Can Filipino Citizens Join the US Army: Eligibility Details
The US military welcomes both US citizens and non-citizens to serve. Filipino citizens wanting to join the US Army need a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). They must also show they can speak English well. Remember, joining the military doesn’t help you get a visa or enter the US.
Each military branch has its own age limits for joining. The Air Force and Space Force take people from 17 to 42. The Army accepts those from 17 to 35. The Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps take people from 17 to 41 or 28, respectively.
Citizenship and Immigration Requirements for Filipino Recruits
Joining the U.S. military is a noble choice for Filipino nationals. But, it requires certain citizenship and immigration steps. Filipino applicants must be U.S. citizens or have legal and permanent resident status.
Permanent Resident Card Requirements
Future Filipino recruits need a U.S. Immigration (“Green”) Card (INS I-151 or INS I-551) and a Social Security number. Getting a green card usually means qualifying for an immigrant visa. Just wanting to enlist or work for the government isn’t enough for an immigrant visa.
Legal Status Documentation
Noncitizens in the U.S. military must show their legal status. This includes a valid green card and Social Security number. This makes sure they follow immigration rules and can serve in the military.
Immigration Regulations for Military Service
U.S. law says all military officers must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens can only enlist as enlisted members. To become an officer, one must be a U.S. citizen, pass a tough physical test, and have a high school diploma with good grades.
Between 1999 and 2010, about 80,000 non-citizens joined the U.S. military. In 2012, 24,000 noncitizens were on active duty. Every year, 5,000 legal permanent residents enlist. From FY2001-FY2015, USCIS naturalized 109,321 noncitizen service members. Since 2008, 2,650 military spouses have also become naturalized citizens.
Military Enlistment Options for Non-U.S. Citizens
The U.S. Armed Forces welcome non-U.S. citizens to join their ranks. They recognize the valuable contributions these individuals can make. There are several enlistment options for non-U.S. citizens, including Filipinos.
The Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) pilot started in 2009. It aimed to recruit non-immigrants with vital skills. This includes healthcare professionals and those fluent in foreign languages.
Non-citizens can apply for military naturalization after serving. They need a Form N-426 authorized by the Department of Defense. The Calixto Agreement also helps with this process for Army applicants.
About 3,000 Filipino nationals serve in the U.S. Navy. Before 1978, 30,000 Filipino sailors could apply for naturalization after war service. But since the Vietnam War, only 3,000 have enlisted, and they’re not eligible for citizenship unless under specific laws.
Under the military bases agreement, 400 Filipinos can enlist yearly. They come from a pool of 24,000 applicants. These recruits are often high school graduates or even college-educated in technical fields.
Despite their skills, Filipino sailors may face job limits due to their non-citizen status. This can affect their career growth. Yet, their dedication and contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces are invaluable. The military continues to recruit and welcome non-U.S. citizens, including Filipinos, to serve alongside Americans.
Basic Eligibility Criteria for Filipino Applicants
Aspiring Filipino citizens wanting to join the US military must meet certain criteria. These include age limits, educational needs, and physical fitness standards. These ensure a strong and skilled military force.
Age Restrictions and Limitations
The US military usually accepts applicants aged 17 to 34, with some exceptions. For Filipino citizens, the age range is a bit narrower. This is to ensure they can serve for a full term.
Educational Prerequisites
- A high school diploma or GED is needed for most military roles.
- Those with college credits or high ASVAB scores may have an edge.
- All must pass the ASVAB test, which checks various skills and aptitudes.
Physical Fitness Standards
Being physically fit is key for military service. Filipino applicants must pass a detailed medical and fitness test. This checks strength, endurance, and overall health.
| Physical Fitness Test Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Push-ups (2 minutes) | 42 for men, 19 for women |
| Sit-ups (2 minutes) | 53 for men, 53 for women |
| 1.5-mile run | 13:36 for men, 16:22 for women |
Prospective Filipino recruits must show they can meet or beat these fitness standards. This is to qualify for military service in the United States.
