US Military as a foreigner.

[Anonymous]

Well I hope I dont get bashed by any Canadians in here to tell me to join the Canadian forces. But I was wondering if anyone here can tell me how to join the U.S. Army. I talked to a command career counslor about it and she told me that I could just walk in and join. But I phone a recruiter in Montana and he told me that I have to get a green card before I can join. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks


Whoops, didnt see the general discussion forum section. Can the mod please put this in there.

[Anonymous]

This is the correct section, as the general discussion forum is geared more for video games. Although being an American I can say that we're great, :) , but the Canadians have done some rather impressive things in recent operations. What's your motivation for joining one over the other?

[Anonymous]

Maybe the fact that after six months of successful operations in A-Stan, the wonderful Chretien Administration decided to withdraw the PPCLI (sp?) to cut the budget again...Canadian gov. is bad to its army, they gotta feel let down somewhere. Just an opinion.

[Anonymous]

I believe you may enlist in the american military but I am 90% certain that you won't be able to become an officer nor will you be allowed to serve in any special operations units. In that case, if I were you I'd go CF
because their regular infantry is really top of the line, regardless of the crappy funding they get. Just my .04$.

[Anonymous]

Actually you can join SF, you just have to be a US citizen which I think takes 2 years in the service.

[Anonymous]

Well after I'm done serving, I want to join the police force. Policing in Canada is mainly locking up drunks for the night. Damn strong Canadian beer! Well its too hard for me to get a green card, it would take about 5years or so. I am trying to get a temporary resident visa right now.

[Anonymous]

Yeah Canada treats her forces like crap. I think you would have an easier time joining UK's force's. That's what I'd do if I were you, I'd join the UK's army and go Para's then eventually try for SAS.

[Anonymous]

I think you will need more than a green card..but actual US citizenship. A green card only allows you to work in the US and joining the military is a whole another job type.. i would imagine

[Anonymous]

If you went and did some research you would know that you need a green card or be a registered alien.

[Anonymous]

Listen Kang, The thing is that I did the research and guess what? i actually have the experience too! cause I am a Canadian working in the US. SO I know a thing or two about Visas and green cards. The thing you are overlooking is that what reasons would the US government let you in the US to begin with. And how you would get your Canadian ass a green card or registered alien status to begin with? The easiest way would of course to marry an American or immigrate thru a US citizen relative or better yet give the US gov't 500K as an investment....but then if you had 500K why would you want to join the military? Getting a work visa does not mean just showing up and saying " I want to be G.I.joe" does not mean they put you on the next C-130 to basic. It means a college degree under the NAFTA agreement. and slowly working your way to a green card...which means a considerable amount of time in the US. Don't bother applying straight out of high school...the US already has plenty of dishwashers. Without a college degree you are not going to get anywhere near the US military.

[Anonymous]

Congee, would you please share further info on the topic? This is interesting.

[Anonymous]

no its not

[Anonymous]

University degrees are for officers, most active duty enlisted soldiers are High-School graduates. The American army wants more soldiers and would definitely accept a Canadian citizen who would want to make a career with them. You'll be fine Kango, good luck.

[Anonymous]

Badger,

You're probably right but I just wanted to tell a kid, that a FN cannot just walk in and join the US military...if they did that then why not anywhere else?.....say Iraq. There is a due process for everything....I am interested in this cause I remember all those kids back when I was in High School that said they were not going to college cause they were joining the US marines LOL where are they now? pumping gas...where? in Canada....Kang should get a degree first then think of joing whatever military he wants.

[Anonymous]

I aint no kid congee. Do you want me to send you my grad pic? Well Badger, my luck is running out. Thats just what that career counselor said, she said that I can just walk in and join but I cant. If I fail to get my temporary resident visa I am going take the criminal justice course. And if I still fail to get into the army then I will try and join the police force here. Does your comment of my being a FN mean I am a f'ing newbie? You dont need to be a **** about it man, just cool your heels.

[Anonymous]

Foreign National I think you'll find Mr Kango...

[Anonymous]

Kong - Why don't you join the British Army? I think it would be much easier for you. Is it that you just really want to become a U.S. citizen?

[Anonymous]

Sorry Kang, I meant FN as in Foriegn national sorry for the misunderstanding that is how they abbreviate at the INS office.

another tibit of information....it is a work visa to remain in the states and nothing else. And then you are still considered a FN. Best thing to do is have family in the states and immigrate....but hopefully you can maintain dual citizenship....cause i wouldn't want to lose my Canadian citizenship

[Anonymous]

Canada does not treat it's military forces like crap - we are one of the most highly trained and professional military units around the world. The funding and resources may not be as extravagant as the United States, but we pull through with flying colors with the little that we are given.
You should be proud of the country that you are native to, not cross the border and become something that you aren't. People recognize and respect the Maple Leaf... you should too. As a fellow Canadian I am ashamed and saddened to see such lack of loyalty to the Red and White...

[Anonymous]

Are you or have you ever been part of the CF to say that? Maybe you should join and experience a rainy weekend in the middle of a barren field (Farnham) doing nothing "possibly harmful to trainees" with your plt. because no permanent medical staff is available due to budget restraint. I left because of this kind of turn-offs. Quite frankly, the only times we had the opportunity to train to our fullest potential were the field ex at Ft Drum with the Yanks! Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be Canadian and I wouldn't hesitate to give up everything to defend this country should it be directly threatened, but face it, unless the Chinese cross the big pond, this land has little use for grunts in its defense. So outside the lucky few who deploy and secret-squirrel units, there is little to offer in the CF for ambitious soldiers. The incentives are fewer and far between thanks to our governement. It's not without reason if we have recruiting problems: there is more people leaving than joining! Oh, and by the way, patriotism isn't everything. There are hundreds of reason to join a foreign country's (but with which we share a lot, in this case) army or simply move there than lack of patriotism. So please don't pass judgement on this fellow because he wants to do so.

[Anonymous]

Actually I am enlisting... but I just get so mad when I see all our people leaving for the south. How can we make this a better country - or a better military - when people keep leaving and ditching for the bigger and brighter? I don't mean to be judging anyone, and I don't want to come across too sour... but this is our country. We can't expect things to turn around without us putting in the voice and effort to get things underway.
Oh... how do you think the US got where it is without patriotism? :cantbeli:
Oops.

[hood]

Well, trying to tell the military that they need to change, particularly before you've been in service for 10 years will fall on deaf ears. The other fact, is that people are rather indifferent to Canadians. I can't remember the last time I heard anyone saying "I hate those lousy Canadians!" except if they were talking about sports or something. The need for an impressive and large military won't happen in a country that doesn't need it. The U.S. on the other hand has enemies coming out of every alleyway for any number of reasons so it's necessary to keep a large buildup. This is what happens when all the money doesn't get spent on universal healthcare. rofl

[Anonymous]

Without patriotism? I dunno, but it certainly didn't drive the US people as much as idealism. The USA are still young, it's not the memories of gone "grandeur" that driven young Americans to enlist in 1917 and 1941. Same could be said for Canada (we didn't go there only because we do as the King/Queen wants). It sure influenced some, but compared to the ideal of freeing an oppressed people, it's not so strong. Don't get me wrong, both Canucks and Yanks have reasons to be proud and patriotic, but it's really an idealism, the desire to make a new country, that would be different from war-torn Europe that motivated the inhabitants of the 13 colonies to build their own nation. If you ask me, being proud of one's country is a great value (especially for the ego) but one must be careful as it's only the first step towards nationalism and ultimately bigotry. When you'll reach your first assignment, look out for UN Bosnia missions vets and ask them what they think of nationalism...

BTW, you don't sound sour. Come back next year, maybe then you'll have reasons to be sour about the way this country treats its soldiers...

[Anonymous]

Hi there, I'm from Canada too. I tried for 2 years to join the US Military. I have talked to everyone, INS, Immigrations, Military, etc, etc and the answer is 'No'. You can not join the US Military unless you are a US citizen, have a US background, or green card. You can only get a green if you live in the states for 5 years or get married to an American. Well I thought I could just move there for 5 years but you can't just move to the states. You have to get a resident card. But thats impossible to get because you first have to have a job in the US. Well being Canadian, people will hire you only if you have a green card which you can not get. Basically the only way to move to the states is to work for a Canadian company that has a US branch. Work for them for a few months then get asked to be transferd to the US branch of the company. But that will be HARD because they pick American people over Canadians. So I'm sorry to say you can not join.

for a few months I was upset that I couldn't join the US Military. But then I realized, what the hell am I doing.. I don't want to lose my Canadian citizenship or become an American. Also, why fight for a country that you don't belong to? So I said **** it and joined the British Army where my family was born. I just finished Basic as a soldier and now I'm off to Para Training. I'm soo glad I didn't join the US Military. I love being in the British Army. I think you should sit down and think really hard about your future plans. Hope this helped

[Anonymous]

I heard of someone who managed to get into the USMC with nothing more than good luck and a lot of paperwork/waiting (But not as much as years...).
Being from Norway, he didn't have any relatives or anything in the US, and basically there was no reason for himself to be admitted into the US Forces, but he managed anyway.
This would be some two years ago, and i don't know what his approach was. But i believe after 9/11 things have been tightened up quite a bit...

I'll see if i can find out how he managed, and then post whatever i may find out...

[Anonymous]

Well, in January I am taking a criminal justice course and do half of it here and try to get a student and a work visa to the US. I'll try to find a good employer and after a few months of working I'll ask him/her to sponsor me. If I missed something, please tell me.

[Anonymous]

105 Terror Suspects Got U.S. Visas
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20021127/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/visas_terrorists_4

Look at this, this just makes me a little more angry everyday. Is it because they have fake credentials to make it easier for them to get a visa? And thats just 105 "suspected terrorists". I wonder how many more Visas are in the hands of terrorists.

I am asking this question because everytime I phone the INS, no ones there or its closed, usually no ones there. What do you think will get me a green card or visa faster. Having a 2year degree in criminal justice, or serving 3 years in the Canadian Forces.

[Anonymous]

Well hopefully the Canadian Government will take to heart some of the recommendations that have been recently made in regards to the Armed Forces. That would greatly improve recruiting and operational readiness. And maybe a few more of you would stay up here in Canada and join your home army!

[Anonymous]

hey i`m a canadian and I`m almost out of high school, I want to become a soldier but in the british army, not in the canadian army at least. And I was wondering if I could get some information on how to enlist if you`re an FN.

[Anonymous]

Have you thought about joining the French Foreign Legion? Just a suggestion. If you are looking to join a foreign military with highly regarded "elite" units, it would make sense to me to consider the Legion. Aren't they made up of FN's??? Of course, you'll have to learn French, unless you speak it already.

[Chuck6d]

Well if you would like to hear it from the horses mouth. I'm a recruiter..............not to be trusted :lol: Really, you do need to be at least a legal resident(green card holder). They do take people who are in the last phases of residency. Meaning your passport is stamped with an A# and you just haven't received an I551 card(green card). Due to the current situation in the US I've seen most people waiting a long time for residency. Try talking to someone at the local consulate or US embassy. Good Luck!

[Kernel Klink]

I`ve been looking for info about U.S. foreign recruiting but cant find any good info. tried marines.com but its not enough. I was planning to go infantry here in canada, i applied and so did my brother and it takes over a year before you go to basic in most cases for this trade because it`s always full/closed due to poor funding.Now i want to go marines or Army either would be great , i have my grade 11, been lifting weights for 4 years and i`m 19. The mental or physical aspect doesnt worry me at all and my dad was army 25 years and what happened to him makes me frown on canadian politics/forces in short he had 2x brain aneuryzms* typo :cantbeli: while serving and they covered it up :fork: . I would go to the us embassy but its about 2hrs away and i work and they would probably refer me elsewheres so i thought someone here would know something.

any help would be nice thx

[SFontaine]

I'm in the same boat as you.
I called the US Embassy who referred me to the US State Dept who reffered me to a recruiter who referred me to the USINS website.
I'm getting tons of info soon though so I'll hook you up if need be.

[papasmerf]

http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm


It's gonna be very hard for you to obtain a residential status here in US now, you'll have to go through the immigration process which is very, very long. I suggest you find a woman with an American citizenship that will marry you, this way she can sponsor you and you'll get your green card much quicker. Anyway, best of luck.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Im just going to wait it out and join the Canadian army, it wouldnt feel right with any other flag then the Canadian flag on my shoulder.

[Johnnyringo]

I remember serving with guys that didn't have their citizenship... is it too difficult to just get a green card?

[papasmerf]

I remember serving with guys that didn't have their citizenship... is it too difficult to just get a green card?


Must have at least green card to service in the US military... and yes, it is damn difficult to obtain one nowdays... I got mine through my father, he's a US citizen, I'm going to swear for my citizenship next year.

[Kernel Klink]

This is what I found at marines.com in the f.a.q.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I currently live outside the US. My address information cannot be entered into the registration fields on the Web site. Can I still join the Marines?
If you are a United States citizen or Resident Alien and meet other eligibility requirements, you can join the Marines. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for more information.

I am not a citizen of the United States, but I would still like to be in the Marines. Is this possible?
In most cases you must be a United States citizen or resident alien to join the Marines. Upon establishing permanent legal residence in the U.S., you should address specific questions regarding your enlistment to your local Marine Corps recruiter. President Bush is currently promoting legislation that will help naturalization of foreign members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

[radon]

Not the first time i hear someone wanting to join us forces. Maybe it is time for a us foreign legion? :lol:

[SFontaine]

From what I've heard so long as your in the process of getting a Green Card you can join.

[Jack Mehoff]

Not the first time i hear someone wanting to join us forces. Maybe it is time for a us foreign legion? :lol:

We already have a lot of foreign-born Americans serving in our armed forces for a longggg timee now. They don't call Americas a melting pot for nothing.

[Johnnyringo]

I served with Native Americans that caught gaming checks as well as N/A that didn't and all of them served with PRIDE... They deserve every penny they get...

