Puerto Rico
 

Just been watching C span and the new defense re-organisation, they've just committed to building 38 new reserve centres in 37 states plus Puerto Rico!
Am I missing something here or did Puerto Rico secede to the Union and wouldn't foreign troops(sic) be classed as mercenaries? Just wondered.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

Puerto Rico has a commonwealth association with the US.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

Agreed, but so has Australia and Canada with the UK, but they don't recruite their citizens. Although the UK does have the Gurkhas. I assume the promise of citizenship for service with the US armed forces helps the recruiting offices.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

Puerto Ricans are US citizens, although they pay no federal income taxes, have no vote for president and, I believe, only delegate representation in the US House of Representatives.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

something to do with the Spanish-American war of 1898. The one where the USS Maine blew up in Cuba due to over heated coal bunkers & they blamed the Spanish.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

Aah the old exploding Spanish coal excuse, are Puerto Ricans really US citizens?

Re: Puerto Rico
 

I don't know anything about Puerto Rico, but Wikipedia does.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

Ta Limey
Invaded by the US in 1898 and now a major source of petrochemicals after major investment by outside sources, tssk, fancy that.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

Yes, they are automatic US citizens.

Re: Puerto Rico
 

Although they can't vote? Blimey

Re: Puerto Rico
 

It seems like PR is to the US as what Wales is to England....

I wonder if they have sheep in PR?