Can Filipino Citizens Join the US Army
Yes, Filipino citizens can join the US Army if they meet certain requirements. They must live legally in the United States, have a valid Green Card, and a Social Security number. Also, they need to speak English well, as it’s crucial for military service.
The enlistment process for Filipino citizens is the same as for US citizens. They must take the ASVAB test to show their skills and knowledge. They also need to pass tough physical and mental tests to meet the Army’s health and fitness standards.
Recruitment for Filipino citizens depends on the US Army’s current needs. If their skills match what the Army needs, they might be able to enlist. But, passing all tests and exams is key to getting in.
It’s worth noting that serving in the US Army can help Filipino citizens get US citizenship faster. Many foreign-born service members and their families become US citizens every year. This shows the great opportunities the US military offers to aspiring Filipino citizens.
History of Filipino Service Members in U.S. Military
The history of Filipino service members in the U.S. military began in the early 1900s. In 1901, President William McKinley allowed the Navy to enlist 500 Filipinos. Before 1946, Filipinos mainly did steward duties. But in 1947, an agreement changed this, letting Filipinos join the U.S. Armed Forces.
Historical Military Agreements
Over the years, the U.S. and the Philippines have made many military agreements. In 1952, they agreed to let up to 1,000 Filipinos join the U.S. Navy each year. This number went up to 2,000 in 1954. These deals helped Filipino service members join the U.S. military, adding to its diversity.
Notable Filipino Military Contributions
- During World War II, about 260,000 Filipinos fought with the U.S. military. Filipino-American servicemen and women have continued to serve with honor since then.
- Jose Calugas, a Filipino in the Philippine Scouts during World War II, was awarded the Medal of Honor.
- After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, over 35,000 Filipino nationals joined the U.S. Navy. They all became U.S. citizens.
- In 1990, a law gave citizenship to Philippine Army soldiers from World War II. This included veterans like Pastor Amarillento.
Legacy of Filipino servicemembers in the U.S. military and the strong ties between the U.S. and the Philippines are key. Their contributions have been invaluable. They have helped strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
ASVAB Testing and Score Requirements
For those wanting to join the U.S. military, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is a must. This test checks an applicant’s skills and knowledge. It’s key in deciding their job after joining. Filipino citizens should know the ASVAB score needs for each military branch.
The ASVAB has 10 parts, testing math, verbal skills, and more. To join, Filipino applicants need to score well. For example, the U.S. Army wants a score of 31% for those with a high school diploma. Those with a GED need at least 50%.
There are many ways for Filipinos to get ready for the ASVAB. Online tools and practice tests help. Military recruiters also offer help with scheduling and score needs.
“The ASVAB is designed to assess an individual’s aptitude and potential for success in various military roles. By meeting the required scores, Filipino applicants demonstrate their readiness to excel in the chosen field of service.”
The ASVAB is a big step for those wanting to join the U.S. military. With the right prep, Filipino citizens can pass this test. This is their first step towards a military career.
Medical and Physical Fitness Evaluation Process
Joining the U.S. military means a detailed medical check and fitness test. This is to make sure us military enlistment requirements are met. It’s a key part of joining, checking if you’re healthy enough for military life.
Health Screening Procedures
The medical exam looks at your health history, including any past health issues. It includes tests and checks, such as:
- Physical examination by a military doctor
- Blood and urine tests for health issues
- Vision and hearing tests to meet eligibility criteria for filipinos
- Mental health and psychological well-being checks
Physical Fitness Test Components
There’s also a physical fitness test as part of us military enlistment requirements. The test parts can differ by military branch. But, it usually includes:
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- A timed running or walking test
- Strength exercises, like lifting or dragging a sandbag
Passing this test shows you’re ready to serve in the U.S. military. You must meet the branch’s standards to join.
Career Opportunities and Available Military Branches
The U.S. Armed Forces offer many career paths for Filipino citizens. Since 2002, over 187,000 have joined the U.S. military. A big part of them come from the Philippines.
