Army Wants Noncitizens for Military

AP via Newsday ^ | May 20, 2002, 3:30 PM EDT | SUZANNE GAMBOA

[Billthedrill]

Well, yes, it was in fact one of the foremost reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire. But lying behind that wasn't just that they were using non-Romans (Germans and Huns mostly) but that along with it the Romans became uninterested in participating in their own army (and somewhat later, actually prohibited from doing so). It isn't until that happens to the U.S. that we'll be in a similar fix.

Of course, recruitment rates are going down...

To continue the parallel, just as the Romans did we used to give citizenship to non-citizens as a reward of military service. I'm dating myself, but I personally know several ex-Filipino stewards who are now proud American citizens due to that. But the Romans ceased this policy under, I believe, the emperor Domitian, extending it instead to nearly everyone in the Empire as a reward for simply drawing breath. I shall leave it to others to compare and contrast that to our current immigration policies...

[Husker24]

Well if they really want to look like America they better be at least 75% white, as it is now the military is a lot less then that, so they better start recruiting more white people.

[anniegetyourgun]

Roughly one-fifth of the 3,458 Medals of Honor awarded have gone to foreign-born soldiers, according to the Medal of Honor Society.

[Marine Inspector]

Sorry, but that is incorrect.

At the request of the service member, the service will file the aliens citizenship paperwork for the alien and the INS will very rarely deny a service member, that is eligible, citizenship.

Citizenship has never been automatic and never will be automatic for aliens.

[Snow Bunny]

Thanks for the ping Annie.

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you JeanS for the information.

[thescourged1]

In my recent service, I encountered and served with Russians, Hungarians, Poles, Salvadorans, Fijians, Dominicans, and Koreans hiding from their mandantory conscription into the ROK Army. A big difference from my first service in the mid-80's. I found it somewhat disconcerting, especially when they would BS amongst themselves in their native languages.

Another example of a foriegn legion would be the German Waffen SS. After that war thinned the ranks of the native-born, the Waffen SS formed entire units made up of foriegn nationals. They included Norwegians, Dutch, French, Danes, Yugoslavs, Latvians, Estonians, Cossacks, Belgians, to name a few.

[kellynla]

Well if it wasn't for the hyphenated Americans you wouldn't be living in a free America today... the American colonists were from Europe not Indiana and Iowa...the Indians were the only native Americans when your ancestors arrived...

[kellynla]

Maybe you should read your comments before you make your posts. Your comment the "the Army of One are on Spanish cable channels across the country" You have a problem with that?

[MissAmericanPie]

That is stupid nonsense, there has been blood spilt for this nation, and alot has happened and been built since the pilgrims landed. Like the Constitution for instance, naming this a sovereign nation. We the People, did not mean the entire globe, it meant, We the People of the United States of America. And our will is being flouted, our country invaded, and our government has turned into a treasonous, corrupt, tax eating entity, determined to destroy our foundations and culture while trampling on the will of the People that founded, fought for, and built it.

[kellynla]

What is stupid nonsense?

[monkeywrench]

Basically, what many of us have a probblem with is, the attack traditional American culture has come under , with no sign of let up. While at the same time, everything foreign is being shoved on us. Expect a reaction.

[Mulder]

If there is a silver lining in this, it's that the tyrants now realizes that most American members of the military will NOT act against US citizens.

Now the question is: why are they recruiting non-citizens?

Most of us know the answer to that question, and it's not a pleasant one.

It's coming, guys, and only a fool would not prepare for the future.

[kellynla]

We are a very young country. And at this time we are at war and under attack. With the grace of God we shall overcome these attacks. Every male member of my family has served in the armed services and most in combat present company included. My grandfather on one side of my family changed his name when he landed on Ellis Island because NINA. "No Irish need apply." My great-grandfather on the other side was a Union soldier while another was a Confederate soldier. The Irish like the Italians, Polish, Jewish, Germans, Africans, Asians, Hispanics and many other ethnic groups have made this country the great place it is today and it will only get better. Semper Fi

[timestax]

Why do you post so many news reports and never make any comments of your OWN?

[Jean S]

Why do you post so many news reports and never make any comments of your OWN?

I've been posting here for four years and no one has ever asked me that. Good catch, everyone else has missed it. LOL!

[SpookBrat]

I dated a Moroccan for two years, who served in the Navy. He spoke fluent French, Arabic and English. They loved him and he did a very good for "his" country. He is a citizen now and we are still good friends.

I think one of our weaknesses, especially in our intelligence gathering services, is not having enough loyal people to help us translate. If I remember correctly, there was talk about this in the news, just after the attacks. They needed to recruit more people who spoke the languages of our enemies. As long as they pass a very thorough back ground check, I'm happy to have them.

There are good "non-citizens" who are serving our country and helping to keep us safe. We need their language skills. Hardly any American speaks several languages fluently.

[TADSLOS]

What part of my statement of fact bothers you? See posts 22 and 28 also. Oh, by the way, not that it should matter with regards to responding to this article, but I was in the Army for 24 years and served with soldiers from a variety of nationalities, races and faiths. Most were/are great people and a few were/are dirtbags, which pretty much reflects our society. Try not to be so reactionary next time and save your flame for the tin foil nuts.