Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/4/2009

Question
Good day sir! I am Julius Marquez, 35 yrs old and will be a permanent resident alien (green card) in the US anytime this year. I am a BS Computer Engineering (Electronics and Communications major)grad and a Masters Degree (MBA) holder with prior military service in the Philippine Navy as a Lieutenant (O-3) and specializes in Naval Electronics Communications & Information Technology and Naval Aviation. Is it possible for me to join the US Navy as an enlisted? Do I need an age waiver to enlist? Is there an equivalent pay grade or rank that is applicable for the naval officer training and educational background that I have if I will be enlisted in the US Navy? What are the career opportunities that I can avail in the US Navy? Is there a possibility that I can become an officer once I got my US citizenship as well? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Answer
Julius,
Yes, you may apply to join the military now if you wish, even before you receive your Green Card.  At age 35 you are only eligible to join the Army.

Also, there is a special process specifically for military personnel to obtain citizenship even faster.

Normally, a non-citizen wishing to become a United States Citizen must have five years of legal permanent residency in the U.S. to apply for the military.

Unfortunately, you're too old for the Navy.  The only military Branch that will take you is the Army, whose age limit is 42.  Therefore, I won't answer your Navy-related questions.  The Army does indeed have a communications-electronics career field, one of the finest in the military.

Look at the following website to learn more about Army jobs:  http://www.goarmy.com/
You can also chat on-line with an Army recruiter about any specific questions you may have.

Yes, after you have your citizenship you can apply to become an officer.  It's actually easier for you if you're already enlisted in the military.

Colonel H