Can US citizens join foreign military?
Christopher Snyder
Updated on March 17, 2026
International law permits such service, but a state's internal law may prohibit it. U.S. nationals (including both citizens and other persons owing allegiance to the United States (8 U.S.C. §1101)) have performed foreign military service at various times since 1788.
Can you join a foreign country's military?
Overseas applicants with relevant military experience from allied countries who have significant military experience can apply to join the Armed Forces. A willingness to apply for citizenship is a requirement.Can an American join the German army?
In order to perform voluntary military service, you must be at least 17 years old, have completed compulsory full-time education and have German citizenship. Applicants must also be willing to participate in operations abroad after completion of training.Can I join the British military as an American?
CLASS. The British Army has been in existence since 1707, and it is one of the world's elite fighting forces. In order to join the British Army you have to be either a British or Irish citizen or a citizen of a Commonwealth Country.Can an American join the Russian army?
Russia May Allow Citizens Over 40, Foreigners Over 30 To Join Military.U.S. Army discharging immigrant recruits who were promised citizenship
Can a U.S. citizen join the Israeli military?
Does the U.S. let its people join the Israel Defense Forces? Yes. “Service with the IDF is something that many Americans do proudly, and we have no issues,” U.S. State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Monday in a briefing.Can an American join the Canadian army?
Currently, only citizens of Canada can join the Canadian armed forces. However, if you apply for and successfully obtain citizenship, you can apply to join the army right away with no waiting period.Can Americans join the Danish army?
Foreign nationals may serve in the Danish military, either under the same conditions as Danish conscripts or by signing longer term contracts and undergoing specialist educations.Can an American join the Irish Army?
Yours is a question that comes up from time to time, but the answer remains the same. Those eligible to join the U.S. military must be either American citizens or legal permanent residents (green card holders).Can an American join the Royal Marines?
Some roles have stricter nationality and residency requirements than others for security reasons, but in general you can join the Royal Marines if you're: A national of the United Kingdom or Ireland. A Commonwealth citizen applying from inside your country and aged 18 or over.Can American join French Foreign Legion?
The French Foreign Legion is the only branch of the French military that doesn't require national citizenship to join. The Legion is legendary as a place to go to escape your past through military service specifically because it recruits non-citizens, all of whom may join under assumed identities.Can an American join the Australian army?
Since 2010, the Royal Australian Army has employed more than 100 foreign servicemembers through the program, according to the Australian Defence Ministry.Is 35 too old to join the Canadian Army?
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces used to have to retire at age 55, but in 2004, the mandatory retirement age was raised to 60. It means anyone can join the Canadian military as long as they have enough time to complete their first term of service before reaching mandatory retirement.Can a foreigner join the British army?
The British Army is famous across the globe – so it's no surprise that foreign nationals are eager to join our ranks. And we, in turn, are immensely proud to welcome nationals of Commonwealth countries and the Republic of Ireland to serve in the British Army.Can foreigners join the Swiss army?
Foreigners are exempt. Swiss living abroad are also basically free from being recruited and serving in the military during times of peace as long as they remain abroad. Some limitations apply to those living in border zones close to Switzerland.Can foreigners join the Japanese military?
Entrance CeremonyForeign applicants may be admitted by agreement between Japan and the country of origin. Foreign applicants must have a high-school or secondary-school diploma equivalent to that from a Japanese high school certified by the School Education Law of Japan.