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Personally I've never heard of a case like that before. You should definately get ahold of a new recruiter and give it a second chance.
As far as I know you dont need any voluntary firefighting or drivers course, Im pretty sure that probably has to do with the regiment you were planning on joining.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Actually we are quite capable of defending ourselves (p.s. can I borrow a battery for my CF-18? :lol: )

Besides its not the quantity of soldiers its the quality, everyone I've ever asked about the good old Canadian military said they were to be respected by allies and feared by enemies

You should be proud of your nationality and where you are from, you are Canadian who lives in Canada, serve your country with pride.
papasmerf....I couldnt say it better myself.

[enderr]

Go Brits, or Aussies. I presume you're a Canadian citizen, which means you're a member of the commonwealth. Therefore it's a lot easier for you to join a commonwealth army. And if you join the Paras, Royal Marines, or 4 RAR under their Spec For recruiting program. Well there's your high Op Tempo.

Of course there is allways the French Foreign Legion. France couldn't give two shakes about what happens with the Legion.

Finally, and this is pure speculation. With the Op Tempo the US has been, and will be having for the next few years atleast, guys are not going to be reenlisting. Which means if they don't allready have one they'll soon be having manpower shortages. And if you see where I'm going the Recruiters won't be as anal about INS pre-requisites. And if you've got the sense ensure you get a Ranger Contract with OSUT.

Or you could just go Brits. But if you're smart go Aussie. It's just like Canada, except it's warm. And don't forget about the Aussie chicks. But what do I know?

[Seraphim]

Go Brits, or Aussies. I presume you're a Canadian citizen, which means you're a member of the commonwealth. Therefore it's a lot easier for you to join a commonwealth army. And if you join the Paras, Royal Marines, or 4 RAR under their Spec For recruiting program. Well there's your high Op Tempo.

Of course there is allways the French Foreign Legion. France couldn't give two shakes about what happens with the Legion.

Finally, and this is pure speculation. With the Op Tempo the US has been, and will be having for the next few years atleast, guys are not going to be reenlisting. Which means if they don't allready have one they'll soon be having manpower shortages. And if you see where I'm going the Recruiters won't be as anal about INS pre-requisites. And if you've got the sense ensure you get a Ranger Contract with OSUT.

Or you could just go Brits. But if you're smart go Aussie. It's just like Canada, except it's warm. And don't forget about the Aussie chicks. But what do I know?

Emmigrate to Canada and send prisoners to Australia? Hmmmm :cantbeli:

[DE_Six]

He can't go Aussie that easily. The Australian military has citizenship requirements similar to that of the US.
British army requires 5 years residency prior to enlistment. It's waiverable but that's a big IF.
Besides, RN commission is now limited to UK citizens. That's new. And it includes the RM.

D19, I don't know what unit you serve or served with, but you were blessed (either that or I was cursed...). I served in the primary reserves, and unless things changed alot in the past two years, I left because the conditions were the exact opposite of what you described. Piss-poor leadership(but it might have been only us), well underdemanding PT standards and limited access to equipment that was always broken anyway. And from what I heard back then, the Regs' situation was only slightly peachier. I personnally didn't find it rewarding at all, that's why I left. I'm not exactly a fiery nationalist, and even then, I'm not sure Canada's policies are woth the sacrifice of our fighting men and women. Short of an invasion of our territory, the politicians are having a good laugh at our forces' expense.

You talk about big spending in the US military as if it was bad. Well, I remember some of my senior NCOs drooling over the US ARNG's toys and access to training facilities at Ft. Drum. I seriously gave a thought about going south to enlist, I still do, but since I've entered university, I still don't know where that'll lead me. But I'm six month short of leaving for my second student exchange in the US, I love it there, it's a place I could call home as much as Canada and I would fight for. But it's personal, there's no use in reasoning me with patriotism.

Just my .02$, FWIW.

[SFontaine]

Furthermore I'd like to point out some of our excellent equipment

1) Woodland CADPAT in desert regions
2) Griffon helicopter that has seats for 9 but can't fly with 8 people in full combat gear
3) All of our armor sold off in exchange for 66 strykers

The list goes on

To quote a friend of mine

it seems that when you join the Canadian military you become less of a soldier and more of a PR agent for Liberal Defense spending cuts. I mean, it seems like half of the job is the Canadian army is just to justify its own existance.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Well as you all noticed we dont have that many Canadians interested in joining the army. I myself am a rare breed that actually considers doing it and plans on doing it. If there was more people in our army instead of crossing the border and joining down in the Us maybe we'd have more money spent to help us out?
Just my thoughts.

[SFontaine]

Acutally no. Our good ol Liberal Government couldnt care less about the military and your average Canadian thinks we don't even need an Army, what with the US directly south of us and all.

[Midav]

I met a couple of Canadians in the US Army when I lived in Germany. From what I have heard, it's not uncommon to see Canadians in the US armed forces, so, should work out for you. Just wish I had more info.

Good luck!

[Deuterium]

I`ve been looking for info about U.S. foreign recruiting but cant find any good info. tried marines.com but its not enough. I was planning to go infantry here in canada, i applied and so did my brother and it takes over a year before you go to basic in most cases for this trade because it`s always full/closed due to poor funding.Now i want to go marines or Army either would be great , i have my grade 11, been lifting weights for 4 years and i`m 19. The mental or physical aspect doesnt worry me at all and my dad was army 25 years and what happened to him makes me frown on canadian politics/forces in short he had 2x brain aneuryzms* typo :cantbeli: while serving and they covered it up :fork: . I would go to the us embassy but its about 2hrs away and i work and they would probably refer me elsewheres so i thought someone here would know something.

any help would be nice thx

You're an idiot...simple as that. You know the Canadian Forces has a much better pension, insurance and pay plan than the US army, not to mention the fact that you're an idiot if you want to serve in the armed forces of another nation...Im sure Evan Lloyd has said it already but I'll say it again.

You're an idiot, please, leave my country.

So what is the pension and and insurance plan that is so much better? Just currious, I don't know. Can you tell me the specifics?
he may be exaggerating a bit. but i know we do have a pretty good pension plan for the military. i just dont know how good. i doubt its as good as the u.s.'s but its not bad.

Just curious.... Canada's plan maybe be a lot better. It be interesting to compare.

Here is ours:

retire after 20 years------50% base pay, medical, depending upon the plan you opt in for can be as little as 600USD a year for your whole family

Retire after 20 up to 30 years and your pay goes up 2.5% a year up to 75% of your base pay at 30 years.

The thing that truly sucks in the retirement plan is that your base pay compared to your whole pay is very different. I'm an E-8 over 20 years but under 22 years. My base pay is 3625.50 USD, but I also get...food allotment 242 USD per month, housing allotment 1119 USD per month, Language pay 100 USD per month, parachute pay 150 USD per month, and Special Duty Pay (SF Pay) 300 USD per month. I make 5537 USD per month before taxes and 4303 USD after taxes per month. When I retire I will only get 50% (55% when I retire at 22 years) of my base pay of 3625 not the 5537 that I currently make per month. So how bout you Canucks?

[Jack Mehoff]

Deuterium,

Which SFG you are in?

[Deuterium]

Deuterium,

Which SFG you are in?

The active one in the state next to you.

[UoUo]

Soory...but anyone can tell me what is "SFG"



*it's 5:14 am here...and i am tired ! school in 2 hours !!*

[Vance]

Special Forces Group.

[Jack Mehoff]

I saw one full bird colonel while i was there and that guy has a turban and a full beard. I believe he works as an Army dentist and a Hindu. Now, that what you don't see every day in Ft Carson.

[Deuterium]

I saw one full bird colonel while i was there and that guy has a turban and a full beard. I believe he works as an Army dentist and a Hindu. Now, that what you don't see every day in Ft Carson.

Yeah and they also hold a Wiccan (Sp?) service also.....

[Kernel Klink]

Marxist203 why would you join the forces for pays, benifits, and pension plans? Evan you really are sad from what i`ve wrote you made out that i can`t make it in the forces and if i did i would be unreliable on a team. Why are you even posting in this thread i made it seeking out info. on u.s. foreign recruiting and you haven`t even posted anything decent relating to the subject. Well wait you did write that people who are canadian that want to join u.s. forces quitters it`s not `decent` but it makes you a jacka$$.

[SFontaine]

If the Canadian and British Armies are so well trained, equiped and funded then why is it that neither are capable of fighting a war by itself anymore? Seems that the crappy US Army is better than both.

[DE_Six]

I was told if I can hack bootcamp and survive it every day of my life after would be gravy, pure gravy.

What MOS are you interested in? Because if you're going infantry, no matter where in the world, that's BS. It could well be more like freezing your ass, sleeping in the rain, ruckmarching in the sun, not sleeping or eating for days on end and losing a limb. Not my idea of gravy. Line units are demanding from day one 'til it's over, even more so in special units, where you are required not only to achieve the standard to pass, but to maintain it day in day out.

Just a thought.

[Deuterium]

Anectdotaly I've always heard that the Canucks are better paid than the US Military. I'm just currious of how this works in real life. It really doesn't matter how much you are paid, what matters is the cost of living in the area that you are in. Can you aford to buy a house? Can you go on vacations with the family? Where do you fit in the economic scale of the community? Can you send your kids to private school? Can you buy grocceries?

Even though I'm just a poorly led, poorly trained, not well rounded, and can only do a single task, I was able to find the pay scales for Canadians.

http://www.dnd.ca/dgcb/dppd/pay/engraph/NCMRegFPayRate_e.asp?sidesection=3&sidecat=28

I'd like some comment from REAL Canadian soldiers who have to deal with the day to day living. What's your opinion on pay? From a US perspective from a senior enlisted I can say with all honesty we are paid poorly for what we are called to do. I'm lucky the wife works and she makes a lot more than I do. I live comfortably at what I would think is straight middle class. This is because of two incomes not what the Government provides.

[budanski]

Whats the good when you dont have any toys to play with? (http://torontostar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1070406608990&call_pageid=971358637177)

As with European forces, they're more into paying the soldiers than buying equipment.

[HappyCat]

comming from someone who has recently tried to join the canadian military, I can tell you that the recruitment process here is the biggest piece of **** ever. (I have friends who are trying to get through as well and they agree) I passed all the required tests for the reserves, and they even saved me a spot in a regiment (33rd field arty I think), all my forms were finished I had done everyhting right (they told me so) and I should have been able to get into the trainig session that started in January (it was October) January passed, and I was still waiting, I called up and they said the forms would soon be back from processing. So anyways 8 months after that, I got the forms back and it says I wasn't accepted because I used to be on medication for ADD. So not only did it waste 10 months of my life, I didn't get in after they told me I would. I wasn't able to get a job that summer since it was too late, because I assumed id be in basic training. after the horrible recruiting process, I decided not to try to get back in. **** the armed forced in this country, im using my dual citizenship and going to the states.

[Jack Mehoff]

comming from someone who has recently tried to join the canadian military, I can tell you that the recruitment process here is the biggest piece of **** ever. (I have friends who are trying to get through as well and they agree) I passed all the required tests for the reserves, and they even saved me a spot in a regiment (33rd field arty I think), all my forms were finished I had done everyhting right (they told me so) and I should have been able to get into the trainig session that started in January (it was October) January passed, and I was still waiting, I called up and they said the forms would soon be back from processing. So anyways 8 months after that, I got the forms back and it says I wasn't accepted because I used to be on medication for ADD. So not only did it waste 10 months of my life, I didn't get in after they told me I would. I wasn't able to get a job that summer since it was too late, because I assumed id be in basic training. after the horrible recruiting process, I decided not to try to get back in. f*** the armed forced in this country, im using my dual citizenship and going to the states.

why are they so slow with all the paper work?

[HappyCat]

because they centralized all recruiting processes at cfb borden recently, the recruiters don't like this because no one has that much patience and they have noticed a drop in people who actually follow through with joining the forces. I think the centralization was a cost cutting measure cause apparently they have one doctor who reviews all medical forms for applicants, but the government says it was a better way to screen applicants. what a load of BS.

P.S im not sure if centralization is a word :)

[joseph]

i was wondering if there was any other military besides the french that would take in foreign recruits.....
any help with this would be great,
thanks

[James]

I believe that the U.S. Military accepts non-U.S. citizens for certain jobs.

[Jack Mehoff]

Yes, U.S. military do accept immigrants with green cards for jobs that don't require security clearance.

[Seraphim]

You can also join the Canadian Reserves if you have a permanent resident visa.


US recruiters Told To Stay Off Canadian Reserves
by David Pugliese • Thursday December 11, 2003 at 05:13 AM


They'll have to prey upon their own minorities for Imperial Auxiliaries.

U.S. military told to stay off reserves recruiting

Pentagon tells recruiters they can no longer look for troops among natives in Canada

David Pugliese
CanWest News Service
Wednesday, December 10, 2003

OTTAWA - Senior Pentagon officials have warned their recruiters to stay out of Canada after the federal government voiced concern about U.S. officers going on to native reserves shortly before the Iraq war in search of volunteers for the American armed forces.

Canadian military recruiters reported that their U.S. counterparts appeared last January on reserves in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, in the Sault Ste. Marie area in Ontario and at a number of native communities in the West.

According to a report prepared for John McCallum, the Defence Minister, the Americans were operating on the belief that under a treaty signed in 1794 between the United States and Britain, they were allowed to recruit Canadian natives for their armed forces.

American recruiters were also under the impression that many of the aboriginals held dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship.

The recruiting attempts sparked a high-level meeting in February between Justice, Foreign Affairs, Defence Department and Privy Council officials, at which time it was decided to let the United States know that Canada did not support such efforts.

"As a result of our interaction with the U.S. embassy, a letter was sent from the director, Joint Chiefs of Staff, in Washington to the vice-chiefs of the U.S. military services, reminding them that their recruiters are to refrain from entering Canadian territory," Reynald Doiron, a Foreign Affairs spokesman, said in an interview.

That prohibition covers all activities in Canada, including recruiting at high school and university job fairs and on native reserves, Mr. Doiron said.

The U.S. embassy has also given assurances that there was no ongoing policy of active recruitment in Canada, he added.

"Quite obviously, Canadian native people are free to join U.S. military forces," Mr. Doiron said. "For that matter, they would cross the border."

With ongoing combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon has found itself in need of more troops. One method being used to increase the ranks has been to recruit so-called "green-card soldiers," individuals who are legal, permanent U.S. residents but do not yet have citizenship.

