SEAL from foreign Country ?

[Intruder]

Hello
My Name is Matt and I’m from Germany ! I’m currently 16 years old and REALLY want to become a Navy SEAL . So i’ve got a couple of unanswered questions and I hope somebody of you can help me.
First : I know that i must be a US citizen BEFORE attending BUD/S. As if getting to BUD/S isn’t difficult enough i have to worry about the citizenship. And as i heard the max age is 28. Any of you got a clue what is the fastest way to get it ? Because i’ll need some time to try to get in BUD/S.
Second : What is the correct way to get into BUD/S ? I have heard several things about SEAL challenge and A school but still don’t know how this really works.
Third : Is it possible for an Enlisted SEAL that was not born in the US to become an Officer ?

Thanks

[BK101484]

Well ... you have a long journey ahead of you. First you must get a Alien Residency which takes two years to get and then after an aditional three years to be able to apply for citizenship. And after you apply it take a supposed 6 months even although i have never heard it done that quickly. It took my mom two years from the time she for citizenship applied to actually being sworn in.So your looking at basicaly 5 years minimum but then again My mom is not from Germany so wish you luck. And i hope this could help.
I gotta ask why you wouldnt want to be a member of the KSK..... I heard there an excellent group of guys.

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[Intruder]

Yeah Thanks for your Help ! Do you know whom i could contact for Alien Residency etc. ?
Why I do not want to join the KSK ? Well that would take far too long to explain here let's just say i only want to become a U.S. Navy SEAL http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

Intruder

[BK101484]

Well since your in Germany I think your best bet would be to call the American Embassy, or you can call Imigration Services ( Im not sure of official name something like Deptarment of Naturalization). I hope this helps and I wish you good luck.

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[Intruder]

Okay ! I'll try that. Thank you very much for your Help http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif
And in addition : Perhaps if someone else reads this, please answer my Questions 2 and 3 from my first post if possible http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

Intruder

[Daredevil]

SEAL challenge guarantees you a certain amount of BUD/S tryouts when you're in boot I believe. I think that Nissan guy went in under that. It doesn't guarantee you a place in BUD/S, only that you'll get more chances to try out at the beginning of your Navy enlistment. For A school, that means you have to get a SEAL source rating. There are certain ratings in the Navy that the SEALs take and some they don't.

As far as I know, as long as you are a citizen of the US it doesn't matter if you were foreign born. You can still become an officer. I think about the only job you can't get in this country if you're foreign born is President.

[Intruder]

Thanks for the Information !

Intruder

[Mike]

Check the American Embassy at http://www.usembassy.de/ They move to Berlin, but the DATT's offices is still in Bonn.
You have to be a U.S. citizen if you want to be an officer.

Daredevil, a Navy brat who was born at Rota Hospital or Yokosuka Naval Hospital ir other military hospitals overseas can still be qualified to be a U.S. President.

[Daredevil]

That's true, but that's because you are still considered as being born a US citizen. It really doesn't matter where you are born in the world as long as your parents are US citizens.

[pomofo]

One reason Americans born abroad are often still eligible for President is the fact that they are born to military or Foreign Service parents on military bases or American hospitals which are considered sovereign territory of the United States. Military bases and embassies are sovereign territory of the countries which operate them. That's why American police cannot enter foreign embassies (I'm not sure about consulates) without permission from the embassy's government, and why Saddam made a big boo-boo when he decided to take over the US Embassy in Kuwait City.

[THN]

Hi intruder,

Despite your remark that it is a long story I'm interested to hear why you don't want to join the KSK.
I trained with both and am interested to see why you're willing to go trough all this nationalisation hassle to become a SEAL. IMHO there isn't that big a difference. And there is a lot of exchange of personel, so as a swimmer you will get a lot of chances to work with SEALs and they with you.

[Daredevil]

Well, a guy willing to switch nationalities has to be pretty hardcore about his decision. That Canadian kid asked the same thing.

Frankly, I think your quickest route is to marry an American girl.

Incidentally, a friend of mine who was a SEAL in Team 8 told me one of the best capability demonstrations he ever saw was the GSG-9 doing some CQB exercises. He said they were so fluent and precise they were like a well oiled machine.

