I received this question by email:  (Please provide this person answers)

Do you know anyone (US Citizen & Veteran) who has used the title career avenue to get a US civil service job?

I believe I have a better chance at getting an MLC job than a GS position.

This is because the pay is so low, it does not attract the best candidates, and US citizens applying for MLC jobs must have a permanent working visa for Japan-- which I have.

(At least, the MLC position puts me on the base where I can network effectively).

I know of lots of guys who found contractor jobs and then GS, but not MLC-->GS.

I would think that having a Japan work visa would classify you as an ordinary resident. Not sure on other branches of service but for Army jobs ordinary residents can not apply for GS jobs in Japan.

Yeah, the way I understand it is that you cant be a GS if you have a residency visa for Japan, you would have to give that up and fall under SOFA. That way the base "owns" you and you have to play by all their rules to stay in Japan.

I know people that are married to a Japanese woman, and when they got out of the military they got a Japanese visa to remain in Japan. Then they applied onbase, and landed a GS job. They still have their Japanese visa to remain here in Japan if anything ever happened to their onbase job.

I am not sure about the whole MLC thing. I know the person asking, was more concerned with what the right path would be, or if it was even possible.

Yeah I think the idea is that when you apply onbase and get hired, you are supposed to change your visa status to SOFA only. I have heard of people getting "found out" that they still have the Japanese residency visa and being told to give it up or resign. So anyone in this case, I would just keep it to yourself.

I personally think GS is better than MLC simply becasue it's overated. Look at the pay scale for instance.... private sector in Japanese Civilian world provides competitive salary with big bonuses twice a year than MLC. Thus with current Japanese government system, MLC keeps getting pay cut... yes, I said it, all Civil service, to include MLC are getting pay cutt (to include bonuses) throughout Japan. Needless to say.... what about their lump sum retirement pay? Taishokukin? You can probably expect a good 15 or 20 million yen the max. Only good thing about MLC is jobs are pretty much secured for a long term exployment compared to a civilian sector employees can be laid off anytime. With the continuous high unemployment and bad economy, more people (even young college graduates) are applying for MLC jobs. Not saying you are qualified. You may have extensive work experience and education. However, once you get a GS job with a career status (priority placement) you can stay in the system while advancing. MLC, the high positions still work for the GS or Military Supervisors.
GS you have Sofa Status (ID card - px/commissary priveleges, cheap jci, road tax, free K-12 Dodds school if you have a child, Post box, and many other features you can't compare with MLC. TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) or 401k ,,, with compound interest your retirement lump sum will be 10times higher than the MLC if you do it right. Unless you want to live in Japan indefinitely then MLC may be good for you. However, if you and your family decide to go back to States some day then my suggestion would definitelty be GS. Also, please keep in mind that Japanese system (including MLC) you must pay social security system (Shakai hoken) for 25 years to be qualified to get the elderly retirement (nenkin) when you turn 65 years old. To clarify about SOFA STATUS;

SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) is intended to clarify the terms under which the foreign military is allowed to operate. Typically, purely military issues such as the locations of bases and access to facilities are covered by separate agreements. The SOFA is more concerned with the legal issues associated with military individuals and property. This may include issues like entry and exit into the country, tax liabilities, postal services, or employment terms for host-country nationals, but the most contentious issues are civil and criminal jurisdiction over the bases. For civil matters, SOFAs provide for how civil damages caused by the forces will be determined and paid. Criminal issues vary, but the typical provision in U.S. SOFAs is that U.S. courts will have jurisdiction over crimes committed either by a service member against another service member or by a service member as part of his or her military duty, but the host nation retains jurisdiction over other crimes. Also, there are GS (Government Services or Civil Services) , Private Organizations, Contractors (DODDS Teachers, etc.) employees under the SOFA Status agreement. You cannot carry SOFA STATUS and ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD/GAIJIN TOROKUSHO at the same time.

