Can permanent residents join the U.S. military?

I'm a permanent resident and I'm thinking about enlisting in the military. Is it possible for someone with my status to join, and are there any special requirements or limitations for permanent residents? Thanks for any info you can share!

Yes, permanent residents, or green card holders, are indeed eligible to join the U.S. military. This applies to all six branches of the military: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. However, there are a few considerations and stipulations.

Firstly, while green card holders can enlist, it's important to note that certain jobs within the military may require higher levels of security clearance. Those positions are often limited to U.S. citizens.

Secondly, while serving in the U.S. military does not automatically grant citizenship, it can certainly expedite the naturalization process. Under the Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative, select military training sites to grant immediate citizenship to green card holders after they take their military oath.

Lastly, bear in mind that the military commitment is a serious one, with strict contractual obligations. It's worth thoroughly researching and possibly talking to a recruiter to fully understand the expectations, responsibilities, and benefits of enlisting.

In terms of limitations, while recruiters may need to conduct additional screenings and background checks due to your status, being a permanent resident should not prevent you from joining the U.S. military. In fact, the military has a history of welcoming green card holders and expediting their path to citizenship.