[Basti]

I´m from Germany, too and I can understand Intruder to become a SEAL in the US. I want it, too. But in Germany we have some good elite units, too that are quiet as good as Seals, Rangers etc. like: KSK, GSG 9 (Police)and the Kampfschwimmer (Combat Diver) of the Navy. The "Kampfschwimmer" are the smallest group of the navy and you could say, they are the Seals of Germany. Perhaps, Intruder, you want to serve in this group?? They are good, too.

P.S.:One Question to Intruder: Woher kommst du?? (aus Deutschland)

[Intruder]

Ok i'll try to summarize the whole story !
First of all is: I don't like being German and i don't want to fight and risk my life for something i don't believe in. KSK or GSG9 might be good units but I do not only want to serve in any SpecOps related Field of any country, it's US Navy SEALs for me and nothing else and i'm willing to spend a lot of effort on switching nationalities to become a Seal. So perhaps you can understand me. I want to become a US citizen and then try for BUD/S and i won't give up.

to Basti: Bayern und du ?

[Mike]

well, Intruder, if you don't like being German, then you wouldn't like being an American when you're a U.S. citizen. Vice-versa.
The Navy SEAL is a special operation force, like KSK. Why would you join the SEAL if you just claimed you don't want to serve in "any SpecOps-related field of any country"???

[Mike]

to pomofo,
this include Americans working overseas for U.S. companies, international organizations and other fields. The main document is the "Birth of Certificate Aboard" or whatever it is now called issued by the very nice folks at the U.S. consulate.

BTW, The U.S. Secret Service's Uniformed Division guards foreign embassies in D.C.. U.S. law enforcement officials can enter embassies AND consulates if the other's country Foreign Ministry (the equivalent of our State Department) waived the diplomatic immunity of their people like it happened 1-2 years ago in D.C. to that drunk Russian diplomat who killed a girl while driving.
Vodka no fun, Russkie.

[Daredevil]

I think what he meant to say was "just any SpecOps related field".

If you don't like being German that's a personal thing on your part dude. I just hope you won't feel that way about being an American when you become a citizen here.

Incidentally though, with your language capability you'd stand a good chance of being assigned to Team 2 and wind up working with German SpecOps people anyway. I've heard that SEALs who speak Spanish can pretty much resign themselves to the fact that they're going to end up in Team 4.

I don't know if anyone properly explained what A shcool is. That's where the Navy sends you to school to learn about the field you're going to specialize in. Things like Gunner's Mate, Photographer's Mate, Intelligence Specialist, Hull Technician, are just a few examples.

[Basti]

I can understand Intruder very good that he want to join the SEALs and not any other Special Force. My opinion is that the SEALs are the best Speical Force and I can also understand that he does not like to be a German. If serve the army in Germany you are often called a "Nazi" and you are not very welcome. I think in the US, you are perhaps a hero (tell me if this is wrong).

[Basti]

I can understand Intruder very good that he want to join the SEALs and not any other Special Force. My opinion is that the SEALs are the best Speical Force and I can also understand that he does not like to be a German. If serve the army in Germany you are often called a "Nazi" and you are not very welcome. I think in the US, you are perhaps a hero (tell me if this is wrong).


to Intruder: aus Baden-Württemberg

[Daredevil]

That depends, opinions on people in the military vary widely. Some people are very respectful and appreciative of the military. Other people call the military fascist and some assholes say it's a haven for losers or another form of welfare. In general though, people do tend be respectful of it, at least around my area (there are a lot different military people in this area). Honestly I think that most civilians are becoming less respectful of the military, since fewer people serve nowadays (unlike a generation or two ago when a healthy percentage served) it seems like more civilians don't understand the military and it's culture and it leads to suspicion.

I think it's unfair that German soldiers have this 'Nazi' stigma to deal with. I heard only good things about them from people who were around them in Kosovo. People really need to start letting go of this whole Nazi thing and start leaving it in the past.

[BK101484]

Daredevil is right . It seems from my experience that joining the military is a job losing respect among teenagers in (my)High School. Although there are a few that look forward to enlisting, the majority of kids I meet act surprised when they hear I look forward to enlisting in the future. They regard military service for unintelligent, underacheiving, slackers that have no other future. That is not to say that there are still not people that feel that the military is a respectable service. I suppose its just who you come across.
As for not liking being German, that is your personal issue..... but do not forget that there are those who refer us as Ugly Americans.

