I'm British but could I serve in the US forces?

Shock and Awe

Yes. A non-citizen can enlist in the military. However, federal law prohibits non-citizens from becoming commission or warrant officers.

In order for a non-citizen to enlist in the military, he/she must first be a legal immigrant (with a green card), permamently residing in the United States. It's important to note that the military cannot and will not assist in the immigration process. One must immigrate first, using normal immigration quotas and procedures, and -- once they've established an address in the United States -- they can find a recruiter's office and apply for enlistment.

While there is a statutory requirement that only a United States Citizen may become a commissioned officer, this is not true for enlistment. Certain non-citizens can enlist in the United States Armed Forces. To be eligible to enlist, a non-citizen must:

(1) Entered the United States on a permanent residence visa or has an Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form 1-551/I-551 greencard or stamped I-94), and

(2) Established a bona fide residence, and

(3) Established a home of record in the United States.

The visa and/or "greencard" must have sufficient time remaining on it (expiration date) to be valid during the entire term on enlistment. While non-citizens may enlist in the U.S. Military, they are not allowed to reenlist (stay in beyond their first term of service), unless they first become U.S. Citizens. However, there are accelerated citizenship procedures for non-citizens on active duty.

neal9jsg

The entrance fitness exam for the Royal Marines is the USMC final fitness exam. If you are not fit enough to finish USMC training, you aren't fit enouigh to start Royal Marine training.

You don't sound mature enough yet though.

No, they shouldn't be allowed to join each others forces.

If your primary concern is "cool", you wouldn't last 5 minutes in either. Having to kill people in combat is far from cool. Seeing your best friend die slowly from shrapnel wounds over a period of an hour while you wait for a helicopter while he wets himself and defecates in his shorts is so far from cool.

SnoddersB

Why would you want to. Seems to me that our forces are better at most tasks than the Yanks anyway.

only if you are trigger happy
and / or good at friendly fire
and / or raised on video games and rock music
and / or have no ethics, sense of right or wrong, or morals
and / or gullible, susceptible to propoganda and generally have no mind of your own

then they will accept you!

dean o

.. have to agree with Neal's conclusions..bit graphic; but 'ts true .. LOOK war is ugly ..add to that the civilian casualties, displacements and considering you're often fighting for the wrong cause touted by the right (more vocal; most financed) politicians... hmm, then live with your conscience:
You sound young (you are) and ya, I was at 17 gotten called up to serve in defence S Africa (here say; "Apartheid") in mid-eighties throu' til 1993 when I was sentenced 10 months (got alternative service) refusing a '3 week army camp ' to maintain the (oppressive) political-status quo..

Its your decision ultimately; anyway there are more than a few South Africans who serve in the British Defense.. so not sure whether that "says" anything to answer your question.
((I mean in terms of persons of one nationality serving in 'personal capacity' in another country's military)) .

Finally: remember that the Brit and U.S. culture differ tremendously; cricket verus baseball ... soccer v. American football ... I reckon the U S is more consumer-based than U.K altho it depends where it is from

And hey; if you want stories of the S African SPEC. Forces (Reccies/Operators) they're out there, they're ugly - as with the old Rhodesian Light Infantry (R L I) ...ask: read...
and personally, I can share a few.. think carefully !!
you may have the fitness; but do you have the 'balls'?

NYC Sewers

Yes, yes yes. Just sign the bottom line and get a free trip to see the world from Afghanistan behind a machine gun turrent.

It sounds cool in the films and when talking with your mates on a boozy night out. The real story is that technology has advanced now and you would not even see it coming. Its not about fast reflexes or being tougher than the rest, it would be about being lucky enough to not get blown up or to tread on a mine or get shot by a sniper.

America have also been known to bomb their own side if I am not mistaken (no offence as I like America), but these things happen.

How attractive would you be if you got both your legs etc. blown off. Think about it...

68w

apply for the visa lottery.

you will get it. it takes 1 year maybe 2 at most.

see if there is a military liaison in your area. tell them your intentions and ask for advice.

i bet if you put the reason you apply for the visa lottery is to join the marines you would have made an excellent case for yourself. also you can fill out the paperwork for a greencard.

the royal marines are an excellent and easier choice to get into. but if you apply for a greencard you should get it faster since the UK is highly regarded by us.

I know every Brit who wants to come here usually gets their wish, versus other nations that have a much harder time.

Vote Obama 2008/2012

You actually can serve as an immigrant that is one path too citizenship.

Rightside

Give them a ring.

Pandasareourfuture

I think u can get US citizinship by joining the army.

Answer Me!

Did you especially want to get your brains blown out for George Bush?

David

yeah but you have to of lived in the us 4 lyk 4years mayt.

Gordito

Yes - You need to become a US Resident then apply for citzenship

Chris 777

The Royal Marines are excellent and highly respected around the world.... you'll enjoy your time with them. It would be easier to switch to other commonwealth countries (especially New Zealand) if you want to serve with another nation.

tacosauce2002

Who cares buddy? We are allies! We both have good training and we will fight side by side.

alphameega

You need to take up usa citizenship

Ash Y

your question is do you have to be born in the usa ? no inless u want to be presdeint. to be a member live there 4 3 yrs and then you a usa resdient and get your green card.

Jaydaa__X

you have to be from that country same with every other country and army.
even thow england and america are good friends anything could happen. theres not much difference anyway were practicly one now. you'll be in iraq with american soldiers anyway
good luck! and respects for your choices royal marines are pretty tough!!
X

Bahos

Yes you can, you will take a test though.
PS: God bless the USA the land of the brave.

jeeper_peeper321

Nope,

Only US Citizens

And Permanent Residents ( green card holders ) can enlist.

Incredible MR Singh

I think wont be a problem however be aware US forces have a 99% rate of gunning down their own people cos they are so gun ho.

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