Last year, George W. Bush, the U.S. President, signed an order significantly reducing the time that such military members have to wait before becoming American citizens. Those efforts have sparked some concern in the Hispanic community in the U.S. that overzealous recruiters have been specifically targeting Latinos holding green cards.

Currently, there are about 37,000 non-Americans serving in the U.S. forces.

An ageing population and strong economy have contributed to ongoing problems in attracting recruits.

As well, over the years the size of the American military has been reduced as a cost-cutting measure. At the height of the Cold War there were some 2.5 million Americans in the regular forces, but by this year that had dropped to 1.4 million.

Alain Pellerin, a Canadian defence analyst, said the U.S. is facing a major problem finding enough personnel for duty in Iraq. Some units that took part in the invasion of that country and have since returned to the U.S. have now been told they are heading back to the Middle East, he added.

Mr. Pellerin noted that in some native communities along the American-Canadian border there has been a tradition among young people to serve with the U.S. military. "The Mohawks have in the past joined up, in particular with the U.S. Marines," he said.

The Americans were relying on what is known as the Jay Treaty to justify their recruitment of natives in Canada. But according to Canadian government officials, that treaty was a commercial agreement between the British and American governments.

"We did remind the U.S. authorities that even though they can refer to the Jay Treaty, we do not recognize the treaty and therefore recruitment activities on reserves in Canada was not exactly corresponding to our views on the matter," Mr. Doiron said.

According to Justice Department officials, the 1937 Foreign Enlistments Act prohibits foreign agents from recruiting in Canada. But they say there has never been a prosecution under that legislation.

[aeternum]

I have heard that spain is recruiting south-americans and offer them a citizenhsip if they server in their military... Spain is haveing serious trouble in recruiting issues..

[Guttorm]

Yes, U.S. military do accept immigrants with green cards for jobs that don't require security clearance.

What kind of jobs don't require a security clearance? I guess as a regular soldier/grunt you'd need SOME kind of clearance?

[MolliG]

If your a citizen of a Commonwealth member country, then I'm pretty sure you can serve in the British Forces (RAF, Army, RN and RM) without any major problems. :)

[joseph]

thanks for the help everyone.
i am a canadian citizen living on the east coast of canada. its always been my dream to be a soldier. ive wanted to join the canadian forces ever since a child. but not that it is time to act on my dream i am thinking of joining a foreign military. i respect the members of the canadian forces 100% i just dont feel that they dont get the respect or support that they should be givin in this country.
a man told me once that being a soldier isnt like anything else. he says your either a soldier or your not. some people have it and some dont.

[EvanL]

thanks for the help everyone.
i am a canadian citizen living on the east coast of canada. its always been my dream to be a soldier. ive wanted to join the canadian forces ever since a child. but not that it is time to act on my dream i am thinking of joining a foreign military. i respect the members of the canadian forces 100% i just dont feel that they dont get the respect or support that they should be givin in this country.
a man told me once that being a soldier isnt like anything else. he says your either a soldier or your not. some people have it and some dont.
You from the rock mate?

[radon]

why dont you join the french military then?

[joseph]

i am in nova scotia m8.

i was going to join the foreign legion i was just trying to find out if there were other options or other places. just trying to figure out if the french is the only real place i would be able to serve.

[Dalleer]

Doesn't the IDF also accept some sorts of foreign recruits for kitchen service or something along those lines.

I remember once reading about it ?

[EvanL]

i am in nova scotia m8.

i was going to join the foreign legion i was just trying to find out if there were other options or other places. just trying to figure out if the french is the only real place i would be able to serve.
Why dont you stick around and see what happens in the next year or two with the new government. If they keep ****ing us over, go join the brits. Atleast dont leave the commonwealth. Maybe even go aussie.
I thought about joining the brits but realized i would be so far from my family and rarely get much time to see them. So im gonnna stick with the CF.
WHy not get an officers commission through university?

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Yes, U.S. military do accept immigrants with green cards for jobs that don't require security clearance.

What kind of jobs don't require a security clearance? I guess as a regular soldier/grunt you'd need SOME kind of clearance?

Nope. Most jobs require no security clearance. Prolly around 85-90% or so. It still happens that sometimes people are given the choice of jail or the military - and they sure as hell wouldn't get any clearance.

Most jobs are pretty mundane - admin, footsoldier, logistics, maintenance etc. The clearances are attached to certain positions - typically in basic you fill out background information & they run your clearance during your tech school. Hopefully by the time you're done, your clearance is in.

There are many levels & each one takes a bit longer to do. Confidential clearances are pretty quick while TS/SCI/SBI take forever. Mine took a year & it wasn't ready when I was. So I was doing busy work for a while. If you work with crypto or intel they do a special background investigation to clear you for foreign intel etc. & it takes forever.

[Guttorm]

Yes, U.S. military do accept immigrants with green cards for jobs that don't require security clearance.

What kind of jobs don't require a security clearance? I guess as a regular soldier/grunt you'd need SOME kind of clearance?

Nope. Most jobs require no security clearance. Prolly around 85-90% or so. It still happens that sometimes people are given the choice of jail or the military - and they sure as hell wouldn't get any clearance.

Most jobs are pretty mundane - admin, footsoldier, logistics, maintenance etc. The clearances are attached to certain positions - typically in basic you fill out background information & they run your clearance during your tech school. Hopefully by the time you're done, your clearance is in.

There are many levels & each one takes a bit longer to do. Confidential clearances are pretty quick while TS/SCI/SBI take forever. Mine took a year & it wasn't ready when I was. So I was doing busy work for a while. If you work with crypto or intel they do a special background investigation to clear you for foreign intel etc. & it takes forever.

Thanks!
I worked with national (norwegian) and NATO crypto in my time in the Royal Norwegian Navy, so I know how tight security is around those items.

I used to think about going over to US for work, that s why I wondered.

[ibstolidude]

Yes, U.S. military do accept immigrants with green cards for jobs that don't require security clearance.

What kind of jobs don't require a security clearance? I guess as a regular soldier/grunt you'd need SOME kind of clearance?

Nope. Most jobs require no security clearance. Prolly around 85-90% or so. It still happens that sometimes people are given the choice of jail or the military - and they sure as hell wouldn't get any clearance.

Most jobs are pretty mundane - admin, footsoldier, logistics, maintenance etc. The clearances are attached to certain positions - typically in basic you fill out background information & they run your clearance during your tech school. Hopefully by the time you're done, your clearance is in.
-PLease tell me again about
It still happens that sometimes people are given the choice of jail or the military
while you are at it tell me more about the "MUNDANE" life of the footsoldier??? Traditionally in the US and abroad 'foot' = infantry..tell me again how mundane they are?

[ibstolidude]

[quote="GuttormThere are many levels & each one takes a bit longer to do. Confidential clearances are pretty quick while TS/SCI/SBI take forever. Mine took a year & it wasn't ready when I was. So I was doing busy work for a while. If you work with crypto or intel they do a special background investigation to clear you for foreign intel etc. & it takes forever.

Thanks!
I worked with national (norwegian) and NATO crypto in my time in the Royal Norwegian Navy, so I know how tight security is around those items.

I used to think about going over to US for work, that s why I wondered. - As with all things in the US GOV things have a priority as does the investigation..if you properly complete your paperwork and are a pirority...you will atleast recieve an intrum clearance. As Jack said this applies primarily to US Citizens...rules pertaining to others would require info I lack.

[oldsoak]

Colonials are always welcome in HM forces mate -dont let that talk of warm beer and boiled cabbage put you off... :lol: Besides, they improve the local bloodstock no end. Seriously, joking aside, if you cant get a job with the CAF, - and I hope that you do - come on over and give it a whirl. You can but try and theres guys here be willing to give you a few pointers.
rgds

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Yes, U.S. military do accept immigrants with green cards for jobs that don't require security clearance.

What kind of jobs don't require a security clearance? I guess as a regular soldier/grunt you'd need SOME kind of clearance?

Nope. Most jobs require no security clearance. Prolly around 85-90% or so. It still happens that sometimes people are given the choice of jail or the military - and they sure as hell wouldn't get any clearance.

Most jobs are pretty mundane - admin, footsoldier, logistics, maintenance etc. The clearances are attached to certain positions - typically in basic you fill out background information & they run your clearance during your tech school. Hopefully by the time you're done, your clearance is in.
-PLease tell me again about
It still happens that sometimes people are given the choice of jail or the military
while you are at it tell me more about the "MUNDANE" life of the footsoldier??? Traditionally in the US and abroad 'foot' = infantry..tell me again how mundane they are?

Wow, massive quote pile going here.

The jail thing - I had a couple of friends, and in fact my own father also, who were basically given the choice of going to the pokey, or joining up. My dad chose the Navy (the fool!!!!) Nobody is gets into West Point, the Air Force Academy or Annapolis this way, but it does happen. Local kid gets in trouble constantly with the Sheriff and is given a choice. The military is good at straightening out bent people.

Ok by "mundane" I meant ordinary. I suppose you can argue the point, but I'd consider infantry pretty mundane. No disrespect intended to anybody - it's by no means an easy job. But consider the test scores, aptitues etc. needed to qualify for the job. And in addition no requrement to pass a security screen. They don't get involved in any tasks, or have access to information beyond what's in front of them. Decisions on a small and immediate scale. Infantry commanders prolly have a secret clearance, as they create and view plans.

As to how ordinary they actually are - of course each human being is a wonderful and unique creature, conceived in light and bathed in the unearthly glow of our glorious creator. But lets face it, when the bullets ain't flying, being an 11B is the cat's ass. Policing up cigarette butts, painting rocks, endless training etc. This you do not need a clearance for. Nuttin' wrong with that, but they're pretty well down in the order of things.

Other examples of "ordinary" type jobs would be people who paint buildings, put tires on trucks, cook food, order helmet liners, repair generators. There's nothing wrong with ordinary. My current job for exampe is pretty mundane.

About the interim clearance - it ain't gonna happen for anybody needing a TS/SCI etc. They can prolly fudge on the lower level ones, but they have absolutely no sense of humor about codeword info.

[ibstolidude]

Wow, massive quote pile going here.

The jail thing - I had a couple of friends, and in fact my own father also, who were basically given the choice of going to the pokey, or joining up. My dad chose the Navy (the fool!!!!) Nobody is gets into West Point, the Air Force Academy or Annapolis this way, but it does happen. Local kid gets in trouble constantly with the Sheriff and is given a choice. The military is good at straightening out bent people.

Perhaps you should talk to a recruiter...you are mistaken about the "go to army or go to jail crap" you are off by about 20 years.
The basic qualifications for enlistment include being atleast 17. Be a US cit. or resident alien (I-551). Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Single with no children or married with 2 or less. Pass the ASVAB. You may not be undergoin any civil violations and Certain Law violations will disqualify you. (as the recruiter put it other than traffic violation will likely disqualify you)

Ok by "mundane" I meant ordinary. I suppose you can argue the point, but I'd consider infantry pretty mundane. No disrespect intended to anybody - it's by no means an easy job. But consider the test scores, aptitues etc. needed to qualify for the job. Never really looked at the skills needed or scores needed to be an NCO in the infantry huh? And in addition no requrement to pass a security screen. They don't get involved in any tasks, or have access to information beyond what's in front of them. You really are off! Have you no idea what the SIPRnet is, the old "rednet"..no..any idea how many subscribers on that thing? Since you are the EPSQ and clearance SME..next time you hop on the SIPR on your email account lookup searches based on these types of units then continue this line of talk Decisions on a small and immediate scale. Infantry commanders prolly have a secret clearance, as they create and view plans.

As to how ordinary they actually are - of course each human being is a wonderful and unique creature, conceived in light and bathed in the unearthly glow of our glorious creator. But lets face it, when the bullets ain't flying, being an 11B is the cat's ass. Policing up cigarette butts, painting rocks, endless training etc. What the **** era are you from? Guess what welcome to the military..EVERY lower enlisted position I have been in did this..from Strat Intel to the very tactical... I have seen ODA Cdr's scrubbing toilets 'cause it was his turn in their team room. So if you think your job or clearance makes you too good to police call you got your head further up your butt than I thought possible. This you do not need a clearance for. Nuttin' wrong with that, but they're pretty well down in the order of things.

Other examples of "ordinary" type jobs would be people who paint buildings, put tires on trucks, cook food, order helmet liners, repair generators. Often the need for a clearance is mandated by unit..,our of our unit manning roster positions (too include admin, mechanics, etc) were required to have a clearance. Most of the time it is based on duty position NOT MOS. There's nothing wrong with ordinary. My current job for exampe is pretty mundane.

About the interim clearance - it ain't gonna happen for anybody needing a TS/SCI etc. Really? They can prolly fudge on the lower level ones, but they have absolutely no sense of humor about codeword info. So you are telling me that an Interum TS does not exist! http://www.dss.mil/isec/interim_waiver.htm and in reference to a TSSSBI and TSSCI an interum TS can be granted until the process is complete. Codeword info?? What are you talking about...earlier you talked about crypto, is that what you mean?

[MolliG]

i was going to join the foreign legion i was just trying to find out if there were other options or other places. just trying to figure out if the french is the only real place i would be able to serve.

Think very hard and carefully, and do some indepth research, before you take the trip over the pond to one of the FFL recruitment offices (or whatever they're know as). From what I've read (I've got a nice book on the whole FFL life... From the '80s though) it's a very tough life and quite a few can't hack it (I'm not saying your unsuitable or otherwise) and regret the decision of joining. :)

--


Nationality
Applicants will be eligible if they are a bona fide resident of the United Kingdom or the Irish Republic and are one of the following:

Commonwealth citizen. This term includes a British citizen; a citizen of the British dependent territories; a British overseas citizen; a British subject under the British Nationality Act 1981; a citizen of an independent Commonwealth country; British Protected Person; Citizen of the Irish Republic.

Residence
Should applicants reside outside the United Kingdom, they will only be eligible to enlist if they are exempt from immigration control: that is to say they have been given indefinite leave to reside and work in the United Kingdom under Immigration Rules.

Once again, do some proper research, before taking the big jump in. :)

[anonymous individual]

WHy not get an officers commission through university?

