NATO soldiers joining (enlisting) the US military?

Question

This question have arised formerly so I don't need the same answers, read the following carefully please.

I know for sure that an specific program for members of certain NATO armies to join (enlist) the US military without needing a "green card" exists or have existed till not so long ago.

What I need is the exact name for such program and/or specific directions on who I could contact to get information about it.

If you are going to direct me to goarmy.com they don't know about the program, I would take that as a definitive no if it wasn't for the fact that I've met Marines, on exercises, that joined through that program but I wasn't interested to take part at that time so I didn't ask for the details.

So I want specific info on the program, even if it no longer exists so that I can know that it have dissapeared for sure.

Answer 1

one of the requirements for enlistment is that the applicant be a United States Citizen or United States National, your citizenry makes you ineligible to enlist.

Exception to this requirement may be granted to those foreign nationals who have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence, who are physically present in the United States at the time of application for enlistment, and who possess an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Receipt Card evidencing such status.

Information concerning entrance procedures into the U.S. as an immigrant may be obtained from the nearest United States Foreign Service Post or by writing to the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, 425 I Street, NW Washington, DC 20536.

Only after the immigration procedures have been completed, and you are in the United States as a lawfully admitted permanent resident, may your application for enlistment be accepted. Until that time, we will be unable to assist you on your desire to serve in the U.S. Army.

Answer 2

I've met two people in person - a former Bundeswehr SF officer, and a former Bundeswehr infantry platoon sergeant, that entered through the program that the Questioner describes. I do not consider these men to be liars. While I myself was a foreign national that enlisted through having Permanent Resident status, I do understand that for members of certain NATO militaries, such a program DOES exist. The program was not relevant to me, and thus I did not ask specifics.

Your best bet right now, Questioner, would be to approach any of the Foreign Area Officers working in the American Embassy in Madrid, or any defense attache in the Embassy. The program itself is not known widely, but these would be the people to approach first. I met the German SF officer in 2005, so I know that the program has been up and running until then at least.

I'll do some asking around, but I'm certain there's nothing on the internet about it, as it's not something that is obviously advertised widely. Send me an email in a few days, and please enable your return email address in your Yahoo! Answers profile. I'll get back to you.

Answer 3

First of all, you DO NOT need to be a citizen to enlist, despite what people have been posting on Yahoo answers. Second, it is illegal for recruiters to actively recruit foreign nationals in other countries, so I am positive that no such program has ever existed for citizens of NATO member countries. Must have just been a rumor.

There IS a case when one is overseas and is allowed to attempt to recruit foreigners on foreign soil, and that is for civilian service in the military, and only then when they are volunteering to provide a service (paid or unpaid) to US Servicemen or their families.

Check out Title X of United States Code section 1588 for more info on this.

If you want to read about exactly what the armed services are permitted to do when recruiting, check out section 503 of the same title.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

To the best of my knowledge, the US Army has NEVER had such a program. The requirements for the Army is a minimum of an I-551 (green) card.

I don't know if the other branches have/had such a program, but I find it unlikely. Most likely, you were getting your leg pulled.

Answer 5

from what I understand De Gaulle asked all foreign troops to leave France in 1966 which is why NATO headquarters moved to Brussels

Answer 6

I'm not sure but I believe it is under the immigration laws.

Go to the U.S. immigration website.