US Military Outlines Requirements for Non-Citizen Enlistment

The US government has outlined the conditions under which foreign nationals can join any branch of the American military, emphasizing that enlistment is restricted to those who are legally residing in the United States. Eligible applicants must hold a valid Alien Registration Card, commonly known as a Green Card.

This requirement applies uniformly across all branches of the military, not just the Army. The government specifies that individuals living in the US on temporary visas or without legal documentation do not qualify for enlistment.

Only those with permanent legal status, as evidenced by their Green Card, can initiate the enlistment process. Historically, the military has allowed legal permanent residents to serve, and in certain cases, military service can provide a pathway to full citizenship, although this aspect is governed by separate immigration guidelines.