Does the sentence mean by joining the military, without perset education obligations before going into post-secondary education, after obtaining a university diploma?

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Wow, massive quote pile going here.

The jail thing - I had a couple of friends, and in fact my own father also, who were basically given the choice of going to the pokey, or joining up. My dad chose the Navy (the fool!!!!) Nobody is gets into West Point, the Air Force Academy or Annapolis this way, but it does happen. Local kid gets in trouble constantly with the Sheriff and is given a choice. The military is good at straightening out bent people.

Perhaps you should talk to a recruiter...you are mistaken about the "go to army or go to jail crap" you are off by about 20 years.
The basic qualifications for enlistment include being atleast 17. Be a US cit. or resident alien (I-551). Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Single with no children or married with 2 or less. Pass the ASVAB. You may not be undergoin any civil violations and Certain Law violations will disqualify you. (as the recruiter put it other than traffic violation will likely disqualify you)

Ok by "mundane" I meant ordinary. I suppose you can argue the point, but I'd consider infantry pretty mundane. No disrespect intended to anybody - it's by no means an easy job. But consider the test scores, aptitues etc. needed to qualify for the job. Never really looked at the skills needed or scores needed to be an NCO in the infantry huh? And in addition no requrement to pass a security screen. They don't get involved in any tasks, or have access to information beyond what's in front of them. You really are off! Have you no idea what the SIPRnet is, the old "rednet"..no..any idea how many subscribers on that thing? Since you are the EPSQ and clearance SME..next time you hop on the SIPR on your email account lookup searches based on these types of units then continue this line of talk Decisions on a small and immediate scale. Infantry commanders prolly have a secret clearance, as they create and view plans.

As to how ordinary they actually are - of course each human being is a wonderful and unique creature, conceived in light and bathed in the unearthly glow of our glorious creator. But lets face it, when the bullets ain't flying, being an 11B is the cat's ass. Policing up cigarette butts, painting rocks, endless training etc. What the f*** era are you from? Guess what welcome to the military..EVERY lower enlisted position I have been in did this..from Strat Intel to the very tactical... I have seen ODA Cdr's scrubbing toilets 'cause it was his turn in their team room. So if you think your job or clearance makes you too good to police call you got your head further up your butt than I thought possible. This you do not need a clearance for. Nuttin' wrong with that, but they're pretty well down in the order of things.

Other examples of "ordinary" type jobs would be people who paint buildings, put tires on trucks, cook food, order helmet liners, repair generators. Often the need for a clearance is mandated by unit..,our of our unit manning roster positions (too include admin, mechanics, etc) were required to have a clearance. Most of the time it is based on duty position NOT MOS. There's nothing wrong with ordinary. My current job for exampe is pretty mundane.

About the interim clearance - it ain't gonna happen for anybody needing a TS/SCI etc. Really? They can prolly fudge on the lower level ones, but they have absolutely no sense of humor about codeword info. So you are telling me that an Interum TS does not exist! http://www.dss.mil/isec/interim_waiver.htm and in reference to a TSSSBI and TSSCI an interum TS can be granted until the process is complete. Codeword info?? What are you talking about...earlier you talked about crypto, is that what you mean?

Whoa there big fella. You gotta lay of that coffee. As a guy who was active duty for 6, in the guard for 5 and currently a works for the Army as a civillian, yes I have a passing familiarity with the subject matter. I'm also the COMSEC officer for our section and work the blasted SIPRnet all day. If you don't know what codeword is maybe you should consider that maybe you don't have all the answers.

I started as an E1 also, and apparently your career path and mine diverged a long time ago. I never picked up cigs or did busy work after leaving tech school. Real sorry if you had to, but don't assume everybody does, or I'm being an elitist. If, by the way you were in the infantry, and had to, you've proved my point...

Did you even bother to read the text from the url you posted? It's clearly for civilian contrators -not military personnel - who've already got a Secret clearance. It also clearly states it's not applicable to SCI. A guy joining the military has exactly no hope of starting his job which requires a TS/SCI if his clearance isnt approved. And that's what we're talking about.

If you believe what a recruiter tells you, you've got bigger problems. It happens every day. Pass the ASVAB? With what scores..c'mon get real here, they'll take a warm body if they need the quota. True I haven't been in the enlisted world since '95 but it sure as hell happened then.

[ibstolidude]

Say no more.
@ 2sheds - PM sent
I did jump when I should not have..
I was arguing apples v/s oranges.

I will continue to disagree with whole "go to jail or the army" deal.. but what is life with out spice.

I will now punch myself in the face.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

sokay - like I said that was a while back (being an old bastard has has its drawbacks)...maybe they dont do it anymore.

[ibstolidude]

Check your PM's

[Dmitri]

nm

[Jack Mehoff]

The jail thing - I had a couple of friends, and in fact my own father also, who were basically given the choice of going to the pokey, or joining up. My dad chose the Navy (the fool!!!!) Nobody is gets into West Point, the Air Force Academy or Annapolis this way, but it does happen. Local kid gets in trouble constantly with the Sheriff and is given a choice. The military is good at straightening out bent people.

Are you talking about current U.S. military or Vietnam era?

[digrar]

I served with Poms, Yanks, Kiwis, Canucks, Fijians, Russians and Zimbabweans while in the Australian Army and there would be many other nationalities serving. Most were already living in Australia when they joined, some of the Poms and Canucks transfered from their Army to ours, I'm not sure if they can still do that or if they do it on a case by case basis.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

The jail thing - I had a couple of friends, and in fact my own father also, who were basically given the choice of going to the pokey, or joining up. My dad chose the Navy (the fool!!!!) Nobody is gets into West Point, the Air Force Academy or Annapolis this way, but it does happen. Local kid gets in trouble constantly with the Sheriff and is given a choice. The military is good at straightening out bent people.

Are you talking about current U.S. military or Vietnam era?

It was early '90s. And I think I'd better clear up what I mean here - I think I've stated it wrong previously. It wasn't a case of going in front of a judge, being found guilty, then being sentenced to either the Army or Jail. Yes I think you're right - that is simply never done.

Of the 2 people I personally knew who did it - they were both from very small towns in Maine. They'd been it trouble with the law - no jail time or anything - but it got to a point where the local law enforcement basically gave them the choice of either being charged with a crime (an probably jail time etc.) or get the hell out of their hair by joining the service. So their choice was to join the service -while they still have a clean record and can make something of themselves - or get charged with whatever & start a downward slide. One guy's "final straw" was stealing a Christmas tree (with friends), erecting & decorating it in his van -which had windows, by the way, and driving around with it while swilling beer.

And if you think about it, it would have nothing to do with Army (or whatever service) policy. In fact, they could be completely unaware of the situation. So the odds are that the recruiter had absolutely no idea - and since the kids had no adult "record" to view there was no problem.

[pAt]

ive known some people who were in the Canadian military transferred to the American Military (Hiller was one of them) and my friends dad was posted to Canada after serveing with the American forces at Ft. Knox.

[RealUltimatePower]

I'll sum it up for ya since I'm going to the Marines after high school and have served three years with the CF.

You need to be a US citizen or have a Permenant residence card(Green card)

If one of you parents or close relatives is a us citizen or was born in the US then you are eligable for citizenship.

otherwise you can obtain a green card through a workers visa or the Diversity lottery.

The US military is not allowed to sponsor your immigration.

To serve in the US military you need a full high school diploma.

[fantassin]

Don't bother with getting a citizenship...board a flight to Paris, go to "Fort de Nogent" by the subway and ask for the Legion recruiting office.

If you are selected (one out of eight hopefuls currently) then it's five years minimum in the Legion. If you've served with honour and fidelity, you can ask for a French citizenship after your first 5 years.

Basic pay starts around 1100 USD for a private (+40% extra if airborne, ie 2°REP). Speaking French, you can hope to be an NCO within 4 years.

Here are a few links:

http://www.geocities.com/foreignlegionlinks/

[DE_Six]

For someone seeking quality training and opportunity of deployment, the Legion is indeed a serious contender.
On the website, it says: "Des étrangers au service de la France". That's the part that'd make me hesitate a bit. Not that I have anything against France as a people, but I'm not too fond of their government's policies.
But from a purely professional perspective, it's the best. No question asked, tough training and guaranteed to see a fight within five years.

The US should have a foreign legion. p-)

[fantassin]

I'm not too fond of their government's policies.


Basing your views of France on US medias would be a serious mistake; a bit like judging the USSR on the reading of "The Pravda"

When you read in some "serious" magazines that France is "an enemy of the USA", makes you wonder.

If you think that serving in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Chad, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Djibuti, Erytrea,Central African Republic, Senegal....to name Just a few isn't a good idea, then, yes, give it a miss.....

[DE_Six]

Not so, I'm French-Canadian. We are probably France's largest media client abroad. We have just about everything: books, magazines, TV programs, you name it. My favorite military publication is Raids. Never miss an issue. Also, in my field of study, there is a massive French publication volume, so I get my hands on it quite often. It as easy getting Le Monde as it is getting Maclean or Time here.

I could return the comment, you know. Many french journalists and authors have a "particular" opinion of America...
I've been fortunate enough to travel several times to both France and the USA and make up my own idea. It's never like the other guy said...

The problem is not where I'd go, it's why I'd go. I won't get in too much details, I just disagree with the political stance France has adopted lately. And political science is just my main interest, it's not just "with or against us, so f**k off, I want my freedom fries"... I can't agree, I was in favor of the war...Enough said.

As I said, I have a lot of respect for the Legion, and what I admire the most I think is their loyalty, not towards a flag or a king or a god, but towards the Legion. Legio Patria Nostra...There is nothing political about being a Legionnaire, it's about being a warrior, plain and simple. that's where I'm not sure I jump in. The idea is romantic, but to me, serving involves beliefs, ideas. If I ever lose my illusions, I'll know where to go.
p-)

For the time being, I'm still driven by my ideas. Couldn't go against. And although I like the French as a people, a culture, a society (just as much as I like my fellow Canadians and as I like Americans, what a paradox...) I can't stand the idea of being the tool of a government I deeply disagree with. The military is a profession where you don't get to question what's asked of you. You may or may not agree with the orders you receive and that too suits me fine. But I can at least choose the "general direction" of my duty, if you know what I mean.

I haven't found what I'm looking for here in Canada either. Disappointed by the government, disappointed by the CF, I seek elsewhere what I'm after. It's nothing I feel the need to justify, I just know it.
And since I've been shuttling a lot to the US in the past few years, I grew attached to places there, people I met, etc. It's not perfect either, but suits me fine. So I keep thinking about enlisting there. It'd make sense from both a professional and personal point of view. But it's a lot of hassle, so it makes me wish for a US Foreign Legion. Nothing to get mad about.

[Burncycle]

So how's that work out? Does any nation allow non-citizens to join it's military?

[Jack Mehoff]

Taliban takes foreign fighters

[MVSpartan117]

Taliban takes foreign fighters

rofl

[ChuckThunder]

Taliban takes foreign fighters

rofl

I seriously haven't laughed that hard in a while!

[Burncycle]

lmao

That's not what I mean :P

Seriously, like if I'm american and wanted to join the british army, am I just SOL? (Just a hypothetical example, don't worry I don't want to join the british army ;) )

[Salty Dog]

or say, if i loved israel so much, i just wanted to go and help them defend against palestinian gunmen, by joining the IDF, is this possible, me being an american and all?

[Burncycle]

There ya go. And is it possible to fraternize with the hot israeli military girls while I'm at it? :)

[Skaman]

Taliban takes foreign fighters


Why is that a joke, this happens...

I know of many Western National soldiers or mercenaries that fight for the 'bad guy'

Many French, American, and Canadians fought for the Bosnians and Croats in the Balkans. Americans have left to fight in the 'holy war' and freelance soldiers now join the ranks of private militaries in Africa. Read "blood song” for example.

Its just another way to make a buck.

[11F5S]

So how's that work out? Does any nation allow non-citizens to join it's military?

The United State of America does.

[hahaha]

Was it true that there were a couple of Hondurans who joined the U.S. Marine Corp, fought and died in Iraq; then were posthumusly(too lazy to spell check) granted citizenship ?

[aktarian]

Doesn't USN take Filipinos? They serve some time and get citizenship?

And don't forget Foreign Legion.

[digrar]

In Australia if you can imigrate here you can enlist. You have to become a citizen or intend to become a citizen in the very near future. I think the UK has the same sort of system.

[cbreedon]

What about EU citizens? Can they join each other's militaries?

[Durandal]

So how's that work out? Does any nation allow non-citizens to join it's military?

The United State of America does.

True, the United States allows non-citizens to serve. In fact Bush just awarded a non-citizen serving in the Gulf with his American citizenbship.

The reverse however is not as simple:


A U.S. citizen who is a resident or citizen of a foreign country may be subject to compulsory military service in that country. Although the United States opposes service by U.S. citizens in foreign armed forces, there is little that we can do to prevent it since each sovereign country has the right to make its own laws on military service and apply them as it sees fit to its citizens and residents.

Such participation by citizens of our country in the internal affairs of foreign countries can cause problems in the conduct of our foreign relations and may involve U.S. citizens in hostilities against countries with which we are at peace. For this reason, U.S. citizens facing the possibility of foreign military service should do what is legally possible to avoid such service.

Federal statutes long in force prohibit certain aspects of foreign military service originating within the United States. The current laws are set forth in Section 958-960 of Title 18 of the United States Code. In Wiborg v. U.S., 163 U.S. 632 (1985), the Supreme Court endorsed a lower court ruling that it was not a crime under U.S. law for an individual to go abroad for the purpose of enlisting in a foreign army; however, when someone has been recruited or hired in he United States, a violation may have occurred. The prosecution of persons who have violated 18 U.S.C. 958-960 is the responsibility of the Department of Justice.

Although a person's enlistment in the armed forces of a foreign country may not constitute a violation of U.S. law, it could subject him or her to Section 349(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(3)] which provides for loss of U.S. nationality if an American voluntarily and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship enters or serves in foreign armed forces engaged in hostilities against the United States or serves in the armed forces of any foreign country as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer.

