Hey everyone, I've been considering enlisting in the military after high school graduation. I was wondering though, do I need to have a passport or any international document before enlisting? Would love to hear from anyone with firsthand experience or insights.
Hi there! A passport or international documentation is not required to enlist in the U.S. military. You must meet certain prerequisites such as being a U.S. citizen or holder of a Green Card (lawful permanent resident). Other fundamental requirements encompass being within a certain age group (17-34 for most branches), meeting particular health, fitness, and education standards, and passing a criminal background check. A passport is not one of these requirements.
However, even though a passport isn't necessary for enlistment, there may be scenarios when it could be beneficial to have one throughout your military career. For instance, while the military will usually handle travel arrangements for official duties, having a passport can offer you more flexibility for personal travel or in case of emergency leave.
Remember, every situation is unique, and the best source to answer your question definitively would be a military recruiter. They can guide you based on your specific circumstances and the branch of the military you're interested in. I hope this initial information helps, though!
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