US Army Recruitment 2025/2026 - Non-Citizens (Africans) Guide

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The 2025/2026 US Army Recruitment extends a special invitation to non-citizens from Africa. This recruitment drive provides a distinct opportunity for individuals interested in military service.

The US Army, most powerful in the world, has welcomed soldiers from other countries for many years.

A non-citizen can enlist in the military. However, federal law prohibits non-citizens who are enlisted from becoming commission or warrant officers.

Military Job Applications

Every year, more than 8,000 green card holders but who are non-U.S. citizens join the military. However, recently some policy changes may interfere with the ability for some residents but non-U.S. citizens to join the military, even in a limited (no security clearance) capacity.

Enlistment via MAVNI Program

Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest, or MAVNI, enables non-citizens to join the military with such skills as interpreters, certain cultural knowledge, and even medical professionals. However, in 2014 the program was suspended and the current administration is looking to cancel the program altogether.

Enlistment via DACA Program

Currently, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may face a new reality in the current administration and could be subject to deportation versus having the ability to work or attend advanced educational opportunities. However, Congress could change direction and allow DACA groups the opportunity to serve in the military.

An enlisted member enters the Army as a Private. After completing basic training, the enlisted recruits advances to Private First Class. The next notable advancement is to a Noncommissioned Officer.

The highest rank attainable in the Army is the five-star General of the Army. Often called a “five-star general”, the rank of General of the Army has historically been reserved for wartime use and is not currently active in the U.S. Army.

How to Apply for the US Army Jobs

Follow the link as details of the Army recruitment and selection process can be found on how people from other countries can apply for the Army with legal US residency.

To join as a soldier you must:

You must be at least 18 years old to join the US Army as a soldier.
You can start your application when you’re 17 years and 7 months.
Be in Phase 1 training before your 35th birthday.

If you’re under 18, you’ll also need parental consent to join.

To enlist in the United States Army, you must be a legal resident. The Army offers over 150 different careers in a wide variety of categories. The key to your career path is your ASVAB score, which helps to identify the Army jobs that fit you the best.

Learn About the US Military

Get a brief overview of the five service branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and know which one of them you may want to enlist:

U.S. Air Force (USAF)
U.S. Army (USA)
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)
U.S. Navy (USN)

The Air Force is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). It’s responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. airspace and air bases, and building landing strips. The Air Force Space Command is under this branch. Service members are known as airmen. The reserve components are Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

The Army is part of the DOD and is the largest of the five military branches. It handles major ground combat missions, especially operations that are ongoing. The Army Special Forces unit is known as the Green Berets for its headgear. Service members are known as soldiers. The reserve components are Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s responsible for maritime law enforcement, including drug smuggling. It manages maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection. It also secures ports, waterways, and the coasts. Service members are known as Coast Guardsmen, nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is Coast Guard Reserve.

The Marine Corps is part of the DOD. It provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operations support for the other branches during a mission. This branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world and the classified documents in those buildings. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) members are known as Raiders. All service members are referred to as Marines. The reserve component is Marine Corps Reserve.

The Navy is part of the DOD. It protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Navy SEALs (sea, air, and land) are the special operations force for this branch. All service members are known as sailors. The reserve component is Navy Reserve.

When you can join the US army

The basic entry age requirements depend on whether or not you are entering the regular army, or Territorial Army, as an officer or soldier. If regular army, officers can join aged 18 to 26 years and soldiers can join between 16 and 32 years and 11 months.

Salaries of US ARMY

Military Rank Average Salary

E-1 No Insignia Private PVT Enlisted Soldier $1,600 per month

E-2 Private Second Class PV2 Enlisted Soldier $1,793 per month

E-3 Private First Class PFC Enlisted Soldier $22,630 – $25,510 per year

E-4 Specialist SPC Enlisted Soldier $25,067 – $30,427 per year

E-4 Corporal CPL Noncommissioned Officer $25,067 – $30,427 per year

E-5 Sergeant SGT Noncommissioned Officer $27,338 – $38,794 per year
E-6 Staff Sergeant SSG Noncommissioned Officer $29,840 – $46,220 per year
E-7 Sergeant First Class SFC Noncommissioned Officer $34,502 – $62,010 per year
E-8 Master Sergeant MSG Noncommissioned Officer $49,633 – $70,787 per year
E-8 First Sergeant 1SG Noncommissioned Officer $49,633 – $70,787 per year
E-9 Sergeant Major SGM Noncommissioned Officer $60,631 – $94,136 per year
E-9 Command Sergeant Major CSM Noncommissioned Officer $60,631 – $94,136 per year
E-9 Sergeant Major of the Army SMA Noncommissioned Officer (Special) $60,631 – $94,136 per year
W-1 Warrant Officer 1 WO1 Warrant Officer $35,597 – $61,510 per year
W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2 CW2 Warrant Officer $40,554 – $67,687 per year
W-3 Chief Warrant Officer 3 CW3 Warrant Officer $45,828 – $80,392 per year
W-4 Chief Warrant Officer 4 CW4 Warrant Officer $50,184 – $93,478 per year
W-5 Chief Warrant Officer 5 CW5 Warrant Officer $89,233 – $116,770 per year
O-1 Second Lieutenant 2LT Commissioned Officer $36,418 – $45,824 per year
O-2 First Lieutenant 1LT Commissioned Officer $41,958 – $58,068 per year
O-3 Captain CPT Commissioned Officer $48,560 – $79,002 per year
O-4 Major MAJ Field Officer $55,231 – $92,218 per year
O-5 Lieutenant Colonel LTC Field Officer $64,012 – $108,752 per year
O-6 Colonel COL Field Officer $76,784 – $135,936 per year
O-7 Brigadier General BG General Officer $101,257 – $151,283 per year
O-8 Major General MG General Officer $121,860 – $175,676 per year
O-9 Lieutenant General LTG General Officer $172,224 – $186,998 per year
O-10 General GEN General Officer $15,583 per month
O-10 General of the Army GA General Officer $15,583 per month