Canadians In The US Army

[MADdog58]

Hello All:

I am in the process of considering some major changes in my life, and one possible avenue I'm considering is enlisting with the U.S. Army.

This is just pure consideration at this point, however I am gathering information on how feasible this is.

The problem is that I am a Canadian citizen and also currently live in Canada.

I spoke with an online recuiter who said I need to be a US citizen or permanent resident. The connundrum is that the Army can not sponser you as an employer, but to get a Green Card I need a sponser.

I am curious, does anyone have any experience with this type of situation that can provide some guidance?

I plan on contacting the Immigration Service, but I also thought some ground-level intel might go a long way.

Thanks for any indulgence.

[Massgrunt]

I don't really have any advice, but I knew three Canadians in the Marines. So it can be done.

[Camel]

+1
i went to OSUT with a guy who had dual citizenship, he ended up going AWOL before OIF 3 so i guess now he is back to single citizenship. There must be a way, a few guys in my unit did not have citizenship, they earned it while in the army, one south african and another from mexico. I am not sure the details though. best of luck.

[CAP MARINE]

when i was at BITS at Horno years ago we had a former Canadian paratrooper.

[DaedalusX]

Contact an Immigration lawyer.

[MADdog58]

Contact an Immigration lawyer.

Forgive my ignorance, but what is it they could do to assist?

[andez207]

forgive my intrusion gents (just another wannabe),

but having worked for an immigration lawyer in australia i am currently employing one to assist with my wife's green card application. it'll cost extra but i can attest to the benefits of hiring people who know all the little paths not generally known or jazzing up applications etc. if you're serious and have the available funds i'd recommend it. ours will cost us about $2500 all up. at the end of the day it's up to you.

[adk]

As per the US consulate in Montreal, at least in '96 when I tried; you need a green card. Eligibility for citizenship comes after a few years of service. In order to obtain a green card you need sponsorship from a) a US company or b) family who are living, working and residing in the US. It is not easy as a Canadian. Hell, we're not even allowed to participate in the Green Card lottery.

[DaedalusX]

As per the US consulate in Montreal, at least in '96 when I tried; you need a green card. Eligibility for citizenship comes after a few years of service. In order to obtain a green card you need sponsorship from a) a US company or b) family who are living, working and residing in the US. It is not easy as a Canadian. Hell, we're not even allowed to participate in the Green Card lottery.

This man speaks the truth.

I tried to enlist as Infantryman post-911 and failed. Your biggest worry is the green card. It'll be very hard to obtain sponsorship from a US company. Also having family living/working/residing in the USA will not get you a free pass. My best friend's father who is a retired Army Officer, now teacher, tried for a solid 4-5 years to immigrate in the United States. He had close family working/living in Arizona and he stopped the process after 5 years of interminable bureaucracy.

After I got my commercial helo license, I expressed the desire to join the US Army as CWO, they told me same thing as before.

ME===> Getting sponsored by a US helo company (laughable since us low timers as usually regarded as scum) ===> Apply for Green card ===> Enlist in the US Army ===> After a few years apply for citizenship ===> Apply for CWO.

But hey, get some knowledge in construction business, get yourself a sun tan, call yourself Pedro, swim the Rio Grande, don't pay taxes and for God's sake do NOT speak English and I'll bet my left nut you'll get a full blown citizenship within a year.

YMMV.

[Sltwtr1]

I am curious as to what the rules were during the Vietnam era? According to statistics that I have read, over 55,000 Canadians served in the U.S military during the duration of the Vietnam war...

Sltwtr1

OUT

[iraqgunz]

Just come over illegally. Everyone else does.

[Massgrunt]

But hey, get some knowledge in construction business, get yourself a sun tan, call yourself Pedro, swim the Rio Grande, don't pay taxes and for God's sake do NOT speak English and I'll bet my left nut you'll get a full blown citizenship within a year.

YMMV.
Yup. One of the members here finally got a green card after years in the process. He comes from a pleasant suburb of Australia. During his interviews, they asked him why he wanted to live in the US, since things were fine where he came from. It drove him nuts, since he was going through the process the right way because he wants to be an American, not because he's from some shit hole and just wants welfare.

