A question to members who served in the US military

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2003-06-18 03:25am

I would like to know something from board members who served in the US military. My family would be immigrating to the US in a few years (one of my uncles and aunts and as well as my grandmother has done so already). I need to know whether I would be eligible for service in the US military if I serve in my counries military already. I have heard one is not allowed to serve in the US military if they have served in other countries militaries. Is this true ?

Post by **Coyote** » 2003-06-18 03:51am

A lot depends on which military and what you did. For the most part you should be okay to join if you wish. Usually if the US Army, at least, turns down people who have served before it is because they are turning down ALL prior-service people, even Americans. I tried re-joining the active Army at one point only to be told that anybody with prior military backgrounds were being turned down.

In my Basic Training cycle we had a guy from Puerto Rico and a guy from South Africa. I don't know if they were prior service, though. Give it a try and be aware that if you have any rank you are not guaranteed to start out in the US military with that rank-- chances are you'll start at the bottom as a private like anyone else, although your prior training may give you an edge that helps you climb the ladder faster.

Good luck and welcome.

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2003-06-18 04:04am

I am from Bangladesh, a former province of Pakistan for those of you who do not know. My country is a third world country but we are a moderate muslim democracy that has been doing better than our former masters the Pakistanis. Although not very strong the Bangladesh military is the largest peacekeeping force in the world. Bangladeshi soldiers have distinguished themselves throghout the world.

My family is pro american since my dad works in the US embassy here. I travelled to the US before and found it a great country. I do intend to come to America next year for my higher studies. The rest of my family will follow in a few years time.

EmperorMing · Post by **EmperorMing** » 2003-06-18 04:11am

It is possible. In my basic unit there was some prior service guy was was in some military from South America.

Go talk to a recruiter and get the final word. It never hurts to ask.

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2003-06-18 04:18am

If you do get in, you'll finally get to play around with all the nifty high-tech equipment.

Perinquus · Post by **Perinquus** » 2003-06-18 05:23am

The army was certainly taking prior service when I was in. Our unit was loaded with former marines. The last roomate I had in the barracks before I got off post housing (oh happy day!) was a Mexican citizen. A foreign national can serve, but can only be in 8 years, then he must either ETS (get out), or acquire U.S. citizenship if he wishes to stay in.