BRITISH troops could earn £10k to £15k pay hikes - and a sun tan - under new rules that let them join Australia’s army.
Brits who emigrate Down Under will be allowed to join up from next year.
A digger – as Aussie soldiers are known – earns almost £30,000 in basic training compared to just £18,700 in the UK.
And a newly qualified private would earn £38,400 down under compared to £23,500 in Britain - a 63 per cent raise.
Sydney relaxed strict rules on who can join its armed forces to fill a 4,400 shortfall, amid fears of looming war with China.
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Australia is trying to grow its total armed forces – including Navy and Air Force – from 63,600 to 80,000 by 2040.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said strength was key to “resist coercion” and stop adversaries blocking trade routes.
But the move has stoked fears it will worsen the UK recruitment crisis as the Army plunges to its smallest size on more than 300 years.
Britain’s army dipped to 72,150 in April – far below the government’s target of 73,000 by 2025.
Officials denied accusations they are trying to poach recruits from Britain, New Zealand, Canada and the US.
Junior defence minister Matt Keogh said: “This isn't taking people out of other countries.
“These are people that have already made Australia home and we are providing them a fast track to citizenship through joining the Australian Defence Force as well.”
Candidates will have to be resident Down Under and have lived there for a year.
