As a non-US citizen interested in military service, I'm trying to understand the enlistment requirements. What should I know about eligibility and possible paths to join the U.S. military without citizenship?
The U.S. military does accept non-citizens into its ranks under certain conditions. This requires having a legal permanent resident status, also known as having a Green Card. It's important to note that individuals with a Green Card can enlist in the U.S. military and serve in any job for which they are qualified, with the exception of certain elevated security clearance positions, which usually require U.S. citizenship.
One important point is that having a conditional Green Card (one that is temporarily granted after marriage to a U.S. citizen) does not disqualify someone from enlisting. It should also be noted that some branches may require you to have been a legal resident for a specific amount of time before enlisting.
In some instances, serving in the military can expedite the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provisions for expedited or posthumous citizenship for those serving in the military during hostilities.
Moreover, the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program in the past permitted certain non-citizens in the U.S. to join the military and thereby qualify for expedited U.S. citizenship, however, this program was unfortunately discontinued in 2016 and there hasn't been an official replacement since.
As always, you should consult with a military recruiter, who will be able to provide more detailed information based on your individual situation and can guide you on the next steps towards enlistment.
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