Intro
Discover how foreigners can join the US Army with these 5 expert-approved methods. Learn about the requirements, benefits, and application process for non-citizens looking to serve. From Green Card holders to foreign nationals, find out how to enlist and become a part of the US military, with opportunities in specialized fields like healthcare and IT.
Joining the US Army can be a dream come true for many, but for foreigners, it can seem like an impossible task. However, with the right qualifications and a bit of perseverance, it is possible for non-US citizens to join the US Army. In this article, we will explore five ways foreigners can join the US Army.
Why Join the US Army as a Foreigner?
Joining the US Army as a foreigner can be a life-changing experience. Not only will you have the opportunity to serve your adopted country, but you will also gain valuable skills, education, and citizenship. The US Army offers a wide range of benefits, including education assistance, healthcare, and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, serving in the US Army can be a path to US citizenship.
1. Enlist through the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) Program
The MAVNI program is a special enlistment program designed for foreign nationals with critical language and cultural skills. To be eligible for the MAVNI program, you must be a non-US citizen, have a valid US visa, and speak a language that is critical to national interest, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Korean. You must also meet the US Army's standard enlistment requirements, including passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and completing Basic Combat Training.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a non-US citizen
- Have a valid US visa
- Speak a critical language
- Meet standard enlistment requirements
2. Enlist through the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) Program
The SIV program is designed for foreign nationals who have worked for the US government in a foreign country, such as interpreters or translators. To be eligible for the SIV program, you must have worked for the US government for at least one year and have a recommendation from your supervisor. You must also meet the US Army's standard enlistment requirements.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have worked for the US government in a foreign country
- Have a recommendation from your supervisor
- Meet standard enlistment requirements
3. Enlist through the US Army's Naturalization Process
The US Army offers a naturalization process for foreign nationals who are serving in the military. To be eligible for the naturalization process, you must have served in the US Army for at least one year, be a permanent resident, and meet the standard enlistment requirements. Once you have completed the naturalization process, you will be eligible to enlist in the US Army.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have served in the US Army for at least one year
- Be a permanent resident
- Meet standard enlistment requirements
4. Enlist through the National Guard
The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Army that allows citizens to serve part-time. To be eligible to enlist in the National Guard, you must be a US citizen or a permanent resident, meet the standard enlistment requirements, and be willing to serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a US citizen or a permanent resident
- Meet standard enlistment requirements
- Be willing to serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year
5. Enlist through the US Army's Officer Candidate School (OCS)
The US Army's Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training program for individuals who want to become officers in the US Army. To be eligible for OCS, you must have a bachelor's degree, meet the standard enlistment requirements, and be willing to serve as an officer in the US Army.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have a bachelor's degree
- Meet standard enlistment requirements
- Be willing to serve as an officer in the US Army
US Army Recruitment Image Gallery
What is the MAVNI program?
+The MAVNI program is a special enlistment program designed for foreign nationals with critical language and cultural skills.
Can I join the US Army if I am a non-US citizen?
+What are the eligibility requirements for the US Army's Officer Candidate School?
+To be eligible for OCS, you must have a bachelor's degree, meet the standard enlistment requirements, and be willing to serve as an officer in the US Army.
In conclusion, joining the US Army as a foreigner can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Whether you enlist through the MAVNI program, the SIV program, or the US Army's naturalization process, there are many ways to serve your adopted country. Remember to research the eligibility requirements and benefits of each program carefully and reach out to a recruiter for more information. Good luck!