What is the best path to US Special Forces Green Berets for me.?

[Buy D]

I am a Canadian living in the US for the past 10 years. I have no work visa. I have many friends who own businesses who have offered to sponsor me. I am 29. I would like to join the US special forces which require both citizenship and security clearance. I also have a girl friend who I wouldn't mind marrying but don't want to rush that just to expedite this process. So...should I get sponsored for a green card then enlist in non-active duty role so I can quickly expedite citizenship through military active-duty and then apply to Special Forces? Is there an age limit? Basically I am in top top physical condition and am a recently (1 yr) retired competitive athlete. I want the fastest path to get myself in front of SPF with the completed requirements of being a citizen and under whatever age limits there are. I dont want to serve 4-5 yrs regular service before I can attempt GB's. I also heard after your first day of service the army can expedite citizenship. PLZ no opinions.

[trazel187]

In JAG will deal with after your in. A Army recruiter can help you with coming in and getting a SF contract in qualify.

Getting Citizenship or joining the military

While there is a statutory requirement that only a United States Citizen may become a commissioned officer, this is not true for enlistment. Certain non-citizens can enlist in the United States Armed Forces. To be eligible to enlist, a non-citizen must:


(1) Entered the United States on a permanent residence visa or has an Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form 1-551/I-551 greencard or stamped I-94), and

(2) Established a bona fide residence, and

(3) Established a home of record in the United States.

The visa and/or "greencard" must have sufficient time remaining on it (expiration date) to be valid during the entire term on enlistment. While non-citizens may enlist in the U.S. Military, they are not allowed to reenlist (stay in beyond their first term of service), unless they first become U.S. Citizens. However, there are accelerated citizenship procedures for non-citizens on active duty

Going SF off the street (SOPC):
http://www.goarmy.com/ListJobsByGroup.do?id=25&fw=special_forces_trainin g&redirect=true

If you can't go 'off the street' , just go 11B, serve and as soon as you can volunteer. Every major base has SF recruiters.

Here's the info:
http://www.training.sfahq.com/

Remember talk to a recruiter even if certain spouses call me a 'twit' for giving you guys accurate info since I only have been a Schools NCO in the 82nd, Basic trainee instrucutor, Ranger Scool Cadre, worked with SF in combat and training operations on 4 combat deployments, stationed on FT. Bragg for 3 1/2 years and only know no less than 60 dudes in SOCOM personally since we were Joes. But yet what do I know.... She's married to an Operator. lol.

So young man, research, get the facts, talk to a recruiter and follow your goals....

H-minus!

[Drew]

I'm not sure about the citizenship and being a foreigner, but ask about the 18X Program. If you can navigate, have some college credit, are in shape, and are an animal, you can get into the program and try out for the special forces within five or six months. It also offers a fat bonus, you'll max out at the $40,000.00 initial. Five year contract.

You're getting a little old for this though.

[ruthaford_jive]

As far as I know you have to serve a few years before you can be in the Special Forces. They don't want people just jumping into sensitive jobs like that... you need experience. There's a reason they are special.