[Trip_Wire]

As I recall, there were a number of Canadians that have served in the 2nd Ranger BN., here at Ft. Lewis. A short time ago one was the 1st shirt at Aco., his brother served in both the 2nd BN and the French Foreign Legion.

Of course, one of the Ranger bank robbers was a Canadian from that BN as well. :(

[iraqgunz]

There was a guy who served in the Coast Guard with me who was from Canada. He was also in the Corps. There has to be some trick to it.

[MADdog58]

Well I'm glad to hear that this has been done before and in fairly recent history.

I knew a man here in my little town who I believe was a Canadian who had joined the Marines during Vietnam...I didn't know him that well but he claimed to have been at Khe San during Tet '68.

Anyways, I am happy to hear that this is still something that can be done. I am having trouble getting through to the immigration service as they have no email address for regular inquiries, it all goes through a phone line that always seems to be experiencing higher than normal call volume.

I swear most of these call centres are just a room with 3 monkeys playing darts and drinking Jolt that occaisionally stop to answer the phone and transfer you to someone else in another state. 3 monkeys taking calls for the entire country, yep, I'll bet that's what it is...

[Ace]

What's wrong with joining the Canadian military?

[MADdog58]

What's wrong with joining the Canadian military?


Absolutely nothing.

I served 4 years as an infantry reservist and enjoyed what I did, although I had to get out because it was interfering too much with my academic pursuits.

However, I see in the US military far more opportunities to learn new skills, travel to more places, participate in more world events, etc.

I want to try something completely new. I don't see myself as abandoning my country or undercutting it in some fashion by doing this. Quite frankly protecting American interests around the wolrd IS protecting Canadian interests as well in my opinion.

I am exploring this as an option because I need to find something new. I feel like this might be one possible answer.

[M18ClaymoreHeadbanger]

You have to be a lawful permanent resident as others have stated.

The following link should help in this


http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=ddd6e6b0eb13d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D&vgnextchannel=54519c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 RCRD

[SF_BHT]

Hello All:

I am in the process of considering some major changes in my life, and one possible avenue I'm considering is enlisting with the U.S. Army.

This is just pure consideration at this point, however I am gathering information on how feasible this is.

The problem is that I am a Canadian citizen and also currently live in Canada.

I spoke with an online recuiter who said I need to be a US citizen or permanent resident. The connundrum is that the Army can not sponser you as an employer, but to get a Green Card I need a sponser.

I am curious, does anyone have any experience with this type of situation that can provide some guidance?

I plan on contacting the Immigration Service, but I also thought some ground-level intel might go a long way.

Thanks for any indulgence.

I just came out of the office of the DHS/INS Office head here at the embassy. I posed your question and the only way you can enter the US Military is to already have your green card in good standing then you can sign up. You can not get a green card for the purposes of enlisting. Sorry that is the only way.

[Massgrunt]

Absolutely nothing.

I served 4 years as an infantry reservist and enjoyed what I did, although I had to get out because it was interfering too much with my academic pursuits.

However, I see in the US military far more opportunities to learn new skills, travel to more places, participate in more world events, etc.

I want to try something completely new. I don't see myself as abandoning my country or undercutting it in some fashion by doing this. Quite frankly protecting American interests around the wolrd IS protecting Canadian interests as well in my opinion.

I am exploring this as an option because I need to find something new. I feel like this might be one possible answer.
All three Canadians I met in the Marines said basically the same thing. They wanted to do stuff. It wasn't that they didn't like their own country, but they had no conflict of interest with joining the US military, and they thought they'd do more. I also knew a couple of Kiwi foster brothers, one joined the US Army (he was born in American Samoa or something similar), one joined the British Army, and a third joined the Legion. They loved New Zealand and all, but they wanted to get out in the world and do something they probably wouldn't in the NZ military.

Of course, Canada has been kicking ass in A-stan for the last few years.

[DaedalusX]

Absolutely nothing.

