880/year not ANYWHERE near $69,00/year
$11/hr x 12 hr/day x 5 days/week = $660/week
$660/week x 52 weeks a year = $34,320/year not ANYWHERE near your assertion of $103,000/year
Same goes for the third calculation.
What math are you using??
Basically, multiply the hourly rate x 2080, which equates to 1 FTE. OT is time and a half.
Dude, you need to recheck your math.
It’s called Wishful Thinking math….
“$11/hr @ 8 hours/day @ 5 days/wk = $69,000/yr” Since when is there 157 weeks in a year???
Yes I’m interested in living in the middle east .served in Army during Vietnam war. What are you looking for I’m sure I would be and excellent employee.
do you have any openings in Ukraine?
Hey dude ….re-do your calculations
To everyone putting up your mini-resumes and quals; this article and its author are not the recruiting agents for the jobs. You have to click the linked buttons at the end of the article to find available jobs and begin the application process for them.
Placing your quals and achievements here does absolutely nothing and no one from AAFES nor the VA will contact you about the jobs.
Click the linked buttons and submit your applications and resumes!
How do I applied I am veteran and I have work for United States Postal Service as Contract Employee and I have also worked inSecurity.
Lol, dont tell them. Thats how you weed out the tards
This is a very tempting proposition. But I currently make about twice the listed salary amount. In this scenario, the juice just wouldn’t be worth the squeeze. I understand that this is a beginning salary, but (just some advice) if you raise the starting salary, you may get more applicants.
For young, daring, and desperate individuals, this may be a viable temporary solution. But for those that are well-integrated into civilian society, yet looking for an overseas excursion, this may not be it. There are some missing pieces to this puzzle (for me at least).
I would love to return to Kuwait and Iraq, where I served honorably, but the financial piece just has to be there. I just need to ensure that there is no loss financially. I can deal with the hazards of overseas duty, but it wouldn’t make sense to my checkbook. Again, more juice for the effort is needed.
Good thing you are not the only available option for the job.
Mario,
Although your analysis has some merit, your delivery is laughable to say the least. You provide superfluous comments such as “I currently make about twice the listed salary amounts” and “Kuwait and Iraq, where I served honorably,” when such comments are unnecessary and are clearly attempts at stroking your own ego. It’s clear you state your purported status as a platform of credibility to dispense advice and arguably judgment regarding the advertisement. However, your own quasi-resume is considered pathetic at best.
I don’t typically make a public show of status, but I feel it’s needed to show you how irrelevant you and your opinions are.
Objective speaking, I make approximately 4 times YOUR salary. You say you served honorably in Kuwait and Iraq. Kuwait was a joke. Nothing more than a staging point for military operations in the Middle East. In addition, no one who actually fought in Iraq actually says they “served honorably” in Iraq. We simply say “we were there.” Qualifying statements such as “serving honorably” are mere word play to make your sad idea of military service more deserving of praise.
It’s clear to me that you’re taking what I consider to be a very disappointing standard of success and putting it on an impractical pedestal. Let this response serve as a message to you’re in no position to look down on this advertisement or anyone interested in joining.
Amid all the sarcasm and snark, nostalgia kicked in as I thought of all the prim and polished professionals (EPR code for Pompous, Condescending Punks) I encountered on Active Duty. You know know the type, Always HAD to speak when protocol would dictate respectable silence. Glad to see you all have found a hobby being miserable towards others online. God Bless your Sorry Asses. If I look through my old pictures, Im sure I could find one or fifty that would resemble each of you. No, really… Im so excited by the nauseating asshattery you bring to EVERYTHING. #CarryOn #FullMetalJacketJokers
I have had a secret security clearance. I’m retired military and retired from another county government job.. I last used the security clearance in 1998. What are the rules on pets?
Its possible….Please forward more information. Thanks
Can a disable veteran with a walker apply to Germany, a base on Canada or Alaska
Anybody who is posting their information here, thinking that by posting here, somebody is going to call and offer them a job, has automatically disqualified themselves from consideration.
Come on people, is that the best you can do?
AAFES wants you to apply at their website. If you can’t figure out how to apply for their jobs, how are you planning on surviving downrange?
Could you please give link to apply for a job over seas.
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25212&siteid=6059#home
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25212&siteid=6075#home
I’m a 70 year old attorney USMC vet. Excellent physical condition, do I qualify for any position based on my age?
The salary is insulting
I work as a County Veteran service officer. I am a 10 year Army Veteran and would love the opportunity to service anywhere overseas.
Hello I am a veteran and an RN I am interested in an overseas opportunity.
Telecommunications engineer (OSP) 20 years of experience
Civil Engineers degree.
Between $11-$22 hourly, plus Housing and Meals at the Installation Dining Facilities. Can someone provide feedback on the housing conditions and meals?
I am a Vietnam era combat vet Marine corps (1965-1966 ) I have worked in the bar business as a bartender and door checker. I also have been a vehicle driver and did deliveries. I am 76 years old now but would like to work on a military base overseas or in USA. I do use an electric wheel chair but can walk some. If there is anything available for me I am Interested.
When I see ads like this I get very suspicious, and ask myself if this is a scam or some one trying to sell me something. Even though it says VA. Is this really the VA.
You seem to have some personal info, such as an email.
The ball is in your court to prove who you really are
Great article. Where’s the apply for job button?
I am interested in participating in a job abroad. I am highly qualified, I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology.
Torres, on usajob.gov there are tons of jobs listed in all of Europe.
Seeking employment
Yes i am a veteran that would like to go back overseas and work in areas like Europe or Germany please let me know if theres any openings for those type of jobs.Thanks Askari
What’s the pay s ale for this job posting?
