IrishGuy 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Can I as an American join the British or Irish military without becoming a citizen of that country? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PainDealer 0 Posted May 16, 2006 IIRC you'll have to at least live there... don't lynch me if I'm wrong! you'll find info online (don't remember the addy ) google royal marines or something you'll get a lead that way Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stainer 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Well to join the British Army you need to have been born in the UK or the Commonwealth or have citizenship AFAIK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
da12thMonkey 1943 Posted May 16, 2006 Nationality requirements for the British Army (regular service). Soldiers: http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/Regular....Soldier Officers: http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/Regular....Officer Basically says you're not eligible unless you become a British or Irish citizen, a citizen of the Commonwealth or British territories/protectorates, or have legal asylum here (not 100% on this last one though). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IrishGuy 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Is it hard to become a British citizen? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
da12thMonkey 1943 Posted May 16, 2006 Dunno, I was born one. I think it's fairly easy so long as you're clearly very productive while you're here (though if you read the Daily Mail, they'll have you believe anyone gets in). But the process does take a number of years. This site details the process and the requirements for UK citizenship: http://www.uknationality.gov.uk/content....ge.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Messiah 2 Posted May 16, 2006 as a foreign national, now living in the UK with british citizenship, i'd say its 'fairly' easy... in essense to live and work here without claimin assylum you either have to prove that you're 'useful' to britain in what you do or intend to do here, or you marry a brit. foreing nurses, for example, find it generally very easy to work in the UK as the NHS is in need of such skills. I'm not sure how the immigration services would take it if you applied to be a citizen so you could join the army... guess its possible, as (unfortunatly) the latest british death was a foreing national, with a uk citizenship Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
echo1 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Here is the entrance requirements for Irish Army. Do you mind me asking why an American would want to join British or Irish armies without citizenship? You could always join French Foreign Legion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martinovic 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Why do you want to join the British military instead of the US one? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IrishGuy 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Here is the entrance requirements for Irish Army. Do you mind me asking why an American would want to join British or Irish armies without citizenship?You could always join French Foreign Legion Because I have both British and Irish ancestory and I want to relive my roots. Quote[/b] ]Why do you want to join the British military instead of the US one?Because I'm a disillusioned american citizen and the same answer as above. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zerg 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Some countries have laws that make it very easy for descendants of people that emigrated to claim the citizenship of that country. Ussually those are countries with large diasporas that want to encourage their return. It might be worth a shot to research if Ireland has any laws like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
echo1 0 Posted May 16, 2006 As far as I know, If your grandparents were Irish citizens. so are you. However we had a referendum two years back which changed our immigration laws, but I think that still remains. When you say ancestery, how far back? To be honest, I dont think an American would have too much trouble getting Irish citizenship. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scary 0 Posted May 16, 2006 I don't see any major obstacle to you joining the British military. With the current recruitment shortfalls whichever service you choose will probably assist you with citizenship especially if you opt for one of the more seriously understaffed careers. Specifically they are: Army- Infantry, medical staff (20% down on operational requirements). Navy- Everything that floats is short, to put it in perspective the Fleet Air Arm has more airframes than pilots. Royal Marines are about 5% short. RAF- Gunners, caterers and all other support staff. There are plenty of foreign nationals serving in all services, and all services operate recruitment drives abroad. In fact, as far as I am aware the Navy have no major drive in the UK at the moment, they're doing most of their recruiting abroad. Obviously there are some areas foreign nationals can't be employed like submarine fleet, sneaky beakys, nuclear protection duties and some random specialisations. Which service is it you'd like to join? I'll give you some more specific information then. Look through the MoD sites here if you're not sure, and if you want any impartial advice as to pros and cons of each just ask. There are some Canadian Booties, if I see one I'll ask them how they went through the recruitment processes. Cpl scary RM. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IrishGuy 0 Posted May 16, 2006 As far as I know, If your grandparents were Irish citizens. so are you. However we had a referendum two years back which changed our immigration laws, but I think that still remains. When you say ancestery, how far back? To be honest, I dont think an American would have too much trouble getting Irish citizenship. My Irish/British ancestory gos back to my to my great great grand parents. My great great grandfather was Irish and my great great grandmother was British. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
karantan 0 Posted May 16, 2006 My Irish/British ancestory gos back to my to my great great grand parents. My great great grandfather was Irish and my great great grandmother was British. Sorry, I'm probably(surely) wrong, but about 75% of Americans have a similar family three. So, there's more a political reason (as you've already stated) or something quite personal behind your decision-wish or whatever, so you shouldn't bother us with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IrishGuy 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Well my questions have already been answered so unless there anymore info to be posted I think that this thread might need to be closed. Quote[/b] ]whatever, so you shouldn't bother us with it.Why shouldnt I? I'm just trying to find out some information. I just wont bother you with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mp_phonix 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Ok so what about the US Army ? do you have to be a citizen of the united states to enlist or what ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zerg 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Ok so what about the US Army ? do you have to be a citizen of the united states to enlist or what ? Yes. You need to be a citizen of the US or have permanent residence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scary 0 Posted May 16, 2006 Forgot about this in my last post: Try posting a thread on arrse and rum ration. They're unofficial community sites for the Army and Navy respectively, and there are serving foreign nationals on both that will be able to tell you exactly how to go about applying. *totally impartial* See you at Lympstone soon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