I served 4 years as an infantry reservist and enjoyed what I did, although I had to get out because it was interfering too much with my academic pursuits.

However, I see in the US military far more opportunities to learn new skills, travel to more places, participate in more world events, etc.

I want to try something completely new. I don't see myself as abandoning my country or undercutting it in some fashion by doing this. Quite frankly protecting American interests around the wolrd IS protecting Canadian interests as well in my opinion.

I am exploring this as an option because I need to find something new. I feel like this might be one possible answer.

Well if you want to do stuff theres still the FFL. And you probably already got the language angle covered.

[allensw726]

One of the companies I supported had an XO that was canook. He was cool, and easy to talk to.

[MADdog58]

I just came out of the office of the DHS/INS Office head here at the embassy. I posed your question and the only way you can enter the US Military is to already have your green card in good standing then you can sign up. You can not get a green card for the purposes of enlisting. Sorry that is the only way.


Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with them. Although the answer is a little disappointing, its better to know that if this is the path I end up pursuing, it's not going to be as simple as filing some forms and hitting a recruiting station.

Thanks to everyone for their input here.

[A.J.]

You've basically got your answers above, but here is my experience in trying to get in:

I tried a few years back. It was during the time when there was a lot of media focus on the US Military needing more recruits, as well as giving illegal aliens jobs that Americans don't want.

I tried driving down to the recruiting station in Bellingham.
I tried calling immigration.
I even wrote a letters to 6 US Senators explaining my situation and my willingness to do a complete disclosure of my history for security purposes.

5 of the letters stated that since I do not reside in their constituancy they can not help me.
Senator McCain's office did get back to me and through a series of letters, including signing a waiver for the governement to do a security check on me, it eventually ground to a halt based on immigration.

Here is what I was told:
Marry an American (this was a common response) or try the Green Card lottery

There are other foreign military services that will take you. The British Army will take you, in most trades, until age 29. There is always the French Foreign Legion. And if you are Jewish, or willing to say you are, and know some Hebrew there is a volunteers force. Speak to a Israeli embassy here in Canada.

Or re-enlist. My good friend did at 31 and he is now over in Afghanistan now after just over a year back in.

Good luck with it!

[Louis]

[QUOTE=

But hey, get some knowledge in construction business, get yourself a sun tan, call yourself Pedro, swim the Rio Grande, don't pay taxes and for God's sake do NOT speak English and I'll bet my left nut you'll get a full blown citizenship within a year.

YMMV.[/QUOTE]
:D :D LMFAO Thats so fucking funny. I think I might try that route.

[ronix]

Absolutely nothing.

I served 4 years as an infantry reservist and enjoyed what I did, although I had to get out because it was interfering too much with my academic pursuits.

However, I see in the US military far more opportunities to learn new skills, travel to more places, participate in more world events, etc.

I want to try something completely new. I don't see myself as abandoning my country or undercutting it in some fashion by doing this. Quite frankly protecting American interests around the wolrd IS protecting Canadian interests as well in my opinion.

I am exploring this as an option because I need to find something new. I feel like this might be one possible answer.

MADdog58, what regiment did you serve with and what was your MOC?
There's just as much opportunity in the Canadian Military for the things you say your looking for as in the US military. In the ten years I was in I earned a university degree, took all sorts of specialty courses, did a couple of exchanges with foreign militaries and tours in Bosnia, Sierra Leonne, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Feel free to pm me if you like and maybe I can point you in the right direction within the Canadian defense establishment.

Good luck.

[MADdog58]

ronix: I was with Bravo Company of the Hastings And Prince Edward Regiment as an R031 Infantry Soldier.

I'm sure you've heard of it, because everyone's heard of the Hasty P's :D

Thank you for the offer, I'm a little short on time right now but I will most definitely shoot you a PM in the next day or so about what it is I'm looking for.

A.J. : I had considered taking the political route and attempting contact with some elected officials. Judging by your experience that likely wouldn't get too far though.

DaedalusX: I had been considering The Legion as an option for some time. My french language skills are workable, but could definitely use improvement ( a current project underway in fact). It appeals to me, but at the same time I haven't dug real deep into it to make sure I understand all that life as a Legionnaire entails.

