Expert: Howard Lorenz - 5/16/2008

Question
My name is Bob, I am a permanent resident in the U.S. I am 29 years old with a Master in Quantitative Finance from a well known university in France. I am very interested after finishing my english classes ( ESL from level 3 to level 5, and Eng 111: college composition) to get into the Army or Air Force, but I heard that in the Army that I can not get in as an officer because I am not a citizen yet;However, I am able to get in as an enlisted. Honnestly, I am hesitating for many reasons: 1) The difficulty to move easily from enlisted to an officer unless I serve at least 2 years up to 8( with the contract that I will be signing) 2) Being an enlisted, is the army will regonize my master degree and let me pursue another master or Ph D ? 3) I do not really want to waist lot of time as an enlisted, which will block me achieve my goals.  I am very confuse and do not know what to do, and I would really appreciated your help. I would like to work for the Army financial department. What is the shortess and the successful way for me Best, Bob

Answer
The reason is correct that you will have to take an enlisted position before you can become an officer. But do not hesitate, once you have served a 4 year tour in the Air force, you automatically get your citizenship. After that time you can get your commission as an officer. You have to become an officer before your 35th birthday.  which leaves you a little over 5 years to accomplish if you get right in and get to it.

Or you can finish your english and then try for the reserves at a later date. I believe since you have a MA in Finance, you will able to get that job in the Air Force.

But bottom line the citizenship is required.