The job announcement will specify if a language is required. Several agencies appoint candidates without the required language skill and give them a period of time to develop acceptable language proficiency. Professional positions are generally considered to be mid-level positions and above. Other employees can often arrange for dependents to follow them at a later date. Military base privileges are authorized in many circumstances and Department of Defense schools are available for dependent children through grade 12.
Basic benefits are the same for all civil service employees.
Overseas employees also receive free travel, transportation and storage of household goods, and extra vacation with free transportation to stateside homes between tours of duty. There are a limited number of overseas positions and competition is keen. However, if you are well qualified in an occupation and available for most locations, your opportunity to be selected is good. The normal rotation of current employees back to the United States creates a large number of recurring vacancies. It pays to apply for federal jobs well in advance of the time you will be available for employment.