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is it possible to join the us military as a foreigner ?

# Can a Foreigner Join the US Military?

Joining the United States Military is a rewarding career path for many individuals, offering opportunities for service, education, and even citizenship. But what about those who live in the United States but are not yet citizens? Can non-citizens serve in the US Armed Forces? This article dives deep into the eligibility requirements and steps needed for a foreign-born individual to join the US military.

## Requirements for Non-Citizens to Join the U.S. Military

According to various sources, including the United States Government and reputable military websites, here are some key requirements for non-citizens looking to join the US military:

### Legal Permanent Resident

– **Green Card**: You must be a legal permanent resident (LPR) of the United States. This means you must hold a permanent resident card (often called the green card).
– **Current Residence**: You must be living permanently in the United States. Even if you have a green card, serving outside the US is often not feasible.

### Education

– **High School Diploma/GED**: Having a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) is essential. Note that many branches of the military prioritize high school graduates over GED holders, since the latter typically require higher scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests.

### Other Eligibility Criteria

– **Age**: Although the maximum ages vary depending on the branch (e.g., Army: max. 35; Marine Corps: max. 28), non-citizens can often apply for age waivers. However, these are not always granted.
– **Physical Fitness**: You must meet physical fitness standards and be in excellent health.
– **Background Check**: You must pass a thorough background check, which includes a criminal history review.
– **English Proficiency**: Fluency or near-fluency in English is required for serving in the military.

## Can Non-Citizens Become Commissioned Officers?

It’s important to note that federal law prohibits non-citizens from becoming commissioned or warrant officers in the US military or any of its branches.

## Benefits for Non-Citizens Serving in the Military

The US military indeed benefits immensely from the diverse experiences and skills non-citizens bring. They provide unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are a few significant benefits of serving as a non-citizen in the military:

– **Citizenship Through Service**: Military service can facilitate the process of achieving U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens can naturalize faster compared to civilians, often as soon as six months after enlistment.
– **Supports for Legal Needs**: Many installations have dedicated legal assistance offices specializing in helping service members with their civilian legal needs, including obtaining their citizenship.

## Steps to Join as a Non-Citizen

The journey to joining the U.S. military as a non-citizen involves several steps:

1. **Obtain a Green Card**: Before you start the recruitment process, you must become a legal permanent resident.
2. **Visit a Recruitment Office**: Contact a local recruitment center specific to the branch of the military you’re interested in.
3. **Take the ASVAB**: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test helps assess your reading, writing, math, and science skills.
4. **Complete Physical and Background Checks**: You must pass a physical examination and background check as part of the application process.
5. **Enlist**: If you meet all the requirements and clear the background and physical checks, you can proceed with enlisting.

## Conclusion

While foreign individuals must meet certain criteria, it is indeed possible for non-citizens to serve in the US military. Serving in the military can offer a pathway to U.S. citizenship and provide a wealth of opportunities. If you’re considering this path, it’s advisable to consult with military recruitment offices and, if necessary, immigration services to understand the specific steps involved.

For more detailed information, the following resources are highly recommended:
– [Operation Military Kids](https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/how-to-join-the-us-military-as-a-non-citizen)
– [USA.gov](https://www.usa.gov/military-requirements)
– [Military.com](https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/eligibility-requirements/the-us-military-helps-naturlize-non-citizens.html)
– [AVVO](https://stories.avvo.com/rights/immigration/can-immigrants-serve-us-military-8-rules-non-citizen-service.html)
– [National Immigration Forum](https://immigrationforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/VNA-Fact-Sheet.pdf)
– [Go Army](https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements.html)
– [Work.Chron](https://work.chron.com/join-us-marines-foreigner-19967.html)
– [Military OneSource](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/legal/us-citizenship-through-military-service)

Lastly, the military can serve as a life-changing platform—offering not only protection of the nation but also the opportunity to contribute towards one’s own personal growth and legal citizenship. It’s an exciting yet rigorous journey that requires both commitment and effort.