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Opportunities abound for Team Osan civilians

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Marasky
  • 51 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Many families could use the income from a second job in the house, but few would gain as many benefits from a second job more than spouses at Osan AB.

"There are a lot of benefits for a non-command sponsored spouse to get a job, either as a GS employee or a non-appropriated fund employee," said Ms. Margaret Roberts, 51st Mission Support Group Deputy Commander and a Department of the Air Force Civilian.

Spouses that accompany military members to the Republic of Korea non-command sponsored are placed on the space available list for services provided by the base, such as schools or the Child Development Center.

"If a spouse gets a GS or a NAF job, it moves them up on the priority list, as compared to space available," said Ms. Roberts.

Recent changes have made it easier for spouses to get those jobs here at Osan.

"We had a hiring freeze that started in February due to budget constraints.  Then the restraints were lifted in April for those jobs that were vacant.  As of Friday, the Wing Commander lifted the restraints on hiring for projected vacancies," said Ms. Roberts.

Lifting the restraints helps military spouses confront the difficulties of finding employment.

Because of the hiring freeze, some may have been tempted to look for work off base but getting a job in the Republic of Korea is very difficult for spouses accompanying military members.

"For off-base employment, people must apply through the Korean government immigration process to apply for a work permit," said Ms. Roberts.

"Special permissions are needed for individuals to work on the economy, and violators can face heavy penalties and fines for working without the permission of the Korean immigration office," said Lt. Col. Scott Ecton, 51st FW Staff Judge Advocate.

These restrictions apply to Osan high school and college students also.

"There are quite a few jobs available on base, both GS and NAF jobs.  People can contact the Civilian Personnel Flight for a list of GS jobs or Services to look into NAF jobs," said Ms. Roberts.

For questions about GS jobs on base , people can contact the Civilian Personnel Flight at DSN: 784-4218.

For questions about obtaining a special permission to work off base, people can contact the immigration branch office at DSN: 784-4042 or the headquarters in Suwon at 031-278-3312.