Do you feel confortable with dual citizenship people running the U.S. Military?

Question

While I spent 11 years in the Navy I noticed a trend. Many people from lands other than the US joined the U.S. Military. Most of these people did it not because of a lotality to the U.S. But because of money. Many would send paychecks home to suppport their family and economy. If they spend 20 years in they could receive retirement about $1500 per month. In many countries this would be like getting a $6,000 pay check in America.
When they are finished with a 20 year job. "by the way active duty people rarely go to war" I spend 11 years active and never went to any hot spots. They can relocate to a Non US land and still receive the full amount of a military retirement. This of course comes from our Taxes.

When only 5000 people do this, Our US of A send's $90 million per year to support the temporary patriot.

Is this a loop hole that should be closed?
Is this ethical behavior?
Is this helping or hurting America's Welfare?

Answer 1

I am not a U.S. citizen but I think you're all missing the point.

You are Americans by default. Many immigrants are U.S. citizens because they chose to be. They don't join your military hoping not to be sent in to battle. They join because they love their adopted country.

You don't have any say in who your biological children are, but ADOPTED children, now that's a different ball game. You get to choose the child you WANT.

The adopted child knows with out a doubt that he is loved.The same way you get to choose your adopted country.

The only reason my niece wasn't drafted to Iraq was because her husband was already there. Her loyalty to her new flag is however without doubt.

The number of naturalized citizens who move to a non U.S. land must be a very tiny percentage of native born Americans who do move.
Yes I said I wasn't a U.S. citizen not because I don't want to be one, but because I don't have that opportunity. Those of you born U.S. citizens often take for granted freedoms and priviledges for which the naturalized American is eternally grateful.

Priviledges he would defend with his very life, because he has experienced what it is to be with out them.

And finally if a person does not care enough to help family whom he has known all his life but had to leave behind in his former country, believe me, he will abandon his new found friends the first chance he gets. The selfish man will be selfish whether he is American or not.

Sure I agree you don't put people in sensitive positions until they have proven their loyalty. But character is more important than whether a man is American or not.

Remember that U.S. marine captain Fara Aideed who deserted and is now a war lord in Somali. The fighting in Somalia is for selfish reasons period.

Character is not something that changes that easy.

Answer 2

I agree with you to some extent, and I am a dual citizen, but I consider myself very objective. Most of the dual citizens do not have the loyalty an American born here and to American parents has. However, serving tends to strengthen a sense of patriotism. The trick is to not put anyone whose loyalty is at question in decision-making positions. I also believe that some naturalized Americans are very loyal. I recently, by pure coincidence, had to have my car towed by an Iraqi national, who also served in the US army in the war, and was granted citizenship. While he was objective enough to have some criticisms for the US operation (not being prepared to prevent the looting), he was extremely grateful to America and extremely dedicated and preparing to go serve again. I think that on the whole you should allow naturalized citizens to serve. They add a touch of international human connection to the people where they are sent to serve, because they know other cultures, and are more humble. That is a good thing for the American image and success. Perhas another trick, other than my caveat above of not placing them in delicate situations, is to request of the dual citizens to serve in hot spots, so they earn their retirement money. This way, they're not in there just for selfish reasons.
Can we please not make exceptions, inwhat I am suggesting, as usual, to Israelis holding American citizenships too? We give Israel enough money as it is...

Answer 3

In the first place, it enrages me to think about it. Our National security in the hands of foreigners,and not to mention,if they return to their home country and join military forces there. We basically trained our potential adversary! Then there is the economics of sending their pay outside US borders...But Hey, ever wonder why our National Capitol, Washington D.C. isn't a "state in the Union"? They don't even have a star on our flag! This means we are governed by a foreign entity to begin with so technically "they" don't have to abide by Constitutional law...coincidence?

Answer 4

I am not as knowledgable as you, but I'd ask you - was their service any less valiant or honorable than yours? Is it fair to discriminate those who have dual upbringing and still love this country just the same? On the flip side, I hope the dual-citizenships are not opposing to our nation. E.g., iran/us - if that is even possible... I would hoper the very highest ranks are US citizens only.

Answer 5

Folks,

The country is NOT supporting these "temporary patriots." May I, someone that has risked his life to protect your freedoms, remind you that these patriots are supporting you and this country.

As our President Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Also, the article title discusses dual citizen's running our Military but discusses something entirely different. It discusses military members... not leaders.

Who runs our Military? My chain of command goes clear through to the Commander in Chief himself, and none of them are dual citizens...

The question should not be directed at those "foreigners" serving. It should be directed at those Americans who have not served...

And you sir, and to those responding... Have you served your country? If so, I am honored and I thank you. If not, I ask you to be humble and thank those that do serve, have served, have perished, and have had family that have been lost for your freedom...

Very Respectfully,

Jason

Answer 6

If they're in the military, they're not dual citizens; they are simply citizens of their home countries. I do think that there should be a time limit to gain citizenship if you're going to work for the federal government.

Answer 7

We're just following Rome's example of how to bankrupt a nation.

Dual citizenship people are in leadership positions in government & Defense Department, so why shouldn't they serve in the military?

I think we should eliminate dual citizenship.

Answer 8

Comfortable? I feel violated! This whole multiculturalism thing is what caused the downfall of every great nation.