Could a homosexual US citizen join the British army?

Question

well first off I know the US is the most powerful, however they do have the Don't ask Don't tell policy. The Royal allows gays doesn't it?

I am really surprised out how offended people got at that question, and no Vince L. it wasn't in jest. I was seriously curious, but also somewhat shocked that you would find even asking it such a disrespect. Thanks to all who were actually serious about it and tried to give real answers.

- why is the immediate response from many about sex? Note I did not ask about that, I simply asked about what was allowed. People say they disagree with homosexuality because its nasty or disgusts them. Thats because you are only thinking about the sex part, which is not the only thing there is. Also private relations are supposed to be private, thats why theyre called that. Its also nasty to think about your parents or siblings having relations but that doesnt mean you condemn them. The general rule is, gay straight or whatever, you really ought not be thinking about what people do with other adults. And it would make sense that if you did you would find it nasty.

Answer 1

Why, do u like the uniform.

Answer 2

Us Army the most powerful...... that's funny. That would by why the problems are all sorted out in Iraq and Afghanistan. US have the best equipment, the biggest mouths and the least discipline. We see working with US troops as a general pain in the butt and a greater threat than the enemy in most cases.

Most of us have a lot of time for the Navy Seals as they usually conduct themselves quite well and usually know what they're doing.

The entrance fitness test for the Royal Marines is the same as the end of training fitness tests for the US marines. What does that tell you?

The problem would probably not be so much that you are gay. You would have a very hard time in the British Army - Americans have a terrible habit of shooting us in the back in combat which kind of gets on our nerves and makes you guys kind of unpopular. I don't know if the British army would allow it or not as you are a US citizen. You'd have less chance of getting shot by your colleagues though.

You should consider that training is hard going. If you are not prepared to spend your mornings vommiting on runs, running with injuries and getting verbal abuse all day and night, I wouldn't bother if I were you. If you were to join and start mouthing off about how great America is, you could expect a trip to the hospital soon after. If you do it and go to war, leave your camera at home.

Think carefully before deciding and phone an Army careers office over here.

Answer 3

Sexual orientation is a private matter for the individual. Some people may want to discuss it with their Commanding Officers in confidence. That is the official policy of the UK armed forces. Unfortunately as you will see from one response in particular, there is still a lot of anti-gay bias in the British Army in particular. I would recommend looking into the more enlightened and intelligent services such as the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force. It is officially an offence to bully in the armed forces and people have been court martialled for it.
As for nationality requirements, you have to have lived at least 5 yrs in the UK as far as I am aware. The eligibility requirements can all be found on the single service websites such as www.royal-navy.mod.uk.
By the way - to the guy that claims to have served 20 years in the British Army and finds your question so disgusting - you would not be welcome in today's forces. This sort of attitude is as ignorant and moronic as racism. What the hell does it matter if the guy that might save your life one day happens to like guys rather than girls? I would rather have 1 gay guy that was good at his job working for me than 10 of him.

Answer 4

I think so - you don't have to be a British citizen. Use the link below and check on 'eligibility' at the bottom of the page as i'm not sure what rules apply to Americans. We get a lot of people from ex colonies.

http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularArmy/Requirements/JoiningFromOverseas/Soldier/

Oh and, MC Gunner, that old chestnut, you are getting your version of WWII history from Hollywood. The Battle of Britain had already been fought and won long before the USA entered the war and the USA would never have entered if Britain had lost it - or for that matter if Pearl Harbour had not happened. The fact the US forces don't agree with British forces tactics in Iraq is one of the reasons you are losing so badly out there!

Answer 5

I guess after that little whip snit bunch of colonies kicked the Englands A## back in the 1700's the English had to shape their sh*t up. Actually, no maybe it was in the 1940's when the English Schools almost had to switch to German as the national language. Lest all you European pricks forget, you would be speaking German if not for us. And, when I was in Iraq the first time, My unit(2/1 US Marines) worked with the Brits, and I cannot say that any of us were overly impressed with anything other than that they get an alcohol ration.

Answer 6

neal9jsg you have my admiration for saying what a lot of us only thought. As an Army brat and later an Army wife I met many American forces personnel both in UK and overseas. Many by their own admission envied us (I say 'us' as when married to a soldier you're also married to the Army) our system and quiet loyalty to our country. If they put as much effort into their discipline as they do their imagination they could be almost half as effiecient as we are....almost but not quite, lol

Answer 7

I would have thought you would have had to be a United Kingdom citizen, or perhaps from the British Commonwealth as our army pledges loyalty to the Queen.

Answer 8

I don't think so. It would be easier if this citizen was already a member of the US forces and either apply to transfer to the UK forces or apply for an exchange - like join the UK forces for a period of time.

Answer 9

I think you have to be a British Citizen and why don't you join your own army its the most powerful.

Answer 10

You pretty much have to be British- they won't care about your sexuality. But for most roles in the nevy, even your parents must have been born in Britain. What about the merchant navy?

Answer 11

No. Having spent 20 years in the British Army, I find your question - albeit in jest - sick and offensive.
Try your own army, as they are pretty good at f***ing us up the a*se on the battlefield.