Posted on Nov 1, 2014
SSG(P) Instructor
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About 4 years ago I visited MCRD for one of my best friends graduation, and when the emcee made an announcement about recruits from 37 countries, it peaked my curiousity. Do we currently allow non-citizens to serve, and what is the promise upon discharge or graduation, are they promised citizenship? I know Mexican non-US citizens serve, but I had no idea we allow recruits from so many countries. There is some political propaganda going around about the POTUS giving away military jobs to illegals. If we have always done this, why is it coming up now. Do all the military services allow non-US citizens or just the USMC?
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SPC Med Tech Student
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I got my citizenship when I graduated basic training. I was a permanent resident before I shipped off. I had a really cool oath ceremony in front of all the parents and soldiers on family day.
But my mother needs to go through the process the old fashioned way.
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SSG(P) Instructor
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I am so motivated to hear that some folks choose to serve before they become citizens...wow, what an indoctrination to becoming an American. Thank you for your service.
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SPC Med Tech Student
SPC (Join to see)
10 y
Hoah!
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Edited 10 y ago
I used to be a non-US citizen serving in the Army, but I had to become a U.S. citizen and give up my native citizenship to obtain and maintain my security clearance.
SSG(P) Instructor
SSG(P) (Join to see)
10 y
Your country or ours didn't allow dual citizenship status? What was the process, we're you forced to become a citizen to re-enlist, or that was conditional term of initial enlistment?
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Sgt Jerami Ballard
Sgt Jerami Ballard
>1 y
Typically, the term is based on the security clearance you need for your job and position. A secret clearance can be grounds for you having to relinquish a citizenship even if the US and other country have a citizenship agreement. I had to relinquish my Irish citizenship to get my security clearance(TS) while I was in (you literally write a letter to be signed by the department of state and sent to the equivalent department of the country you are severing ties from), but now that I am out I can re-establish my dual citizenship by registering via the foreign birth registry of Ireland. If you're a citizen of certain other countries however, you must immediately sever ties upon enlistment and become a legal resident of the US. (Russia, China, and many middle eastern countries)
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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We do have non-US citizens in the Army, but at a certain point they must either leave the service or become a citizen. I believe it is by the 10 year mark. There is no promise of citizenship for them or their family, however, it is considered easier.
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SSG(P) Instructor
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10 y
I would think if a I proved myself for 4-9 years, and was honorably discharged, it would more than prove that I was worthy of citizenship....making it automatic. I guess we would have to be careful with that. Isn't that how moles infili rate the enemy?
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SFC William Adamek
SFC William Adamek
>1 y
The time limit is 8 years. At that point they have to have become a US citizen or get out of the service
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