Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Can a student on F-1 visa join the US army?

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/16/2009


Question
Greetings Sirs,
My question is regarding the US Army in general.I was wondering whether i can join the US ARMY (in my case i want to join the NAVY) being legally in the USA on F-1 students visa. I'm a 23 years old Russian citizen but I have been attending ESL classes for about a year now in New York city. I've read a lot of information on this topic but couldn't really get the answer to my question. On the official NAVY web site it said that one has to be a resident i.e. have a green card.  I don't have one. I just wanted to make it clear for myself whether i can or i can not join the army.

Thank you

Answer
Andrew,
You cannot join the military with only a student visa.  You must apply to become a U.S. citizen and obtain a "green card."  This is because then the military knows you are serious about serving your new country.  Otherwise the military is liable to become an Army of mercenaries who have no serious intentions but serve only for money.  There are people like that out there.

Thank you for wanting to serve in the U.S. military.
I hope you someday will.
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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