Loss of U.S. nationality was almost immediate consequences of foreign military service and the other acts listed in Section 349(a) until 1967 when the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253. In that decision, the court declared unconstitutional the provisions of Section 349(a) which provided for loss of nationality by voting in a foreign election. In so doing, the Supreme Court indicated foreign election. In so doing, the Supreme Court indicated that a U.S. citizen "has a constitutional right to remain a citizen... unless he voluntarily relinquishes that citizenship."

Further confirmation of the necessity to establish the citizen's intent to relinquish nationality before expatriation will result came in the opinion in Vance v. Terrazas, 444 U.S. 252 (1980). The Court stated that "expatriation depends on the will of the citizen rather than on the will of Congress and its assessment of his conduct." The Court also indicated that a person's intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship may be shown by statements or actions.

Military service in foreign countries usually does not cause loss of citizenship since an intention to relinquish citizenship normally is lacking. Service as a high-ranking officer, particularly in a policy-making position, could be viewed as indicative of an intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship.

Pursuant to Section 351(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person who served in foreign armed forces while under the age of eighteen is not considered subject to the provisions of Section 349(a)(3) if, within six months of attaining the age of eighteen, he or she asserts a claim to United States citizenship in the manner prescribed by the Secretary of State.

[Dalleer]

What about EU citizens? Can they join each other's militaries?

I'm not sure of it, but I think that you can only join another EU nations military if you have the specific nations citizenship (with the exception of France and it's foreign legion).

So, things should be all good if you've got a dual-citizenship. Although, I guess if some EU nation would accept volunteers into their armies you could go as well, but would they bother giving "special treatment" to an English fellow in the Danish army, for an example?

[MARINO]

And could foreigners become officers of US armed forces?

[mi35d]

Yes, you can. There's a lengthy process with background checks, etc. but you can join the US military as a foreign national. The expectation is that you will become a US citizen once you have completed your service.

It's not unheard of...there was a group of Canadians who joined the US army during the Vietnam war for example.

I've worked with service members who were foreign nationals over the years.

They are limited to the level of clearance that they can be given.

[foxtrot023]

You have to be an US resident to join the armed forces (but you can`t be an officer). If you are an US Citizen (doesn`t matter where you were born) then you can be an officer.

[MARINO]

And if you take american nationality.

[shrek]

You can only go as high as Staff Sargeant without being a legal resident but it's pretty easy when you get to that point. And, yes, you have to be a citizen before you can become an officer or warrant officer

[G1]

And if you take american nationality.

= U.S citizenship, as mentioned.

[MARINO]

Thanks. I don't pretend to join US army, but i have considered it after our new governement decisions.

[CRAZY MERC]

Hey G1: is Finland gloomy and suicidal? :)

[Lt_Crooks]

you could enlist as a foreign citizen,after four years in the enlisted ranks you can apply for officer, this is not the normal officer course though you can go advance as far as captain,the 1.) 2nd Lt 2.) 1st Lt 3.)captain, the pay is slightly diffrent though

[FDF_Hemppis]

Hey G1: is Finland gloomy and suicidal? :)

Huh?

[Saint]

Even as Canadians you need to be in the process of obtaining your Green Card or be a dual US-Canadian citizen to apply for their armed forces. My mother is in the process of "attempting" to become a dual citizen (my Grandfather was American). If she does Im gonna jump all over that oppourtunity once Im finished University.

[memphiz]

Yes, you can. There's a lengthy process with background checks, etc. but you can join the US military as a foreign national. The expectation is that you will become a US citizen once you have completed your service.

It's not unheard of...there was a group of Canadians who joined the US army during the Vietnam war for example.

I've worked with service members who were foreign nationals over the years.

They are limited to the level of clearance that they can be given.
There was very few of them that actually volunteered, the rest were working in the States and were drafted, something like 50,000 Canadians were in 'Nam

[Geezah]

My mother is in the process of "attempting" to become a dual citizen (my Grandfather was American). If she does Im gonna jump all over that oppourtunity once Im finished University.

Saint, check your PM

[G1]

Hey G1: is Finland gloomy and suicidal? :)

Huh?

No, it's just a "läppä", in other words it's not serious. ;)

[FDF_Hemppis]

Hey G1: is Finland gloomy and suicidal? :)

Huh?

No, it's just a "läppä", in other words it's not serious. ;)

I didn't think it was, I was just like "what in the earth was he trying to ask"? :D

P.S.
Kivasti näyttää kesä puskevan tänne hki alueelle...jotain +20 luvattu huomiseksi, shortsit jalkaan ja rannalle! woot

[G1]

Hey G1: is Finland gloomy and suicidal? :)

Huh?

No, it's just a "läppä", in other words it's not serious. ;)

I didn't think it was, I was just like "what in the earth was he trying to ask"? :D


No, my location, look at my location <- p-)



P.S.
Kivasti näyttää kesä puskevan tänne hki alueelle...jotain +20 luvattu huomiseksi, shortsit jalkaan ja rannalle! woot

Aah, niin totta, Vaasassa ilmasto ja misut ovat kuumia. No okei, ilmasto on p-)

[Loco]

I read the case of an asturiano miner, communist as it´s the tradition, that was exiliated in USA when Japan bombed Pearl Harbour and he joined Marine Corps by order of spanish PC. I don´t know if american authorities checked his background then or just they thought it was a little detail without importance, but he hand´t obstacles for joining marines and he hadn´t to ask for american citizenship previously.

[Sergeant]

I've heard that it's possible to get a green card after you finish a degree in US based University. As it looks now, I'm most likely going to be a transfer student in there, finishing my Masters in there, so I was wondering if that would be enough? Naturally student visa gets you nowhere, but the possibility of having kind of temporary green card might? I've learned that the GC would only last from 6 months to 1 year, but that would be enough I reckon.

The other thing, what are the possible career chances in the US military, at that point I'd be 27 to enlist? That's not very young. However I'd be in good shape, with higher degree and prior service in military (with the rank of Sgt). How long does it take in the US military to basically get anywhere?

What about the possibilities and different places to enlist, can I enlist where ever I want to go? Would it be possible to join Rangers or what ever more special kind of training? Do I have to apply there first, or do I go through basic trainings etc, and then apply? Is this a stupid idea.. Because my plans do include taking the citizenship if I get a chance to do that and live in there. And work.

edit: And if someone wonders why I would like to join military at that age and with a good degree in my pocket, well.. the way I see it, if I want the citizenship, there are some duties to be done and that's one. Like a contribution and the least thing you can do. So that's basically the main reason. And while at it, why not do it properly then.

[iflu]

oh..haha...have never thought about this. but still wondering why government allows foreigners to join the army. if u want to join the sf, would dod allow that...no idea...

[2RHPZ]

U.S. Citizenship At Last For Soldier

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
June 29, 2004

For Army Spec. Fausto Trivino, the road to United States citizenship led through downtown Baghdad and barrages of Iraqi bullets and rocket-propelled grenades.

"I earned my citizenship. I fought for it," the proud native of Ecuador said Monday shortly after he pledged to defend his new country.

But Trivino and several of the 71 other soldiers from 40 different countries sworn in Monday as new Americans have already done that. Many are combat veterans among the active, reserve and National Guard troops. At least six of them, including Trivino, were from the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) based at Fort Stewart.

They took the citizenship oath in ceremonies at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building in downtown Atlanta.

Trivino was a loader on a tank assigned to Charlie Company, of the division's Task Force 1-64 when the unit became the first American force to enter Baghdad in April 2003. On that initial "Thunder Run" into the heart of Saddam Hussein's regime, Trivino's tank was disabled by enemy fire and had to be abandoned.

Although peppered by gunfire and RPGs, the crew fought to save the tank before being ordered to leave it behind. It was recovered by U.S. forces several days later, but Trivino and the three other members of the crew felt like they had lost their home.

There were times, he admitted later, he did not know if he would make it home alive. He knew he was fighting for a country that was not his own, but felt he had an obligation to prove his worth as a citizen.

"I feel now that I fought for my country. Before, I felt like I fought for a country that wasn't mine, but I didn't mind doing it because this country opened a lot of doors for me."

Accompanied by his wife, Stephanie, and 16-month-old daughter Alejandra, who was born while he was overseas, Trivino was solemn and composed as he recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time. But after the ceremony he was all smiles, relieved that the nearly four-year journey was complete.

He and many of the other soldiers were assisted by an executive order signed July 4, 2002, by President Bush designed to speed citizenship applications for noncitizens who served in the military after Sept. 11, 2001. Otherwise, said Trivino, it might have taken seven or eight years to become a citizen.

"I think he always felt like an American, but after the war was when he really felt like it because of what he did over there," said Stephanie, who is an American by birth.

Maj. Gen. Larry Gottardi, deputy chief of staff for personnel at Forces Command Headquarters at Fort McPherson, welcomed the new citizens and congratulated them for their service.

"Your country is grateful for what you have done in her defense and is grateful for what you are yet to do in her defense," said Gottardi, whose great-grandparents emigrated from Sweden.

Trivino is just finishing up his tour at Fort Stewart with the 3rd Infantry Division, which is scheduled to return to Iraq either late this year or early next year. His next assignment will be with the 1st Armored Division in Germany, which is now in Iraq but is due to leave there in the next few weeks.

"We couldn't stand for him to miss another year of her life so he re-enlisted and asked for Germany so we could spend that time together," said Stephanie.

[Foreigner]

How hard is it for a foreigner to join US army? What are the rules and limitations?

[Roger Rabbit]

I think your best bet would be to go to a US Embassy and ask in there.

[mi35d]

It can vary depending on different factors. For example, country of origin, previous military experience, political background, education. Another prime factor is whether you want to become a US citizen or not.

Best bet would be to contact the US embassy as mentioned above or see if there's an applicable recruiting link on the US Army website.

[Foreigner]

I'm a dutch citizen. And after all, we are NATO allies. So I guess that wouldn't be a big problem. It's not like I'm from Iran or N. Korea.

I filled in the application forms for the 'local' army, the Dutch Royal Army. But if that won't work I'll need to look for something else. So going to the embassy isn't a very good plan, it would look rather strange.


previous military experience

If I serve in Holland first, would that make my chances of joining better?


Another prime factor is whether you want to become a US citizen or not.

You bet. p-)

[Roger Rabbit]

So going to the embassy isn't a very good plan, it would look rather strange.

You don't need to tell the Dutch Army you went to the US Embassy.

I'd say just go to the Embassy and say you are think you would like to become an American Citizen and serve in the US Army. Is it possible and what would you have to do to get in. Obviously be a bit more polite and coherant than i've just been.

[Shadow]

For example, country of origin, previous military experience, political background, education

I think that won't be the problem! rofl

[Foreigner]

For example, country of origin, previous military experience, political background, education

I think that won't be the problem! rofl

Well smartass, then enlighten us if you know something we don't know. What are the minimal educational requierments to join the army?

[Cambridge Rabbit]

How hard is it for a foreigner to join US army? What are the rules and limitations?

I believe that a green card (lawful permanent residence) is required to join the army. If you're interested, here's an official Web site: http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/

It seems that an easy way to do it is to marry an American. Here's my advice: take a Greyhound to, oh ... Wyoming, or Idaho, or Oklahoma, and marry one of those cute, quiet, farmer's daughters. Stay away from the humongous, mealy-mouthed bitches from the suburbs. p-)

Also, if I'm not mistaken, certain careers in the army require citizenship. Officers, Rangers, Special Forces, and so on. IIRC, the required time between resident and full citizen is drastically shortened if you're serving in the armed forces.

[American Patriot]

How hard is it for a foreigner to join US army? What are the rules and limitations?

You must be at least a permanent resident.

[futurepilot2004]

I suggest you go to www.military.com and ask questions in the forums there.

[DE_Six]

Follow-up to the few threads we had recently about people inquiring about foreign militaries.

Who here plans on, intend or think about joining another countries' military?

If you do, feel free to tell us a little about it, why, where, when.

If you don't or wouldn't, also feel free to drop a line (no flaming please).

Me, I'm Canadian, when I graduate college, I seriously consider going oversea. I'm considering either US Army or British Royal Marines. Both options will require me to live oversea for a while before actually enlisting (for different reasons) but I'm actually looking forward to that. To me, it's about the experience, not patriotism, that's why I look where I'll get what I want.
Besides, I'm going to leave this country anyway, military career or not, I'm bored to no end, need to go make my life somewhere else. Plus a couple other, personal reasons.

What about you?

[Bulkowski]

I was thinking about the FFL for a while, and I have still left this option open. For a few reasons. I have taken three years of French and I speak it alright. It is a foreign army, and if I ever wanted to move from the US, joining the FFL would give me a fresh start. They are pretty badass and they have a great history to them. Right now, I am not considering joining, but as I mentioned the option is always open in my mind.

[Ayura]

Im in the same boat as you my friend. Yet however im still unsure about my options, and I might be staying here in the UK to try for the RMC.

Also, I dont understand why you want to join the U.S.army if you have considered RMC. If your considering RMC, then at least consider the U.S. Rangers/Marines.

[DE_Six]

Well, actually Ayura, I aim for the US Army Special Forces. I'm just keeping my ponctual goal in view.

Unconventinal warfare is what attracts me the most. I studied mostly politics, but also cultural studies (I'm in International studies), I speak three languages and intend on learning at least two more (I'm starting Arabic in September) and the idea to go to foreign countries, learn about the culture, meet the people and adapt and overcome just about any obstacle is a challenge like no other for me. But before I get there, I have many steps to take. Right now, I want to get to airborne infantry (my choices are limited as I will only be a permanent citize, no clearance). Once there, I'll concentrate on SF.

I thought about the Marines, but the SF perspective is my top motivation. I can't get to Ranger batts, need clearance.

[DE_Six]

La Légion, c'est tout un défi, Bulkowski! :D

C'est une bonne idée d'avoir appris le français, car tous les légionnaires doivent l'apprendre et tous les ordres sont en français. Ça te donnerait un avantage sur ceux qui comprennent à peine.

Good luck if you go that way!