Filipino recruits can choose from many military branches and specializations. From 2020 to 2024, more than 52,000 service members were naturalized. This number is expected to grow by 34% in 2024.
The Army, including the National Guard and Reserves, is the biggest. It accounts for 60% of naturalizations from 2020 to 2024. The Coast Guard, on the other hand, makes up less than 1%.
| Military Branch | Percentage of Naturalizations (FY 2020-2024) |
|---|---|
| Army (including National Guard and Reserves) | 60% |
| Navy | 21% |
| Air Force | 17% |
| Marine Corps | 2% |
| Coast Guard | Less than 1% |
Filipinos have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since the early 20th century. Today, they continue to contribute greatly. They have chances for career growth and specialized training in many fields.
Naturalization Through Military Service
For Filipino citizens, joining the U.S. military can lead to U.S. citizenship. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 makes it easier for those who serve honorably for at least three years. They can apply for citizenship without needing to be a permanent resident.
Citizenship Application Process
Filipino service members can start the citizenship process while still in the military. They need to fill out forms and provide documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS has naturalized 2,318 military spouses in 30 countries since 2008. They have also naturalized 102,266 military members. This includes 11,548 service members becoming citizens in 34 foreign countries.
Service Length Requirements
To apply for citizenship, Filipino service members must serve for at least three years honorably. This rule was set by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. It applies to veterans of many conflicts, including the Vietnam War.
During World War II, about 7,000 Filipino soldiers became U.S. citizens in foreign locations. Around 1,000 were naturalized in England, Iceland, North Africa, and the Pacific. Another 4,000 were naturalized in the Philippines after it was freed from Japan.
The process for Filipino service members has changed over time. Congress has extended deadlines for veterans several times. The last extension was until February 3, 2001. It’s estimated that 28,000 elderly Filipino applicants became U.S. citizens through this program.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Military Naturalizations (FY 2001-2017) | Over 125,000 |
| Military Naturalizations (FY 2017) | 7,360 (16% decrease from FY 2016) |
| Military Naturalizations (Q1 FY 2018) | 57% decrease compared to Q1 FY 2017 |
| Military Naturalizations Denial Rate (Q4 FY 2017 to Q1 FY 2018) | 10% to 25% increase |
| Deported Veterans | At least 239 in 34 countries |
Recruitment Process and Application Steps
Aspiring Filipino citizens wanting to join the US armed forces must go through a detailed process. First, they need to meet basic eligibility criteria. This includes being a US citizen or having permanent resident status. Then, they must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
The ASVAB test checks their academic and cognitive skills. After that, they get a medical check-up. This is to make sure they are physically fit for military service.
The Commander, Naval Forces, Philippines, handles US Navy applications. This team checks each candidate’s documents. They look at legal status and immigration records to see if they can enlist.
| Recruitment Process Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status |
| ASVAB Test | Assess academic and cognitive abilities |
| Medical Examination | Ensure physical fitness standards are met |
| Application Review | Verify legal status and immigration records |
Recruitment process for Filipino citizens interested in joining the us armed forces or us military is detailed. It ensures they meet the us military enlistment requirements. By following this process, aspiring service members can start their journey to serve in the United States military.
Benefits and Opportunities for Filipino Service Members
Filipino service members in the U.S. military enjoy many benefits and chances. The U.S. Navy has started programs to ensure everyone is treated fairly. These programs help improve chances for minorities to advance in their careers.
Steps have been taken to fix past unfairness in certain jobs. For example, the Commissaryman and Steward ratings were merged into one. This change has made these jobs more prestigious for Filipino service members.
The bond between the U.S. and the Philippines offers Filipino servicemembers in us military special chances. They can serve in both countries, promoting cultural exchange. Filipino-American Airmen have a long history in the U.S. Air Force. Many are now part of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Air Contingent at Clark Air Base, Philippines. This shows the us-philippines military ties and the U.S. military’s diversity.