MLC/IHA is strictly operated by the Japanese Government. MLC is more like a permanent position superior than IHA. They have a different pay scale and steps, which automatically adjust their pay increase annually. The jobs for MLC varies, usually the higher pay grades sticks with the White Collar job. IHA positions are more “Service oriented”, and can be from food, recreation, and laborer. MLC are more like Information technology, Medical, administrative, and clerk positions. Also, categorize by Gate guards, Firefighters, and Engineers. The benefit of MLC/IHA you are highly secured for your job unlike working for a private sector in a civilian world. Also, you work average 40 hours per week, on a set time, thus you get all the Japanese benefits to include Health insurance, retirement plan, high salary, bonuses twice a year, and elderly retirement (one lump sum payment) called the Taishoku kin. You also have Sick leave, Annual leave, and Administrative leave paid by the government. Everything is under Japanese system so you will have to pay tax to Japan, and other annual tax return processing. You will be driving Japanese plate cars. Your salary is paid in YEN. When you do your mandatory annual tax work at your city office, your employer will provide all the necessary paperwork to be completed.

SOFA job is very similar to MLC/IHA, except everything is in US system. There are many types of Civilian jobs (and Civil Service) mostly among big organizations such as the AAFES, MWR, 18 Services, and MCCS. Others are “Contracting positions” which means it’s not a permanent position. So downfall could be getting laid off anytime. The four big organizations I mentioned usually offers you with highly secured for your job unlike working for a private sector in a civilian world. Also, you work average 40 hours per week, on a set time, thus you get all the benefits to include Health insurance (Aetna, and other foreign insurance policies), retirement plan such as the 401k, IRA, or Thrift Savings Plan, high salary, Federal Retirement plan, and Training benefits to include Free College/Vocational/Licensing with Tuition Assistance plan. ID card for the PX, Commissary, MWR and APO privileges are authorized for U.S. hires. Also, you will be driving a POV (Privately owned Vehicle) with Y plate number. You also have Sick leave, Annual leave, and Administrative leave paid by the US government. You will be paying tax to your State of resident, thus completing the Tax Return annually. Only downfall with SOFA is that the Japanese health facilities will generally not accept foreign insurance policies in lieu of payment. Be prepared to pay all fees for treatment and hospitalization in cash immediately after services are rendered. You will then have to submit the required documents for reimbursement to your stateside health insurance provider (e.g. CISI). Also, with all the crime committed by the Military service members, there’s been an increased with security. You are obligated to follow strict orders in such case there are curfews and not trespassing at certain areas such as clubs, restaurants, etc. For GS/YA you MUST complete the OF612 Resume used for government jobs and submitted to the CHRO (Civilian Human Resource Office).

In some cases, if you work over 20+ years in SOFA system exchange privileges (Id card) will be granted for retired personnel. Again, it's your choice but it will be a big decision as once you obtain Sofa Status, then it's alot of leg work and various paperwork must be completed and submitted to the Immigration, City office, and other places regardless if you have a permanent residency (Eijyuken)

Good luck

I'm sorry if my question sounds ignorant but where would I go to inquire about these types of jobs?

I'm a non-military US citizen here in Tokyo on a normal work visa with a private Japanese company. Although I would like to remain in Japan, I'm beginning to tire of the excessive work hours and lack of vacation days while working at a Japanese company. I have quite a bit of experience in Japan and am fluent in Japanese...many of my military friends have suggested looking into contracting positions with the military here but I'm not sure where to begin such a search. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there. I believe there's a job opening website for each bases (Yokota, Yokosuka, etc.). As for contracting jobs please try the following:

http://www.militaryjobhunts.com/

http://jobs.lovetoknow.com/Governme...s_Overseas

As for IHA/MLC jobs, try this link:

http://www.lmo.go.jp/english/index.html

Good luck

Thank you for your patience and help Dave!

You're welcome. I remember many years ago I was in the same situation... but working in Japan you gain tremendous amount of experience, especially with work ethics. While you job hunt for military related jobs, there's also a "Gaishi-kei" Foreign subsidiary companies in Japan with competitive salaries and benefits. When you have a chance, please check this link as there"s tons of career fields that may suit your qualifications.

http://www.careercross.com/09215997...cross.html

Once again, good luck to you and best of everything,,,

If you go MLC knowing japanese is must.

Dave Oki - Thank for that info too! I agree that working for Japanese company has taught me alot, from local culture, ethics, and helped my Japanese greatly. Unfortunately, the pay here is downright embarrassing, without a single bonus thus far. (The company's largest customers are hurting and with the economy the way it is, it's not picking up anytime in the near future) I came in here as a personal favor to the owner and even after I leave, I suspect I'll still be aiding him with business. They just can't afford to pay me a reasonable full time salary right now, nor do they really need me full time at the moment.

Ex-navy Dave - I'm good there.