What are the rules for a recent legal immigrant to enlist?

2016-10-22T10:38:28-04:00

My wife's brother and his family just immigrated from The Philippines last month. Two of his children want to enlist in the military. I wanted to know if there was anything special they needed to do in order to enlist. One is still in high school (I think he needs to finish his senior year) and the other is a high school graduate.

They've already taken their ASVAB, but the results were bad. Is there anything I could do to help them because it's been so long since I took mine that I don't remember what the test is like.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 22 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-10-22T11:09:04-04:00

As long as they are legal residents and have a green card, rules are the same as for anyone else. At least when I was a recruiter. Get them one of the ASVAB prep books and quiz them like they were already a young Seaman or Soldier.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 11:54 AM

2016-10-22T11:54:20-04:00

MOS options are limited due to security clearance ineligibility, but you will be eligible to naturalize after completing AIT.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Oct 22 at 2016 11:54 AM

2016-10-22T11:54:38-04:00

As others have stated I believe they need a green card and oh by the way I would like to offer my thanks to them for their anticipated service in the military, regardless of branch!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 1:55 PM

2016-10-22T13:55:06-04:00

A working knowledge of English will go a long ways. Not a requirement (at least that I am aware of), but it will help them succeed. Due to their age, they may speak a bit of English, but may have a difficult time understanding some of the nuances of the language and may help explain low ASVAB scores. Check the local community college and see if they offer any ESL classes and encourage them to enroll.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 2:24 PM

2016-10-22T14:24:35-04:00

There is a an ASVAB study guide, Recruiters also have access to an online ASVAB guiide they can show you.

For the one still in High School there is Split Training available where they go to BCT in Summer then return to school then go to AIT next Summer. If that's not an option tell him to take his Senior year in JROTC it may help him go from E1 to E2.

There may be a Naturalization option as well so that upon completion of BCT or AIT they will become Citizens.

If they are dead set on it have them start studying the basics of military knowledge. Ranks, formations, courtesies, and finally PT. If they're gonna do it, be successful about it.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 22 at 2016 5:05 PM

2016-10-22T17:05:52-04:00

check with Recruiter...

Response by SFC Glen S. made Oct 24 at 2016 5:51 AM

2016-10-24T05:51:51-04:00

The two main parts for the ASVAB, are typically the Reading Comprehension and Math. Like the other posts mention, a recruiter should have resources to help them study. Also, when they are GTG, make sure that they have their INS I-551 (Green Card). I extend my congrats in advance to both of them for wanting to serve and do wish them the very best!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2016 8:45 AM

2016-10-24T08:45:31-04:00

There are several books out in bookstores on ASVAB studying, kinda like the SAT/ACT testing for college. Usually going through one of those books will help increase their scores.

Depending on which branch they want to serve, they have to look and see what type of career they want; medical, operations, tactical, media, mechanics, electronics, etc. Those play into selecting a category.