Talking About Colombia

For a year now, the best trained “elite” soldiers of the Colombian Armed Forces are being recruited by the army of the United Arab Emirates. The soldiers earn five to ten times more what they would earn in Colombia; a colonel can earn upwards of $18,000 per month.

So far, there have been 842 former military men who have taken the offer. The United Arab Emirates hopes to recruit 3,000 professional soldiers — which would leave a big hole in Colombia’s army, given that these are some of the country’s best trained men.

Apparently, it’s all legal. And apparently, there are no qualms about owing loyalty to … who, one asks? Who cares, another says. It’s an opportunity many welcome.

Related:

U.A.E. hired Colombian mercenaries trained outside Bogotá

Colombian Mercenaries hired to fight in Baghdad.