•Nigerians in the US Army
The United States Army serves as a beacon of inspiration and hope not only to American citizens but also to people all over the world. The country of Nigeria is no exception.
In recent years, interest has grown regarding how some Nigerians are able to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Nigerians are known for seeking better career opportunities abroad, and celebrities are no exception, often transitioning to new paths for improved prospects.
Over the years, many Nigerian celebrities have publicly announced their enlistment in the US military.
The indisputable fact is that Nigerians cannot join the U.S. Army directly from Nigeria; applicants must first hold a valid Green Card (Lawful Permanent Residency) or US Citizenship. NigeriaCurrent Affairs
There are no direct recruitment centers in Nigeria, so prospective soldiers must immigrate to the U.S. first, meet strict physical and educational standards, and pass the ASVAB exam.
Recently, Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu announced his enlistment into the United States Army, describing it as the fulfilment of a personal dream and a tribute to his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force.
Momodu is not the first Nigerian to join the U.S. Army; many Nigerians have walked this familiar path over time.
Former beauty queen and actress, Princess Chineke relocated to the United States for better opportunities and joined the US Army in 2024.
Also, actress and producer Mayowa Dosu joined the U.S. Army last year, marking a significant career change.
Grace-Charis Bassey, previously known as Belinda Effah, enlisted in the U.S. Navy last year, a move that also earned her U.S. citizenship.
Core Requirements
To be successfully enlisted, you must meet the following criteria:
Legal Status: Hold a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or U.S. Citizenship.
Age Limits: Enlistees must generally be between the ages of 17 and 42.
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) is required.
Foreign education transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
Fitness: You must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and meet physical fitness and medical standards.
Background Check: You must pass a thorough background and security check, with strict moral standards regarding criminal records
According to Michael K, an Officer at U.S. Army, he explained that: “First you’re going to need to move to the US and become a legal resident. The US does not accept non-residents into its armed forces. Once you’ve moved to the US and are a resident then you can begin the enlistment process and join the US Army.
“However, enlisting is not the same as commissioning as an officer. Whereas the US military will take non-citizen residents as enlisted personnel, it requires that all officers be US citizens. (Earning a commission is also not guaranteed for anyone.) So you have two choices, both of which go through OCS.
“Option 1: After moving to the US, you wait the 5 years required to be eligible for naturalization. Then you apply for citizenship, a process which can take many months (even years).
“Then, once you obtain your citizenship, you go to an Army recruiter. You would then go through the recruitment process for a “college option” OCS candidate. You’d ship to Basic Training then off to OCS. This path will probably take something like 8+ years.
“Option 2: You move to the US and immediately talk to a recruiter and enlist as a regular Soldier in the US Army.
“Military service will greatly reduce the required residence period from 5 years down to just 1 year of military service, and you’re likely to also get a more expedited naturalization process.
“Once you do get your citizenship (and have been in the Army already a year or two as an enlisted Soldier), you can then apply to OCS from within the ranks. This process might take more like 2+ years.”
Becoming an Officer
If you aim to become a Commissioned Officer rather than an enlisted soldier, you must be a U.S. citizen.
Officer candidates typically need a 4-year university degree and must undergo specialised training through ROTC, West Point, or Officer Candidate School (OCS).
Benefits of Enlistment
Expedited Citizenship: Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA 329), lawful permanent residents who serve honorably during designated periods of military hostilities may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship almost immediately after enlistment.
Career & Education: Enlisting provides access to the GI Bill, which helps fund college education, as well as specialized job training across hundreds of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
