Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/2/2008

Question
Hi Colonel,
I'm a permanent resident with a 4 years college degree in aviation management; I'm interested in joining the U.S military. I will be eligible to apply for citizenship on 5/1/2009.
What are my options?


Answer
Dear Ali --

If you are otherwise qualified, you could enlist immediately in one of the military services, for a job that does not require a security clearance.

If you wait until you have received your citizenship, you can enlist with options for many more jobs, because you would be eligible for a security clearance.  That means you could enlist with a chance at officer candidate school, because you already have a college degree.

If you enlist now, you can probably get your citizenship a little sooner.  You can also change your military specialty once you have your citizenship, if you would prefer working in a specialty that requires a clearance and you are otherwise qualified.  You could also apply for officer candidate school, if you desire, once you have your citizenship.

Best of luck to you on both counts.