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[Bruce]

Back home everyone had to do military service afetr completing high school unless you were a med. student or specialized in something.
Ever since compulsory service was phased out a lot of people have lost respect and interest in the Military.
I suppose it is the same in the states, what all kids need is boot camp and a year of service, that'll teach them!!!!!

[Basti]

In Germany all men over 18 years have to serve in the army for 10 months. If you can not do this because of your consience you can refuse and you have to do alternative service. I think this is good because many people have contact to the army.

[Intruder]

Well let's say it's my personal opinion that United States are a lot better than Germany and that SEALs are among the best military unit in the world, if not the best itself. And there is no question for me, i really DO NOT want to serve in the German Military.
And i don't think i would not like being American as well when i've got the citizenship. I love the US and wanted to go there since i knew it exists http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif I hope you understand me

[Mike]

to Basti, according to the newspapers here in the U.S. last week, the German Armed Forces will go to conscription to professional, with a reduction of personnel. The main complainants are the hospitals who will miss those who volunteered to work in hospitals instead of the German Armed Forces.

to Intruder, you're not making sense. First you live in Gemrnay but hated being German. Then you want to live in the U.S. but you will not like being an American. Maybe you can go to another country where you will like yourself. And if you're an American soldier on maneuvers in Gemrnay and the German soliders found out you're a former German before, well, ...

[Daredevil]

No, I believe he said he would like to be an American citizen.

[Intruder]

Daredevil : You are right ! I said I do NOT think i would not like being American 'cause it's what I always wanted !
Mike: What if on any maneuver the Germans find out that i was German earlier? I'm gonna say hello and thats it. Do you think they hate anyone who left the country they are fighting for? Last time i've checked United States and Germany were not at War so that definately is no problem.

[Mike]

to Intruder, maybe some may resent you for going over to the U.S. or that they think their armed forces is not good enough for you, but for them.
In the U.S., I met an Afghan who was a Marine (he fought about the Soviets in Afghanistan during the early 1980s). I also met Mexicans, Cubans who really want to kill Castro, and others from Africa, South America who are in the U.S. military. But Europeans in the U.S. military?? Once, while in the PX, I heard a guy saying Yanks and he caught himself. Maybe he did not want his fellow soldiers to realize he was British.
But whatever you do, good luck.

[pomofo]

*

[This message has been edited by pomofo (edited 06-26-2001).]

[Intruder]

Mike: It could be that some think so, but however i don't mind. If it is unusual for Europeans to be in the U.S. Military, well let's say i'm a bit unusual myself http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif
pomofo: I've got a sister in Munich and Bamberg is only 30 minutes from where i live. I'll be looking forward to train with you.

[sollamo]

HERE'S THE TRUTH:
Intruder: Sorry to disappoint you, but I know what you're trying to do and let me tell you, it's EXTREMELY unlikely that you'll ever get there. I'm from a Northern European country myself (obviously not a US citizen), and I really wanted to join the US military too. The closest I got was JROTC at a high school in the US. Some of the ppl there who were associated with the military, said they'd try to get me a waiver or something but I kinda lost interest after a while =) Now I just want to attend a college somewhere in the US, party all the time, drive a sportscar, wear Abercrombie&Fitch clothes, have fine girls all around me =). You get the idea, the kind of stuff you can't do in the military. At some point I plan to marry a nice American girl...etc. What you need to do, is get a GREEN CARD which is permanent residency. You need this to join the NAVY. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get one of those? Millions of ppl apply for it every year and only a few get it (thru the lottery). Of course, if you have a college degree and a job offer waiting, then you can get it fast, or if you have a s**tload of money (like 500 grand). If you have American relatives you can get it fairly easily, too, but I'm sorry to say, at 16 there is hardly a thing you can do. Well, marriage is one thing...it's the only sure way (and questionable too) to get a green card no matter what your age. To get citizenship you must 1. Live in the US for 5 years with a green card 2. Serve 4 or 5 years in the US military. And like I said, to get in the US military you need a green card. Let's face the facts: you want to join the Navy and become a SEAL. You need permanent residency or a green card. Your best bet would be to marry a US girl (and hope INS doesn't catch you for marrying to get a green card). Then serve one 4 year enlistment period in the regular Navy to get citizenship. If you don't think you can pull this off and want to have a military career, just be a German soldier. I for one just want to be American and live&work here.

