SATX John

I started this thread based on several other threads where UK cits were looking at becoming police or law eneforcement in the US. Related profesions. Also, because I think there is some misinformation on the benefits it would give a Green Card UK cit in the US.

I will try to hyperlink a couple resources, if they make it:

http://www.military.com/Recruiting/C...y,,00.html#U.S. citizen

http://www.nationalguard.com/forums/...36-Non-citizen

The posting in the above forums are from recruiters. Truth in leading: you do not have a security clearance, so some jobs you are not eligible for, like Officer until you become a US citizen, but many you are eligible for.

BLUF: I have served with many UK soldiers over the years. They inquired about how they could join the US forces, due to the benefits we receive above their current jobs, and most could not apply do to the GC and this issue of commonwealth transfer (mostly Canada).

I would be happy to respond to any PM's or posts and I am not a recruiter. My spouse was here on a GC, got divorced and found the Army a way to provide for her and her children before I met her. Although she worked several jobs before we were married, she accrued many benifits through her service.

Service in the US military includes Reserves and National Guard (Territorials). In the National Guard each state is different, so please check their specific benefits. If you have a GC, you can join, and with our drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan the possibility of deployment overseas is diminishing. Although that pay is tax free.

The most talked about issue on this forum is Heathcare, which is covered through enlistment in the reserves or National Guard, FYI. One weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Employers also must by law allow you attend training.

This thread is not about foreign policy but opportunities, for those coming here.

Mods feel free to delete if you deem wrong.

fatbrit

Most of the question are to do with the military or police being a contemporary path to residency. Obviously (with a few exceedingly narrow exceptions for certain NIV holders introduced by Bush when he was desperate) it is not such a path.

Also, don't know why anyone would need any help to join the military -- it requires the level of ability of a minimum wage job.

Bob

In theory, that's true...but it doesn't have to be paid time off, nor do they have to hold the position open for you either.

To say it doesn't happen, well it does, happened to a cousin of the missus who found her position was no longer available to her after a summer stint, this was a year after she got back from deployment.

It's like Jury Duty, they have to let you do it, but that doesn't mean you'll have a job still there afterwards.

SATX John

Not really it is the law of this land. Those that have had their job lost have sued and won. Most employers do not mess with that. Federal vs. State vs. Civil. Big difference.

Cousin's missus should have sued, it is the law. I am sure more tha one attorney would have done that pro bono.

Not the same as jury duty at all, my friend.

SATX John

Well minimum wage job..... Whenwas the last time you were in a foreign country, working with their security forces to secure their population from mayhem.

You may want to update your idea of minimum wage.

If you are solely talking salary, well then they are under paid, however then benefits we recieve are better than corporate America.

BTW when and where did you serve your country Sir?

Bob

The job was Federal, she had friends that had the same thing in other jobs.

Sure people sue, but right to fire and there being no money to be gained suing small or poorly performing companies, that no lawyer will bother wanting a slice of nothing for.

Bob

He was saying no one needed help to apply for a military job as the requirements to apply are on par for a minimum wage job....apart from fitness requirements, anyone that can fill in a McD application can apply themselves :/

fatbrit

You can join the army without even a high school diploma or GED, same as you can work at Mickey D's. It's not as if you can't qualify for the military, so I fail to see why anyone would need help in so doing.

The military is, indeed, a good way for poor Americans to enjoy the sort of safety net that is most Europeans' automatic right. By all means join if you're so inclined and have a suitable immigration status.

I serve my adopted country every bloody day -- I've just done our taxes.

SATX John

@BoB "The job was Federal; she had friends that had the same thing in other jobs."

Federal employees (not Military) have unions, as do State employees here. She could have fought it through the union that is what her dues were supposed to support. If not, her choice, but she had the option sorry she did not envoke her rights.

@fatbrit: No longer can you join without a high school or GED minimum. Have you heard we are cutting troops, due to our budget (public programs)? Even in the Reserves. The standards for joining are more competitive now.

I apologize for the "serve" comment. It was wrong. Many here in the US do so in the military, police, emergency services. It is not for everyone, and generally pays less. If money is your primary consideration, then you have many options and navigate away from this thread. However, getting training in IT, police, medical etc... is a benefit of joining the forces, which can then transition to the civil sector.

@fatbrit: Paying your taxes is the law not a public service or serving your country UK or US. That is like thanking you for not committing a crime. You risk nothing, yet expect everything; many of us have different ideas and values apparently. In his 1945 "Notes on Nationalism", Orwell claimed that the statement, "Those who ‘abjure’ violence can only do so because others are committing violence on their behalf."

The purpose of my thread was only to inform those coming with a GC that has a desire to be police etc... a manner to receive faster better benefits. That this is a valid avenue for them and could serve them well in the long term. Including a life time retirement and medical, should they become US citz, but in the interim 8yrs provide some financial security. Cost benift analysis will show this is a very useless method for some immigrants.

It is not a mindless profession for the poor, and provides a valued public service. It is not for the poorly educated, you only advance through going to schools both military and civilian. Military schooling equals civilian college credit also, FYI. It also provides reduced education costs to the person through their state, and passing many of the other challenges GC holders have with residence.

Can service lift someone from poverty or a bad place, yes, but it is not the refuge of the poor, nor are the UK forces. Many middle class Americans fulfill a calling of public service, in many ways, whether it be military, medical, or other. Sevice in the reserves allows them that access, which they will/cannot get with just a GC.

Again my apoligies if anyone is offended, this is not a political thread, I only intended to allow info for those GC holders and option to several challenges they face.

fatbrit

Me thinks he doth protest too much. Rambling away does not get your point across well, BTW.

A few ideas I had while trying to decipher your diarrhoea:

1/ The standards are low. As you say, until recently you could wear the uniform without any qualifications whatsoever. Again, one wonders why anyone would need specialist advice to join.

2/ One negative of applying for a military position when you have a green card is that you place your residency in jeopardy should you and your new passion not see eye to eye. Personally, I think it would be wiser to wait until you have citizenship.

3/ Unless you're a general, I reckon Mrs FB and I probably paid your whole salary last year. However, there's no need to thank me.

kimilseung

I have to say, if someone is foolish enough to do it on my behalf, more fool them.

SATX John

They already do, you just do not know or appecriate their sacrafice, police medics, firemen, military. Hopefully that is on your ID/will, do not attempt to save, might save the life of a public servant.

fatbrit

Best not to post when high, especially as a noob.

sir_eccles

Should one be so inclined as to joining the military and also wish to pursue say a medical career but can't afford medical school many people pay their way through college by joining up. Serve for about 5 years after graduation and you can usually quit on full pension and benefits.

lansbury

Indeed my nephew-in-law did this. Served his time in the USAF and is now a doctor at the local VA hospital, having "retired" from military life.