[Dagon]

I took a basic course in french 2 years ago and have since then been practising the language. Reading easy short stories and watching french TV channels. I have no plans of joining FFL but thats a plan-B in case **** hits the fan. Remember the motto: Be prepared

[Fenna]

DE6 -members of the Commonwealth can go straight into Britain's armed forces

[DE_Six]

It's actually a bit more complicated. Things have changed last year. You need five years residence, there's a waiver, but the process is long. In fact the whole interview and exams thing makes it a long process. So, I would end up living in the UK for a while before. Also, Commonwealth citizens can no longer get a commission in the Royal Navy, nor attend the Perisher school.

I made a rough calculation, given the short process in the US, but wih the longer period to get my permanent resident visa, it's about the same length. It's really down to my choice.

Not a worry thoug, I have friends in both countries where I can crash, the time to get on my feet running, get a job, a place to stay until I sign the dotted line.

[expat007]

DE6 - The 82nd is a good place to start if you want to go SF. You should have no trouble getting a contract for 11b with choice of duty station and a couple of grand enlistment bonus.Once at division Id recommend getting to ranger school as soon as you can, the 82nd has one of the best pre ranger courses around. Once youre ranger qualified youll get promoted to specialist and if youve been on top of the paperwork- citizenship shouldnt be too long behind that and SF selection is just down the road at Camp Mackall.

[Ayura]

^^^ sounds good.

Dont you need citizenship to join the 82nd division?

[Pep's Bandit]

The 82nd is the "All American" division, but I dont know for sure. Other considerations include Marine "RECON" enlistment option for unconventional Warfare (UCW). And I hear that the Army's 10th Mountain Division is a pretty kick ass light infantry division that is leaning towards UCW.

Just some thoughts, good luck to ya! ;)

[DE_Six]

expat007, that is exactly my plan. And the 10th Mountain happens to be my pick if for some reason, I can't get airborne.

@ Ayura: You can enlist as 11b without citizenship.

@Pep's : Marine Recon is a nice option, but it requires citizenship, so it wouldn't be a faster way into SOF. If for some reason, I ever go USMC, I will try for recon, that's for sure. I'm not familiar with the UW cursus in Recon. If you have any information about it, feel free to share them.

UW remains my main goal, and Army SF would be my first choice. I don't think of Marine Recon, or SEAL, or AF STS as second choices, in fact, none of these could be qualified as "best second", they are equally challenging careers. :)

So far, I set my sights on SF, that's where I'm going.

[Hullebullen]

The 82nd is the "All American" division, but I dont know for sure.

The nick-name All-American comes from that when it was founded back in 1917 (or something) it had members from all states. I don't think it has anything to do with being american...

[Gatling]

Good deal Bulkowski. If you can adjust to spend the next 5 years with people you have nothing in common with, away from family in a foreign land, go for it buddy.It'a good thing you can already speak french , that way they can send you clean up "les chiottes'{restroom} while your buddies are taking french classes.Oh btw if I was you I would start working on my drinking skills too. :lol:

[Ayura]

Ah ok.

So serving in the 82nd, I can aquire a citizenship from serving with them?

If so, thats good news for me, as I can try for SEALs :D

DE6, im like you abit, as I am also really dedicated to SF, as that is my number one priority goal in my life.

[DnA]

You only need a US citensenship to get into the Special Ops units an for certain secruity clearences(from what I've been told).

Awhile ago I looked into joining the US Army and USMC (not to be some kinda Spec Ops troop though), you can't enlist without a green card or a US citensenship. Both are very hard to get, I looked into both, an without a sponser(immediate family member) its pretty much impossible.


Also, US Immigeration wasn't very helpfull, what they have on their website conflicts with what they toldme on the phone.

On the site, it says that anyone who served with the US Military in a war, is automatically entitled to a US citesenship, but talking to them on the phone, they know nothing about this.

Reason I asked about the "served in US Military in a armed conflict entitles you to citesenship" is because my father served with the US Army an fought in Vietnam, I thought that he could get a US/Dual citesenship an sponser me for a green card.

[DE_Six]

DnA, if you are really interested, you should pay a visit to the US consulate or even better, a USCIS office in Washington state. Spouse and dependents of US veterans are entitled to some form of way into citizenship.

Right now, the best way to get a permanent residence status for a foreigner without US relatives is to get an employment-based visa. You need an employer to submit a petition( a sponsorship) for you based on it's intention to hire you. There are four categories: Priority workers (exceptional scientifics, scholars, athletes); professional with advanced degrees/special abilities); skilled/professional workers (degree/15-years + experience); investors.

The USCIS rep. here in Montreal told me I fall under the third category when I graduate from college. Friends of my parents in Chicago will help me find a job there, which I will hold until enlistment (with all the paperwork and interviews, I should live and work as a civilian in the US for about a year). Once settled, it's much easier to get your situation fully normalized, and the US Army recruiter in NYC told me the Army would process my application if my Green card is pending (you gotta talk to them in person if you want info. Unlike the British Army/Royal Navy for Commonwealth citizens, the US armed forces do not provide further info over the Net or phone to foreign citizens.)

Here's the USCIS page on veterans.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/Special.htm

Consulates can't really help with special cases, they really only provide forms and answer simple questions. If it's not too far, I'm sure you could get hard info at a USCIS office. There's probably one in Seattle.

Cheers

[gruntsuck]

Follow-up to the few threads we had recently about people inquiring about foreign militaries.

Who here plans on, intend or think about joining another countries' military?

If you do, feel free to tell us a little about it, why, where, when.

If you don't or wouldn't, also feel free to drop a line (no flaming please).

Me, I'm Canadian, when I graduate college, I seriously consider going oversea. I'm considering either US Army or British Royal Marines. Both options will require me to live oversea for a while before actually enlisting (for different reasons) but I'm actually looking forward to that. To me, it's about the experience, not patriotism, that's why I look where I'll get what I want.
Besides, I'm going to leave this country anyway, military career or not, I'm bored to no end, need to go make my life somewhere else. Plus a couple other, personal reasons.

What about you?

ditch the idea of the americians unless you want to be cannon fodder. they work on the theory of allbrawn no brains! something you afford to do in todays climate

[expat007]

ditch the idea of the americians unless you want to be cannon fodder. they work on the theory of allbrawn no brains! something you afford to do in todays climate

I suppose you base your analysis on your many years of experience in your own military coupled with operations working with american forces to form this conclusion? Or maybe your sweeping generalisation is just crap? I wonder

[gruntsuck]

actually spending 4 months serving with americian forces in Iraq can pretty mich back up my statement

[Pep's Bandit]

Gruntsack, can you give us any examples? And what contingent did you serve with?

[gruntsuck]

mate lets just say i was with an aussie unit in 2003 was there did my tour an came home. have got since an gone back as a security adisor did an eight week contract earned **** loads of cash and had some close calls all in all though it was a good expreience

[Pep's Bandit]

I can respect that! ;)

[DE_Six]

Gruntsuck, as I said, all opinions are welcome. But I also said no flame please.

If you want to share something, please be more elaborate than


ditch the idea of the americians unless you want to be cannon fodder.

[gruntsuck]

righteo de6 any unit that does recon by fire does really use its brains by recon by fire i mean i think it was 4ID that we come agross in baghdad and that wouldnt let us travel any further into an area because there were militants in the buildings so to find whre they were they sent a four man team walking down the road to attract fire. once they did this they new where the enemy was . they killed 1 one wounded and they suffered 1 kia 2 wia for their actions. Now is that inteligence, i think not go right ahead and join them if thats what you want

[DE_Six]

I'll see you there, Gruntsuck.

[RoBBo]

gruntsuck u 4RAR?

[expat007]

Gruntsuck-when I was in Baghdad with the 82nd from May2003 until Feb 2004 the 4th ID were up north. The 1st AD made up the majority of "leg" units in baghdad at the time(after the 3rd ID cried and whinged their way home) . While they are not as good as airborne units they still are not as bad as what you are trying to imply.

By the way Recon by fire means to fire into suspected enemy areas and see if they return fire so as to assertain where they are.

[meni0n]

Did you consider joining another commonwealth military like australia's ?
Btw when did the british army changed their policy from what I was told 4 months ago all I needed was a sponsor. That's what it says on the application form that they sent me as well.

[gruntsuck]

Gruntsuck-when I was in Baghdad with the 82nd from May2003 until Feb 2004 the 4th ID were up north. The 1st AD made up the majority of "leg" units in baghdad at the time(after the 3rd ID cried and whinged their way home) . While they are not as good as airborne units they still are not as bad as what you are trying to imply.

By the way Recon by fire means to fire into suspected enemy areas and see if they return fire so as to assertain where they are.

Your right I think it might not of been 4id. The area was around abu garab just notrth of Biap you might be able to help me who it was. Sorry about the incorrectstatement about recon by fire but that is what i was told it was by other americans, coulld tell me then what i saw to me it was idiocy.

[DE_Six]

Did you consider joining another commonwealth military like australia's ?
Btw when did the british army changed their policy from what I was told 4 months ago all I needed was a sponsor. That's what it says on the application form that they sent me as well.

A friend of mine tried to join the RN last year, it's what he was told. He wanted to get a commission and then to sub ops.

Australia requires citizenship. All in all, it's as long and complicated as the US.

[freeman034]

Hello everybody,

First of all, I'll present myself. My name is Philippe, I'm 18 and a half, and I'm living in France (a little city called "Sète" in the south). I have just got graduated this year.

My dream is to come living and working into the United States, and moreover enlisting myself into the US Army. I would like to know if you would be able to help me, for example to give me all the informations needed for a french guy (I profit to underline that I am NOT a US Citizen yet...) to enlist into the United States Army.

Perhaps you will ask me "Why do you want to join our Army ?" and I'll answer you the following things :
-> I'm passionnate of the USA since I'm a pretty young, because I have been cradled with patriotic ideas. My grand father participated to the June 6th 1944 landings in Omaha Beach, and I quickly understood that if I'm alive today plus with the dear Freedom which lets me acting as I wish, it's thanks to the United States who saved us. That's a reason why I love the USA. I just personnaly owe the Freedom for the USA.

-> I'm also passionate of the USA because I love your culture, your way of life, your musics, I just love the United States of America for almost everything.

I just would like to know if you would be able to help me to enlist into the US Army, and perhaps (first of all) to help me to become a US Citizen or to be able to enter the country to join the US Army.

I hope you all will be kind to give all the informations, first of all, for Immigration services allowed to me in the case of joining the US Army.

PS : The speciality in which I'm interested is either "Military Police Officer" or "Translator/Interpreter".

God Bless America,
Philippe
France

[fokket]

Unless you have permanent residance card, the answer is no.

[Pep's Bandit]

You could probably visit the nearest US Embassy and ask for the facts there, or I think you could just come and visit the US and see an Army recruiter and enlist. You could'nt become an officer untill you have citizenship, which you can be granted by serving for four years (I think).

[Foreigner]

Interesting topic.

[digrar]

US Embassy in Paris http://www.amb-usa.fr/ would be a good place to start.
I think they only have 50000 odd green cards up for grabs in the lottery world wide every year. France would only get a small percentage of those positions available.
Have a look at this thread http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=21489&sid=9f7c5110bec44a964f22aa6431e2436f for the members opinions on serving in a military not your own. IMO I reckon your ambitions are set at a more realistic level than old mate who wants to be a SEAL and you probably have a greater chance of meeting your goal.

[Gatling]

Ecoutes , freman, arretes de te ridiculiser devant tout le monde , comme ca, sors toi les doigts du cul , fais comme moi et vas chez les paras., fiston!!!!

[Foreigner]

Ecoutes , freman, arretes de te ridiculiser devant tout le monde , comme ca, sors toi les doigts du cul , fais comme moi et vas chez les paras., fiston!!!!

Listenings, freman, arretes to ridicule to you in front of everyone, like Ca, leave you to them fingers the bottom, make like me and go in the paras, fiston!!!!

'Listen, they are going to make fun of you in front of everyone. Screw them and go to the paratroopers like me, lad.'

p-)

[Gatling]

Hahahahaha, I already knew you were stupid Foreigner, but man you're hopeless. Don't try 2 pretend you speak french. !!!!!. What i said is : Don't make a fool out of yourself, get your ass up and join the paratroopers like me kid.!!!!

[freeman034]

@Gatling : Je suis en recrutement dans l'Armée de l'Air actuellement j'aime pas les paras :)

Anyway thanks very much to everybody for your answers. Well as I understood, the first thing I gotta do is to ask for a Green card of something like that. I thought there were special permanent resident cards (facilities) for foreigners who want to enlist into the Army, is that right ?


I think they only have 50000 odd green cards up for grabs in the lottery world wide every year. France would only get a small percentage of those positions available.

What do you mean Digrar ? I don't have all my chances to get a visa for the USA ?

By the way, what have I got to ask at the US Ambassy to get that Green card ? What are the steps ? Thanks to explain me in details for those who did or those who know !

[Foreigner]

Hahahahaha, I already knew you were stupid Foreigner, but man you're hopeless. Don't try 2 pretend you speak french. !!!!!. What i said is : Don't make a fool out of yourself, get your ass up and join the paratroopers like me kid.!!!!

Obviously you are the stupid one if you didn't understand what I was insinuating with the 2 alinea's.


Listenings, freman, arretes to ridicule to you in front of everyone, like Ca, leave you to them fingers the bottom, make like me and go in the paras, fiston!!!!

'Listen, they are going to make fun of you in front of everyone. Screw them and go to the paratroopers like me, lad.'

Maghreb. :-*$ :fork:

[Gatling]

Again you got it wrong dummie, I'm not from that part of the world.

[freeman034]

Would it be possible to get back to the topic and my questions please... :roll:

[FDF_Hemppis]

@Gatling : Je suis en recrutement dans l'Armée de l'Air actuellement j'aime pas les paras :)

Anyway thanks very much to everybody for your answers. Well as I understood, the first thing I gotta do is to ask for a Green card of something like that. I thought there were special permanent resident cards (facilities) for foreigners who want to enlist into the Army, is that right ?


I'm pretty sure you don't need to have a green card to enlist ;)

I read this article in some Finnish magazine that was about foreigners going to US army, and it said just this; that there's a very good change you can enlist by merely applying for the green card and that people going for the army get it very easily...

Anyway, I'll see if I can find article from somewhere and translate it for you.

[freeman034]

Hehe fantastic ! that's a pretty good news for me :-)
I hope you'll be able to find out that article again it would be really helpful !