[sollamo]

Intruder: Sorry to disappoint you, but I know what you're trying to do and let me tell you, it's EXTREMELY unlikely that you'll ever get there. I'm from a Northern European country myself (obviously not a US citizen), and I really wanted to join the US military too. The closest I got was JROTC at a high school in the US. Some of the ppl there who were associated with the military, said they'd try to get me a waiver or something but I kinda lost interest after a while =) Now I just want to attend a college somewhere in the US, party all the time, drive a sportscar, wear Abercrombie&Fitch clothes, have fine girls all around me =). You get the idea, the kind of stuff you can't do in the military. At some point I plan to marry a nice American girl...etc. What you need to do, is get a GREEN CARD which is permanent residency. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get one of those? Millions of ppl apply for it every year and only a few get it (thru the lottery). Of course, if you have a college degree and a job offer waiting, then you can get it fast, or if you have a s**tload of money (like 500 grand). If you have American relatives you can get it fairly easily, too, but I'm sorry to say, at 16 there is hardly a thing you can do. Well, marriage is one thing...it's the only sure way (and questionable too) to get a green card no matter what your age. To get citizenship you must 1. Live in the US for 5 years with a green card 2. Serve 4 or 5 years in the US military. And to get in the US military you need a green card. Let's face the facts: your best bet would be to marry a US girl (and hope INS doesn't catch you for marrying to get a green card). Then join the regular Navy for one enlistment period to get citizenship. If you don't think you can pull this off and want to have a military career, just be a German soldier. I for one just want to be American and live&work here.

[sollamo]

Intruder: Sorry to disappoint you, but I know what you're trying to do and let me tell you, it's EXTREMELY unlikely that you'll ever get there. I'm from a Northern European country myself (obviously not a US citizen), and I really wanted to join the US military too. The closest I got was JROTC at a high school in the US. Some of the ppl there who were associated with the military, said they'd try to get me a waiver or something but I kinda lost interest after a while =) Now I just want to attend a college somewhere in the US, party all the time, drive a sportscar, wear Abercrombie&Fitch clothes, have fine girls all around me =). You get the idea, the kind of stuff you can't do in the military. At some point I plan to marry a nice American girl...etc. What you need to do, is get a GREEN CARD which is permanent residency. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get one of those? Millions of ppl apply for it every year and only a few get it (thru the lottery). Of course, if you have a college degree and a job offer waiting, then you can get it fast, or if you have a s**tload of money (like 500 grand). If you have American relatives you can get it fairly easily, too, but I'm sorry to say, at 16 there is hardly a thing you can do. Well, marriage is one thing...it's the only sure way (and questionable too) to get a green card no matter what your age. To get citizenship you must 1. Live in the US for 5 years with a green card 2. Serve 4 or 5 years in the US military. And to get in the US military you need a green card. Let's face the facts: your best bet would be to marry a US girl (and hope INS doesn't catch you for marrying to get a green card). Then join the regular Navy for one enlistment period to get citizenship. If you don't think you can pull this off and want to have a military career, just be a German soldier. I for one just want to be American and live&work here.

[jinX]

I understand where Intruder is coming from. When I was in the 3rd Grade, I was at a British school in Indonesia (during the Falklands campaign). Naturally, the SAS and the RM Commandos got a lot of press at that time. From that point until I realized it would likely not happen, I really REALLY wanted to leave the US and become a British citizen so I could join RM. Now I make NO claims to know why Intruder does not like being German, but I can see how he thinks that the SEALs are the best SpecOps team in the world. Media hype can do worlds of wonder for the military (and I'm not saying the SEALs aren't good, btw).

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"I am not a stormtrooper, I am a soldier of my country."

"I am not a terrorist, I am a freedom fighter."

[sollamo]

Guys, I'm sorry for posting that 3 times. Dunno how it happened...must've been my browser.