The Constitution prohibits retired military (officer and enlisted) from working for foreign governments without Congressional consent.

This applies to corporations owned by foreign governments, but not to independent foreign companies. Additionally, retirees may work as independent consultants to foreign governments.

Military retirees who want to accept employment with a foreign government are required by law (Title 37, U.S. Code Section 908) to have prior approval of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of their military service. Acceptance of employment without this approval subjects a member's retired pay to reduction or forfeit by the amount received from the foreign government. The following information must be provided in an application to work for a foreign government:

  • Name of the company and foreign country.
  • Title of position with brief description of duties.
  • Statement that you will or will not receive compensation for duties performed, with explanation if applicable.
  • Statement that you are unaware of any reason why such employment would be inadvisable or reflect unfavorably on the United States.
  • Statement if foreign citizenship is required or planned.
  • Extent of foreign government control and a statement you will not be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the foreign government concerned.
  • Statement that you understand withholding of retired pay equal to the amount received from the foreign government may occur if you accept employment prior to receiving the required approval.

If you seek employment different from that in your original or another request, you must reapply.