Once again, I'd just like to say that I appreciate all the time that people have given me here.

[Zealot]

If you want to go the Legion route, some former members wrote books about their experience in the Legion. I do not remember the titles offhand, but if you search the net I am sure you can find it.

[paratroop77]

I, as well, had a Canadian in OSUT. Drill SGT. H use to hollar, "OH Canada!", then we would get a great thrashing...and because of this "foriegn dude", we got extra "special" treament. Either way, he graduated wth the rest of us and become and Infantryman. I figured he joined the U.S. Army is because he couldn't mount a horse :D:)
Jumper

[MADdog58]

I, as well, had a Canadian in OSUT. Drill SGT. H use to hollar, "OH Canada!", then we would get a great thrashing...and because of this "foriegn dude", we got extra "special" treament. Either way, he graduated wth the rest of us and become and Infantryman. I figured he joined the U.S. Army is because he couldn't mount a horse :D:)
Jumper

Well I guess I'm screwed too, I couldn't ride a horse to save my life. :D

ronix: PM sent, sir.

[BertF]

Although not Canadian, I am a member of the Canadian Veterans of the Vietnam War. You might want to Google them and they can tell you how it was in the old days when they all came south to fight the Commies.

[cbttracker]

When I first got to SF, we were represented by a large percentage of Canadians. My phase III TAC being one. To a man they came South to fight Communists, rightly seeing the world threat. They were actively recruited, and more solid Canadians came South to fight in Nam, than scum bag Americans went North to hide. We got a much better deal than Canada. Read "Unknown valor, it's about their Vietnam vets. I remember when all Green card holders & duel citizens were told to pick a country if they had a secret clearance or higher. If they wanted to stay SF, US citizenship was required. If not they could finish there 20 in positions not requiring security clearances in other units. I don't know of any who took off their Green Berets. Now that were up our eyes in combat again, and the Army raised the entrance age to 40 just to meet quota, maybe letting our Cousins to the North join up might make a lot of sense.

[DaedalusX]

My uncle fought was in Vietnam in '67-70 in the 82nd. Two tours. It was as easy as getting on the bus from Montreal to Plattsburgh and signing the dotted line.

He got his citizenship during the conflict and apparently worked as a I.T contractor for the Agency afterward. He wrote an awful book on his experience.

[LRS Guy]

I remember a Canadian with me in SOPC at Bragg.

Also didn't we have a serious stud SGM legend from the Ranger community who came from Canada?

[NWPTrainer]

Dude, start looking at agricultural jobs in Montana , Idaho, and Washington. I realize it's the opposite side of the country from you, but I guaran-fucking-tee you, you'll be able to find SOMETHING. They do it for LATAMs all the time. Hell, come herd sheep (No, don't, we'd have to disown you on SOCNET). Get your green card and then go see a recruiter. PM me if the ag route is something you would do. I know a shitpile of Canucks in ag jobs, from cowboying (not really an option if you can't ride a horse :D) to irrigating jobs and calving positions. In fact, I might know someone that would even hire a Canadian with no experience..........

[Remington Raider]

I met a guy who told me that he was an Irish national here with a green card and he got drafted and served in RVN.

[Hostile0311]

One of my best buds in the Corps was a Cannuck. I believe he was fom New Brunswick. Got his citizenship while in the Marines a coupla years ago and now is a dual citizen. PM me and I'll try to get you in touch with him. I'm pretty sure he is on recruiting duty now so thats a bonus. Let me know and I'll try to help.

[Biker B]

Many Canadians serving in the US military are Native who fall under certain treaties, which grants them freedom of movement across the 49th parallel because their tribal lands straddle the border. My former platoon commander was a Ranger before he got his comission in the Canadian Forces, and I know a former Marine trucker-type who is Native and now a logistics NCO.

There is an agreement between Britain, Canada, USA, and Australia wherby an officer's comission is supposed to have some sort of equivalency but as my parents aren't siblings I had no inkling of becoming an officer anyway.

[ronix]

PM sent.