Retired 1stSgt, USMC, Vietnam and Desert Storm
Retired GS 13 Environmental Manager
Chief Environmental Division, US Army, Camp Zama, Japan
Served 13 months as Environmental Officer, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo 2008/09
MCCS Club Operations, Assistant Manager
MCCS Maintenance Administration Supervisor
USMC Hazardous a waste Management Supervisor
US Navy Environmental Management Section Supervisor
BS Environmental Managemen, Minor in Safety
Willing to accept any position qualified for, GS 9 or above.
With all your “education and qualifications” that you listed, I would think you’d be smart enough to read! It CLEARLY states, at the end of the article, that you need to “CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW” to apply for the jobs. You are reading an article ABOUT JOBS WITH AAFES! It was not an advertisement from AAFES, nor was it offering jobs or asking you to post your resumes/experience/etc!. For all of you posting those things here, YOU ARE IDIOTS AND DUMBASSES, and if you ever do figure out how to contact AAFES (you were even given instructions in the damn article!!!), they will just throw your resumes in the trash. No one wants to hire STUPID!! As a Veteran who doesn’t have my head up my own ass, you are embarrassments to the rest of us!
Hi Mr. Hudak, Doug Ebert here. Navy vet, served in Vietnam, graduated from Mercyhurst in 1980 with business degree. Finished up in USPS in 2010. now retired in Ecuador. Just wondering about options in military exchanges in the Middle East.
Hello,
I am a veteran of the Vietnam Era who works at Jess Brown V A medical center in Chicago, I also worked on the PTSD inpatient unit for James Lovell VA Medical center in Waukegan I’ll. I work as a Rehab Technician in the Out Patient Mental Health Department. I would like more information about how a veteran can get training and a job working overseas. I am Service Connected with 100% for PTSD and I do Vietnam Veterans group, WW11 Veterans group along with 8 more group I facilitate. Please send information so I can inform veteran who would to travel as well as get a job.
Great idea. I went Down Range three times. But have ended up 100% Service Connected Disabled. But I really appreciated the Exchange at Tuzla AB Bosnia. Went there every day just t to walk around and break the monotony. If Icould still wlk and stand, Id like a tour down range again.
You want Veterans to go back to some Godforsaken 3rd world flea infested CamelJockey Sand (redacted) furnace for 33,000 a year? Are you out of your mind? Tell me, do they also get the pleasure of small arms fire and the occasional rocket or mortar attack? Sounds tempting……but not in a million years.
I always wonder why the “veteran jobs” are entry level with crap pay.
You are so right on
Because they know that we have been paid so low in our career as military members & know for sure they will find veterans (who either have nothing to loose, have for a reason problems living in the States or try to run away from a situation they’re in, have still friends over there, misses the military environment, or are homeless) and know they will be capable to fill these positions for hardly nothing by taking advantage of our patriotism!
Sad, truly sad!
That isn’t entirely true. I left the Army as a Sergeant (E-5), and walked right into a GS-12 position with the DOD civil service. I had 10 years in the Army and “bought it back” to apply toward my civil service pension. Now I am a GS-14 with 28 years of federal service (Due to my buy back).
The key is to know what you want, and to spend a a month or two (Seriously) making your resume perfect. I ALWAYS am offered an interview when I apply for a transfer or promotion. Also, I have never applied for a promotion within the command that I am already working at. This mean that people who do not know me are choosing me based solely on my resume and my interview performance, versus being promoted within the command, where someone can do so if they kiss enough tail.
I said they same damn thing, I made more than that as a deployed single SSgt during OIF. You couldnt pay me $100K to go back now that I’m retired and have a family. Maybe for $200K so I can put it towards my dream cabin in the mountains but I can make $33K in the states and not have to worry about leaving my kid an orphan.
Right.
I’m a disabled Veteran, I require the use of a walker and a cane.
I do not wish to waste anyone’s time by applying for a position, so I’m asking should I apply even though I require the use of a walker and a cane.
Check out AAFES rules on disability and job functions. You must understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the employer’s abilities to provide accommodations.
You have to understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, you must understand that AAFES must provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities. Each job assignment is different so accommodations will be different
I have a back ground of many useful items feel free to aak
I’m a veteran from 77 and am interested if I can be assistance
Love the opportunity to work with your company.
I’m ready to go to work right now ready to serve my country again my son was killed in a refueling accident and he will corny December 6th 2018 so I am ready to get back and serve my country again thank you and I will look forward to hearing from you please hire me right away I don’t know big discharged veteran
Please hire me right away I am ready to get hired and serve the military right now I served in the Marine Corps and the logistic feel so I will be a perfect fit thank you
I am looking for oversea employment. I held security clearances while in the US Marine corps and in the United States Army. I held the MOS of Combat Engineer, 1371 in the Marine corps and 12B30 in the Army. After 12 years of Military service, I worked construction for 30 years and then 4 years as a security officer before I retired.
Is there an age cut off for any of these jobs?
I a USMC Retired Vietnam Veteran, working in the Middle East would definitely fit into my current Life, I have had up to and including Top Secret clearances, my work was Air Operations.
Just wondering, would like to be able to do some sort of work.
Can a 65 year old vet whose MOS was a 63c, in the military and a surface coal miner as a civilian for 39 yrs, be considered for any job at all in the middle east?
I received this email concerning these programs and looks like there is opportunity out there for those of us Veterans who still would like to serve our country…
Thanks for the email
Sincerely
Frankie Bianco
Former
USAF
Is there an age restriction ? And how does someone apply ?
11 dollars an hour what a joke.
Is there a maximum age to be considered?
How do you find the middle east jobs I clicked on all the links and looked through everything I can’t find any middle east listings.
Wish this was advertised b4 became too old. I’ll be 75yo next year & have been retired 13 yrs. I would have gladly applied for a job there. Had a TS for 10yrs of my 12yrs of military career.