Individuals in the Netherlands seeking to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces must meet specific eligibility requirements, according to information provided by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in The Netherlands.
Enlistment is open only to U.S. citizens or registered aliens who are legally and permanently residing in the United States. These individuals must possess a valid U.S. Immigration ‘Green’ Card (INS 1-151 or INS 1-551) and a Social Security number. Applications for enlistment are typically processed at recruiting offices within the United States, where all applicants undergo physical and mental examinations to determine their suitability for service.
The embassy notes that “there is no way of foretelling whether or not they will be recruited. Recruitment also depends on the needs of the Armed Forces at that time.” Permanent resident status is required for non-citizens, which involves qualifying for an immigrant visa before entering the United States.
The embassy further clarifies: “You should be aware, however, that for the reasons stated above, no assurance can be given in advance that an applicant will successfully pass the various physical and aptitude tests for acceptance into the Armed Forces.An immigrant visa will not be issued on the basis of intention to enlist or intention to qualify for government employment upon arrival in the United States.”
For those interested in becoming commissioned officers, eligibility is even more limited. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet additional criteria such as passing rigorous physical exams and holding strong academic records from high school. Prospective pilot candidates must already be commissioned officers as well as citizens.
Given these complexities, inquiries about visas or citizenship should first be directed to the Immigrant Visa Branch at the American Embassy.