According to the Boston Globe (link), the US Military will try a new approach to meet their recruiting goals. Though only an idea at the moment, America may soon place recruiting stations overseas in order to recruit foreigners.
Why would a non-US individual want to fight or train under the American flag? Incentive would be key. One benefit the US Military could offer is a quicker path to US citizenship for those who volunteer. The idea of using foreign citizens, however, is highly debated. There is more criticism than gains, including: the mercenary comparison, a possible breakdown in national security, the move will reflect poorly on American’s willingness to serve their country.
Though recruiting stations overseas do not exist as of yet, America has already begun offering accelerated citizenship to legal residents who volunteer for the military. In 2001, only 750 legal immigrants gained citizenship through military participation. Last year the number increased to 4600.
As shocking as stations overseas would be, the move does have precedent. The Roman Empire was forced to do the same thing in order to keep border states under control. Rome later learned its lesson during its collapse when ‘Roman troops’ were just as likely to attack Rome (under their military commanders) as its enemies. Troops lacking Roman nationality had no real reason to defend the Empire.
The same could happen to the United States if any military branch were to try this approach. Citizenship to legal residents could work, but picking up any foreign citizen is just a bad idea.
