In a power move as tactful as it was timely, Kuwait pardoned and released 10 American detainees—among them veterans and military contractors—convicted on drug-related charges. The gesture reinforces longstanding U.S.–Kuwaiti ties and underscores the high stakes of serving abroad.

When most people think of the Bahamas, they picture luxury resorts and turquoise waters. But for U.S. contractors stationed on Andros Island, life looks a little different — quieter, tougher, and surprisingly fulfilling.

Whether you’re headed to support operations at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) or tapped for logistics, environmental work, or communications roles, here’s what you need to know before boots hit the island.

The GLOBALCAP contract serves as the State Department’s principal vehicle to advance global peace and security by building partner capacity. It was conceived to consolidate earlier programs (such as the AFRICAP III and GPOI contracts) into one comprehensive mechanism.

As Sudan’s civil conflict escalates, a quiet influx of foreign military advisors has been reported in and around the capital of Khartoum and across contested regions such as Darfur and El-Geneina. Intelligence sources and regional analysts confirm the presence of external actors providing battlefield strategy, logistics planning, and special operations training — though no official declarations have been made by major governments.

If you're planning to work overseas in a role tied to national security, chances are you’ll need a security clearance. Whether you're a contractor, consultant, or transitioning service member, understanding this process can open doors—and boost your earning potential.

UKRAINE — As the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, the role of American civilian contractors has quietly expanded behind the scenes. While U.S. troops are not officially on the ground, American companies are. And for job seekers with the right skills and mindset, Ukraine presents both opportunity and risk.

SOUTH KOREA — Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems division has been awarded a $28.6 million contract modification to support South Korea’s next-generation KDX III Batch II destroyers. The contract provides combat system engineering, ship integration and testing, and in-country logistics support.

Life on “The Rock”: What It’s Like for U.S. Contractors at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait

For over two decades, Ali Al Salem Air Base—nicknamed “The Rock”—has been a major hub for U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Nestled in the Kuwaiti desert, it has transformed from a dusty tent city into a permanent, well-fortified base. Along the way, thousands of American contractors have worked here, supporting everything from aircraft maintenance to IT, logistics, and base security.

So what’s it really like working and living there? Here's the breakdown.

Kabul, Afghanistan — In early 2025, a political shift in Washington triggered one of the most sweeping aid shutdowns in modern history. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), once a cornerstone of post-conflict stabilization in countries like Afghanistan, was dissolved and folded into the U.S. State Department. For contractors, NGOs, and aid workers on the ground, the consequences were immediate — and devastating.

American citizens are working in nearly every corner of the globe—but some of the most lucrative and impactful jobs exist in high-risk, overseas environments. These roles aren’t just for military veterans. Today’s civilian contractors include nurses, engineers, IT professionals, linguists, and project managers.

If you’ve ever considered working abroad and want to make serious money while contributing to critical missions, this career path may be for you.

QATAR — KBR Services LLC has been awarded a $10.3 million contract modification under the U.S. Air Force's AFCAP V (Air Force Contract Augmentation Program) to continue base operations support in Qatar. This includes ongoing delivery of logistics, facility maintenance, and infrastructure services critical to sustaining U.S. operations in the region.

DANGER ZONE — Two global powers are expanding their influence in Africa, not just with diplomats or soldiers — but with private military and security companies (PMSCs).

A new report by the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique breaks down how Russia and China are using very different models to secure their interests across the continent — and it’s creating a silent turf war in the shadows of warzones, mines, and megaprojects.