
To be eligible to join the military, a non-citizen must complete specified qualifications. Once they have gained citizenship, they can also become commissioned officers.Ĭitizens of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Marshall Islands are all eligible to join the military (as long as they are citizens of those territories, republics, or states). Note: Non-citizens with proper documentation may enroll in the military. citizens can become commissioned officers or serve in occupations in the US military that require special security clearances. One of these requirements is that only U.S. Each branch of the military has its own set of recruitment criteria, however, there are several that apply to all branches. Military service is voluntary for both citizens and documented immigrants.
#PICTORIAL HISTORY OF US NAVY UNIFORMS FULL#
Enlisting with a green card used to be a quick way to full citizenship, but the requirements have changed as of February 2018. You cannot join the military if you are not a permanent resident of the United States, also known as a green-card holder. If you want to join the US Army, you don’t have to be a citizen of the US, but you must live in the country. Naturalization through military service is a legal way to increase recruitment while also granting citizenship to immigrants.

Non-citizens have served in and alongside the United States Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War.Īccording to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service, thousands of non-citizens join the military each year (USCIS).

Immigrants who serve in the military in the United States have deep historical roots. Since 2001, over 120,000 immigrant military personnel have become citizens of the United States.

More information can be found in this post. Can an immigrant join the Army? You do not have to be a US citizen to join the Army, but you must meet certain requirements.