If anyone could tell me more about that... concerning steps... :)

[el borracho]

PS : The speciality in which I'm interested is either "Military Police Officer" or "Translator/Interpreter".

God Bless America,
Philippe
France

Translator/interpreter...hey that's my job! (in the Air Force, but same basic thing). Unfortunately for that you need a top secret security clearance, which probably requires you to be a full citizen. If you enlist, then the job isn't as glamorous as it may sound. Most of the time you will not translate between people, but rather sit in an office and go over documents, or recordings and such. Maybe, like if you were deployed, they will use your skills for other things, but not usually on a day-to-day basis.

Whatever you do, good luck. If you do get the translator job, maybe I will see you around someday. :)

[digrar]

I worked at the US consulate here in Perth for 12 months in 2001/2002, we had a few people try and enlist in the US military from here in Australia and also try to get imigration visas so they could enlist in the US military. None succeeded, the Military Attache tried to help but to no avail. I don't know if it would be easier to enlist once you are in the US on a normal travel visa.

As for visas there are different types, there are visas for students (where you need to be enroled in a US school), for work (you need a job with a company in the US that is approved by the consular section) for spouses (you need a wife who is a US citizen) for travel (if you don't leave on time you become an illegal) then there is the lottery where they give out about 50000 immigration visas a year divided by zones around the world and like any lottery you need to be very lucky to get one.

You need to find out how you can get into the country and then enlist. If you try and do a dodgy then you have every chance of being denied entry and possibly not allowed to enter the country ever again. Seek consular advice and military attache advice, they are the ones who are going to approve your visa so get the information straight from the horses mouth.

[freeman034]

Hello Digrar,
Thanks for your answer, well if I call the US Ambassy in Paris for a visa to enlist into the US Army, what visa have I got to ask ?


for work (you need a job with a company in the US that is approved by the consular section)
=> That one ?

Or there is a special visa (or authorization) for foreign people who intend to enlist into the Military ?

[freeman034]

PS : Thanks Borracho :D

[digrar]

Talk to the visa section and military attache at your embassy. Don't rely on information you get off a forum on the internet. I just read on the Perth consular site that application procedures have changed so anything I remember may not be correct.
Try this link
http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular/immigrant.html which should give you a good idea on immigration visas.
Try this link on US military enlistment http://canberra.usembassy.gov/dao/joining-mil.html

This is it in a nut shell.
The Defense Attache's Office (DAO) receives hundreds of phone calls every year requesting information on either joining the U.S. Military or attending US Military Academies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joining the US Military:
To join the U.S. Armed Forces you must be wither a U.S. Naturalized Citizen or posses a Permanent Resident Visa (aka green card.)
Listed below are the basic requirements:

Requirements

Must be a US citizen OR in the US on a Permanent Resident Visa.
Must be under the age of 34.
Must have proof of age.
Must have no more than 2 dependents (i.e. a spouse and one child).
Must be a graduate of High School (12 Grades).
Must be able to pass the mental and physical tests.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Rannyoby]

Ecoutes , freman, arretes de te ridiculiser devant tout le monde , comme ca, sors toi les doigts du cul , fais comme moi et vas chez les paras., fiston!!!!

Excuses moi Gatling, mais les paras sont des tantes !!!


A MOI LA LEGION !!!!!!!!!!
BERETS VERTS !!!!!!!!! EN AVANT !!!!
(en parlant de berets, le rouge vous fait ressembler à des glands ;)


Legio Patria Nostra !

[FDF_Hemppis]

Hehe fantastic ! that's a pretty good news for me :-)
I hope you'll be able to find out that article again it would be really helpful !

If anyone could tell me more about that... concerning steps... :)

Ok, I found the article, but it's going to take me some time to translate it. i'll post it as soon as I'm done with it :)

[DrunkenMaster]

http://www.goarmy.com/FindARecruiterContact.do
hopefully this will help, unless things have change you CAN join the U.S. Army but will be ineligble for Special Forces until you obtain your U.S. Citizenship

[radon]

If the article is old then it will be no help. Things have changed especially after wtc. I wonder why it has been made so hard to join Us army, they would get a few recruits that way.

(no guarantees of validity of this) You need a green card. Different places have different chances of winning. Finland has a high chance of winning , Uk was not even open for that lottery thing rofl Maybe you can cheat on that and move to another place where the chance of winning is higher than in France????? Dont know , about this . They likely have thought about this. Try to find a rich place with as few immigrants as possible , there the chance of winning the card must be highest.

[FDF_Hemppis]

If the article is old then it will be no help.

Well, It's from 2003, so probably changes made after 9/11 are taken into account in the article. About 30% translated now...

[FDF_Hemppis]

Ok, here goes nothing:



Semper Finland

Do you need integrity, firmness and responsibility in your life? The US Army offers this and much more!

Unlike armies of many other countries, the US Army is an investment to the future worth of a lot of money. The US Army offers not only substantial benefits in the form of scholarships and amortization of a loan, but also direct, up to 20000$, money bonuses to enlisted ones who specialize in technically demanding duties. Comprehensive health- and dental care programs come as an added bonus. Foreigners can also get to enjoy the attractive benefits, but not without some difficulties. The Army is a job like any else, and to work in the US a foreigner needs a valid working permit, or alternatively an enduring residence permit, also known as Green Card.
Unless the applicant has an academic degree or relatives already living in the US, getting the Green Card is pretty much based on how lucky you are. Between all of the applicants, the US holds annually a lottery for about 55000 Green Cards. The amount may sound large, but also huge amounts of people apply for it. A person wanting to go to the Army should not despair, for little birds sing that you might pass the Army screen by just applying for the Green Card, and hence present a document from the INS proving it…

Tests and choices

Army recruiting offices can also be found outside US borders, for example, from Heidelberg, Germany. You should not march to a recruiting office with empty hands; you need a passport, valid visa, and all certificates of your school background (basic/primary and high schools are bare minimum).
If the applicant fulfils all the Army minimum requirements concerning citizenship, age (17-35) and fitness, recruiting process continues with medical examination and an ASVAB suitability test. The ASVAB test, lasting three hours, tests the applicant’s skills in 10 different fields ranging from car mechanics to electronics, and from mathematics to reading comprehension. A sample of the test’s multiple-choice questions can be seen in www.goarmy.com/army101/asvabtes.htm.
The result of the ASVAB-test determines if the applicant is qualified to enlist (31pts out of a 100 is the minimum) and to which branches he/she is suited for. With a high enough score, the applicant earns the right to apply for the Army study programs.
After the test the applicant gets a list of professions for which the Army, based on the score of the ASVAB-test, sees him/her suitable for. If the applicant decides to enlist, the Army guarantees black on white that the enlisted also ends up in the professions he/she chose.
At the same time with the enlistment, the enlisted will also hear where he/she will carry out his/hers basic training, and to how big scholarships or other benefits he/she is entitled to after his/hers military service.
After swearing the military oath, enlisted commits to serve 2, 3 or 4 years at a time.

Only service guarantees citizenship
(Starship Troopers, anyone? :lol:)

Basic Training (aka Boot Camp) lasts for nine weeks in the US Army. During the Basic Training, the recruit will learn the basic skills of a soldier from shooting the M-16 rifle to making the bunk. The nine week stretch will culminate in a 3 day “final war” exercise, after which you get to shed a few tears of happiness in the victory ceremony. After this, begins the actual specialization to a military profession. A soldier fresh out of Basic Training has a modest salary of 964$ a month. The salary however rises steadily with service years and promotions, and so a class E-4 senior private (?) serving his 4th year makes 1500$ a month. In addition to salary, also come different service extras and housing allowance granted to soldiers with family.
Promotion possibilities for an enlisted foreigner end to NCO-level. The highest rank a non-US citizen can achieve is Staff Sergeant (class E-6). You will also confront a theoretical obstacle with the length of the service, because after the 4th year of service you have to apply for US citizenship. This is a mere formability. If you start the paper-war (prepare to wait a year, even 2) early enough, to a soldier who has served with distinction, citizenship will in practice be granted automatically. After the citizenship status is ensured, any remaining obstacles for advancing in a military career are removed.


I'm not exactly a professional translator, so pointing out any obvious mistakes is welcomed. :)

-Hemppis

[Gatling]

Off topic: Hahahaha, Fort et clair ranny boy, excellent. Je vois que ca bovine toujours aussi sec chez les legios. Quant a moi , l' "etranger" le vert de ton beret me fais penser a un fruit que la France "arrose " depuis pres de 200 ans et qui n'est toujours pas mur rofl Par St Michel , vive les para!!!!!!!

[anonymous individual]

freeman034, you said your grandfather was in D-Day, right? Did he have US citiizenship?

[Rannyoby]

Off topic: Hahahaha, Fort et clair ranny boy, excellent. Je vois que ca bovine toujours aussi sec chez les legios. Quant a moi , l' "etranger" le vert de ton beret me fais penser a un fruit que la France "arrose " depuis pres de 200 ans et qui n'est toujours pas mur rofl Par St Michel , vive les para!!!!!!!

Pas mal, pas mal :p

C'est marrant quand mème, on se bat dans la mème boue depuis la création des unités paras, mais on arrète pas de se foutre sur la gueule où qu'on soit :p

Enfin, faut arréter ma petite fraise, on est là depuis plus longtemps que toi et tes copines :p

[DE_Six]

Hello Digrar,
Thanks for your answer, well if I call the US Ambassy in Paris for a visa to enlist into the US Army, what visa have I got to ask ?


for work (you need a job with a company in the US that is approved by the consular section)
=> That one ?

Or there is a special visa (or authorization) for foreign people who intend to enlist into the Military ?

Hi Freeman,

I'm in a situation similar to yours, here's a few things I learned:

-The US Armed Forces cannot sponsor your visa based on employment ( so I was told by a US Army recruiter) and there is no special visa for this.
(Although they do facilitate the process for Mexican migrants, including hispanophone recruiters, there is no support for other foreign volunteers).

-You can enlist while your permanent residence application is being processed, but if something goes wrong, it could stall you, so it's not foolproof.

-Try to get a job in the US and obtain your visa through employment, it's the best way next to having US relatives. If you have a university degree, so much the better, it puts you in the third category on the priority list (there's four categories, but the fourth one, unskilled workers, is crammed).

-To get a job in the US, go to international business agencies (usually NGOs who promote economic and cultural exchange with another country). They can help you find a job in the US, or at least put you in contact with people there. I know there is one such Canada-France agency here, and there is a France-USA one in Paris.

Getting a civilian job is not entirely a waste of time, the process could be long, you will need to eat and a place to stay in the meantime. ;)

-When you go to the consulate/embassy, ask if there is something you could do to help with your security background check. The Army will conduct such a check, so you might want to make things easier for them, they might have to consult French autorities.

If that's really what you want, don't give up, maybe I'll see you there someday. ;)

PS. J'ai écris tout ça en anglais pour en faire profiter d'autres (on ne sait jamais). Ne te laisse pas décourager par certains commentaires, il y en aura toujours pour être en désaccord et tenter de diminuer ou de te dissuader. Mais en fin de compte, c'est à toi de voir. C'est un processus long et compliqué, mais si c'est vraiment ce que tu veux, vas-y.

À plus.

[freeman034]

Thanks everybody for your answers.

@DE6 : Ok thanks for your big message, you are french ? you are in the US Army right now ? where do you live currently ?


Are you sure there's no facilities for foreign people who volonteer for US Army but for mexicans ? I just don't wanna work in civilian in the US... no way to enlist directly ?!

Phil

[Digital Marine]

D*mn i have the same dream dude! but i live in the Netherlands! im reading the answers with a big assed smile on my face :D :D :D

[freeman034]

lol pretty cool then perhaps we can help together !
Anyway I'm anxious cause seems like it's pretty hard to get this famous "Green card" :(

And I wouldn't like to work as a civilian in the US, I would like to enlist directly as a military ! :)

[OB Kenobi]

Would it be possible to get back to the topic and my questions please... :roll:

You need to go to Mexico and then come over the border like everyone else.

[-ile-]

Hi everybody! This is my first post here and I'm also thinking of a way to get either to the 'States or Australia. These two are the only English speaking countries that don't demand that you're already a citizen when you enlist into their armed forces.

I'm currently studying AV-communications and if I can get my line of work here in Finland..which is very hard..I could apply for Green Card in two years. Can my cousin (who is living in the US) be a sponsor for me, or does the sponsor have to be a closer relative?

If I try to get to Australia I'd have to go for yet another school that would give me good points for the tests.

I don't know which one is easier, but I do know that there won't be much of opportunities here in Finland to fight terrorism. In the US and downunder there would be good opportunities...also our military system differs a lot from most of the worlds countries. Here it is mandatory but we only serve from six months to a year. Then you can apply for officer training. I want a real military career. Don't get me wrong..I love my country, but our military system isn't very up-to-date.

[freeman034]

Same for me there. I just love a lot my dear France but I would like to join the most powerful army in the world in one of the beautifulest countries :D

[DonDeal]

I'm very delighted to see foreigners willing to join the United States Military. I hope you guys pull through! I think you guys should go here and contact a recruiter http://www.goarmy.com/FindARecruiterContact.do
(Link posted by DrunkedMaster).

Have you guys giving it some thought though? What if the US gets into a conflict with your other homeland (ex France), who would your heart be with if you had to fight? Just something to think about. ;)

[DE_Six]

Thanks everybody for your answers.

@DE6 : Ok thanks for your big message, you are french ? you are in the US Army right now ? where do you live currently ?


Are you sure there's no facilities for foreign people who volonteer for US Army but for mexicans ? I just don't wanna work in civilian in the US... no way to enlist directly ?!

Phil

Nope, not in the US Army (yet), but it's my plan, too. I'm a French Canadian, I live in Montreal, Canada. I'm juts sharing what I've gathered so far. By the way, start early, it's a long process, could take years.

There's no "fastrack" way for foreigners. The Mexicans' situation is a bit different, since many are immigrating and finding job in southern states, the US Army is trying to tap into this population to normalize their situation, in part. Get them to enlist instead of working illegaly, if you will.

The permanent resident visa (green card) is an aboslute sine qua none condition for enlistment. I was suggesting getting a job, because chances of getting your visa before entering the US are pretty slim unless you have an employer to petition for you. The only other ways are US relatives to sponsor you, or getting lucky with the Lottery. France is on the eligibility list for 2006, but with a maximum of only 7% of 50,000 visas attributed to any given country for any year, that's not much. So you gonna have to spend some time in the US beforehand.

[Marmot1]

Can anyone explain me what selective service system is??? :roll:

and why I just received my selective service number???!!!??? and for what?!!! rofl

[DE_Six]

Marmot, are you a US citizen? If so, check this site:

http://www.sss.gov/


The mission of the Selective Service System is:

to provide manpower to the armed forces in an emergency; and
to run an Alternative Service Program for men classified as conscientious objectors during a draft.

If it's about Polish draft lists, sorry can't help!

(btw, is military service compulsory in Poland?)

[chauncy republicans]

Can anyone explain me what selective service system is??? :roll:

and why I just received my selective service number???!!!??? and for what?!!! rofl
It's kind of like signing up for the "draft" if it's ever reinstated, all males 18 or older in the U.S. have to fill it out and return it, legal citizen or not.

[Marmot1]

LOL I am on vacation here.... and I don't have idea how Uncle Sam found me... especialy since I received letter in ilinois while I was in Utah...

[DE_Six]

That's really odd, Marmot. Is one/both of your parents a US citizen?

Here's the Selective Service official position on aliens:


ALIENS ** REQUIRED TO REGISTER?
-Lawful non-immigrants on visas (e.g., diplomatic and consular personnel and families, foreign students, tourists with unexpired visas (Forms I-94, I-95A), or those with Border Crossing Documents (Forms I-185, I-186, I-444). No
-Permanent resident aliens. Yes
-Special (seasonal) agricultural workers (Form I-688). Yes
-Special agricultural workers (Form I-688A). No
-Refugee, parolee, and asylee aliens. Yes
-Undocumented (illegal) aliens. Yes

NOTE: Immigrants who did not enter the United States or maintained their lawful non-immigrant status by continually remaining on a valid visa until after they were 26 years old were never required to register. Also, immigrants born before 1960 who did not enter the United States or maintained their lawful non-immigrant status by continually remaining on a valid visa until after March 29, 1975 were never required to register


If you're on vacation, you have a tourist visa and are not required to register.

[seruriermarshal]

Would it be possible to get back to the topic and my questions please... :roll:

You need to go to Mexico and then come over the border like everyone else.

Seems like you have tried ?

:bash:

[Marmot1]

That's really odd, Marmot. Is one/both of your parents a US citizen?

Here's the Selective Service official position on aliens:


ALIENS ** REQUIRED TO REGISTER?
-Lawful non-immigrants on visas (e.g., diplomatic and consular personnel and families, foreign students, tourists with unexpired visas (Forms I-94, I-95A), or those with Border Crossing Documents (Forms I-185, I-186, I-444). No
-Permanent resident aliens. Yes
-Special (seasonal) agricultural workers (Form I-688). Yes
-Special agricultural workers (Form I-688A). No
-Refugee, parolee, and asylee aliens. Yes
-Undocumented (illegal) aliens. Yes

NOTE: Immigrants who did not enter the United States or maintained their lawful non-immigrant status by continually remaining on a valid visa until after they were 26 years old were never required to register. Also, immigrants born before 1960 who did not enter the United States or maintained their lawful non-immigrant status by continually remaining on a valid visa until after March 29, 1975 were never required to register


If you're on vacation, you have a tourist visa and are not required to register.

Hmm... I am tourist as hell... I just finished 5109,6 mile journey around 10 diferent states..., no my parents are not US citizens but my grandparents are and half of my family have US citizenship...

[Midtown]

That's really odd, Marmot. Is one/both of your parents a US citizen?

Here's the Selective Service official position on aliens:


ALIENS ** REQUIRED TO REGISTER?
-Lawful non-immigrants on visas (e.g., diplomatic and consular personnel and families, foreign students, tourists with unexpired visas (Forms I-94, I-95A), or those with Border Crossing Documents (Forms I-185, I-186, I-444). No
-Permanent resident aliens. Yes
-Special (seasonal) agricultural workers (Form I-688). Yes
-Special agricultural workers (Form I-688A). No
-Refugee, parolee, and asylee aliens. Yes
-Undocumented (illegal) aliens. Yes

NOTE: Immigrants who did not enter the United States or maintained their lawful non-immigrant status by continually remaining on a valid visa until after they were 26 years old were never required to register. Also, immigrants born before 1960 who did not enter the United States or maintained their lawful non-immigrant status by continually remaining on a valid visa until after March 29, 1975 were never required to register


If you're on vacation, you have a tourist visa and are not required to register.

Hmm... I am tourist as hell... I just finished 5109,6 mile journey around 10 diferent states..., no my parents are not US citizens but my grandparents are and half of my family have US citizenship...

Uncle sams stealthy like that.

[-ile-]

I'd really like an answers for my questions. Now, can my cousin who is US citizen sponsor me on the Green Card? Or does the sponsor have to be from my family?

Which one to enlist to: Marine Corps infantry or Army infantry (airborne or pathfinders, if I can make it)?

I can't find any good information about the USMC mainly because their webpage is down. I'd like to know differences (if any) in pay and benefits and of course I'd like to know the age limits there.

[digrar]

It's got to be your mother, father or spouse for a immigration visa.

[Foreigner]

It's got to be your mother, father or spouse for a immigration visa.

Can he be adopted?

[-ile-]

It's got to be your mother, father or spouse for a immigration visa.

Can he be adopted?

to digrar: Thx for the info..then I just need to get work experience and then apply for the Green Card


to foreigner: I'm 22 yrs old :lol:

[DonDeal]

The USMC page isn't down. I just think they constantly have dns problems with their domain name. You have to put in the www before usmc.mil :cantbeli:

Official page - www.usmc.mil (http://www.usmc.mil)

Recruiting page - www.marines.com (http://www.marines.com)

[Foreigner]

It's got to be your mother, father or spouse for a immigration visa.

Can he be adopted?

to digrar: Thx for the info..then I just need to get work experience and then apply for the Green Card


to foreigner: I'm 22 yrs old :lol:

It doesn't matter. I'm 18. I mean a formal adoption. I have some very good friends in the US, if adoption will make the ways shorter, then why not.

(btw I wanna join the US military also p-) )

[-ile-]

It's got to be your mother, father or spouse for a immigration visa.

Can he be adopted?

to digrar: Thx for the info..then I just need to get work experience and then apply for the Green Card


to foreigner: I'm 22 yrs old :lol:

It doesn't matter. I'm 18. I mean a formal adoption. I have some very good friends in the US, if adoption will make the ways shorter, then why not.



(btw I wanna join the US military also p-) )

Common sense tells me that one cannot adopt a 22 year-old man.
I am also unable to think any good reasons for anyone to adopt me rofl

[-ile-]

The USMC page isn't down. I just think they constantly have dns problems with their domain name. You have to put in the www before usmc.mil :cantbeli:

Official page - www.usmc.mil (http://www.usmc.mil)

Recruiting page - www.marines.com (http://www.marines.com)

marines.com is just beige and green...nothing else..no graphics, no pics..nothing.

and usmc.mil brings up a Page cannot be displayed :(

[freeman034]

Hello everyone,
Well as I could see there's a lot of foreign people who intend to enlist into the US Army ! that's cool for me I won't feel myself alone anymore :D

I have sent an e-mail to the closest embassy in my country and they said I have to go in-person in Paris to ask and fill for a petition for getting the Green Card. "To be able to enroll in the US Army you must be a US Citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident". Well... is there anyone there who have already asked for a Green Card at his country's embassy ? How's it going on ? What are they asking ? What must we bring ? What must we pay ? Could anyone explain me in details (the steps) for asking a Permanent Visa for the US ?

Here's my MSN Messenger address (and e-mail) for those who wanna talk with me : freeman034@hotmail.com :)

[dez000]

Perhaps you will ask me "Why do you want to join our Army ?" and I'll answer you the following things :
-> I'm passionnate of the USA since I'm a pretty young, because I have been cradled with patriotic ideas. My grand father participated to the June 6th 1944 landings in Omaha Beach, and I quickly understood that if I'm alive today plus with the dear Freedom which lets me acting as I wish, it's thanks to the United States who saved us. That's a reason why I love the USA. I just personnaly owe the Freedom for the USA.


The US didn't save us, the US soldiers did...

[freeman034]

What if the US didn't decide to send US soldiers, man ?

[DonDeal]

The US didn't save us, the US soldiers did...

You my friend are an idiot :bash:


marines.com is just beige and green...nothing else..no graphics, no pics..nothing. and usmc.mil brings up a Page cannot be displayed

Did you read what I posted? Add www before the usmc.mil - www.usmc.mil

The marines.com site is a very Flash intensive site. You probably saw beige and green because the flash was loading. Here is a static html version of the site http://marines.com/_html/default.asp

[-ile-]

Did you read what I posted? Add www before the usmc.mil - www.usmc.mil

The marines.com site is a very Flash intensive site. You probably saw beige and green because the flash was loading. Here is a static html version of the site http://marines.com/_html/default.asp

got the marines.com site working, but still nothing from the official site..

[Pep's Bandit]

Just go on vacation to Las Vagas (sin city) and marry some american chick. Then enlist in the army and deforce the chick the next day. Sound good?

[SFontaine]

I think they've taken steps to stop that sort of thing

[mobster]

Staff Sergeant Jacqueline Dupree
Jacqueline.Dupree@usaRec.army.mil
Hollywood CA 90028
Phone: 323-467-2025
Cell: 310-569-7201

[-ile-]

Staff Sergeant Jacqueline Dupree
Jacqueline.Dupree@usaRec.army.mil
Hollywood CA 90028
Phone: 323-467-2025
Cell: 310-569-7201

Why did ya post that?..I'm having difficulties following you...

[dez000]

What if the US didn't decide to send US soldiers, man ?

I geuss in you are right, just don't forget that their were other nations fighting too ;).



The US didn't save us, the US soldiers did...

You my friend are an idiot :bash:

Too hard to say you just don't agree? The only idiot here is you as far as I am concered...

The only thing I was trying to say that we imo only owe the US people who helped us win the war, and that we don't owe US as a whole anything for what they did in WW2, that would mean that we should hate the current generations of Germans for what happened in the past?

We do owe you our friendship and support in war, but sadly that hasn't/isn't always the case :(

[Abrams_MBT]

hey, freeman, same dream than me! i'd really like to enlist in the US army, as an Abrams tank Crewmember. But first, i want finnish my studies.

That is what I got from an army recruiter:

<Thank you for your interest in the United States Army. Thank you for your interest in the United States Army. I regret to inform you that for enlistment in the Army, an individual must be an American citizen or lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence [10 United States Code, Section 3253(c), 8253(c)]. Any office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service can provide information; their home page is http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/index.htm. Army regulations prohibit us from assisting or sponsoring you in to the United States. Once you have an I-551 (green card) or a document reflecting "processing for an I-551", you can pursue enlistment. >

so you would need that: the holy green card

http://www.usafis.org/french_id_land.asp?af=_eml_fr_liu_coll_81104&language=french

Je suis français aussi...

[freeman034]

Hello everyone,
I have readed on a Immigration website that there's a way for a foreigner to get his Green Card by his employer.

Considering I would like to enroll into the US Army, can the US Army (employer) sponsor me (employee) to get my Green Card ? I would like an official answer please (or someone who's sure of his answer).

In that case, if they do, can the US Army recruit me without having a Green Card ?

Thanks for your answers ! :D

[Luxembourger]

There are many foreigners , like mexicans , in the US Army who don t have the american nationalty, they serve for a couple of years and then they are automaticaly made america, right ? Heard sth like that .

[freeman034]

Hehe sounds pretty good ! Why does the US Army asks the volonteers to be US Citizen or US Legal Resident to enroll into their army ? it's wrotten in the recruitment page of Goarmy.com...

Could you tell me more about that ? This is a pretty good solution for me ! :D The best one even !!

[Seraphim]

Hello everyone,
I have readed on a Immigration website that there's a way for a foreigner to get his Green Card by his employer.

Considering I would like to enroll into the US Army, can the US Army (employer) sponsor me (employee) to get my Green Card ? I would like an official answer please (or someone who's sure of his answer).

In that case, if they do, can the US Army recruit me without having a Green Card ?

Thanks for your answers ! :D

No the US Army does not sponsor anyone...
Best thing to do is find someone to stay at in the US and find any damn job and get your employer to sponsor you.

[freeman034]

What about Luxembourger's message then ?

[Luxembourger]

when the war started in iraq last year, from what I saw and heard on news channels and read in newspapers, you had many guys who did not have the US citizenship , they only got it when they came back from the war or even while serving in iraq.

[DE_Six]

It was an amnesty. Normally, an LPR (non-citizen) serving in the US military is eligible to citizenship after two years of service, versus five years of residency for civilian LPRs. Since it was war time and to show gratitude to those non-citizen soldiers, the government granted full citizenship to all serving LPRs with over six months of service. But they were LPR to start with.
Forget getting straight in, you have to get your green card first.

[-ile-]

Okay.. I couldn't find the info I needed anywhere on the 'net...and believe me, I made a thorough search. Well now I sent this to US embassy here in Finland:

Greetings.

I am 22 year old male from Finland. I am currently studying audio-visual communications in vocational school of Riihimäki.

I have been considering about immigration to US for quite some time now. But I am having great difficulties finding information, either from Finland or US regarding the American high school diploma. I can't find answer to my only question at this point, which is: Is Finnish vocational school diploma comparable to American high school diploma?

Because my study programme takes three years to complete and since vocational school diploma entitles me to apply for any university or school of higher education it would seem logical that my diploma would be comparable to that of an American high school.

I am asking this because I could start my application for a "Green card" after my graduation right away.

I will appreciate any help.

Best regards: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


now I just have to hope and wait... thumbs up fellas

PS. Oh and in case you're wondering ..only three years?.. our elementary and sort of senior elementary school takes 9 years.. so our "basic school" takes 12 years..