Streamlined citizenship process in military boot camps.

Serving in the military has been one way for men and women to get United States citizenship. But now the military is going to allow recruits to expedite the process while in boot camp.

Army and Navy recruits in boot camp will be allowed to meet with federal immigration officials. The change was needed, officials say, because military personnel are stationed around the world and many times far away from places like American embassies.

This option is not available to all military recruits seeking citizenship. They must be legal residents and immigrants already. In return for citizenship, these military members must agree to 5 years of service honorably. If they fail to live up to that agreement, their citizenship can be taken back.

This is not really totally new. It is a tweaking of what happened after September 11, 201. Back then George Bush signed a directive shortening the time military members needed to start the citizenship process. But the problem has always been the fact that military life is not really conducive to filling out all the forms and starting the process. Since 9-11, almost 70,000 military members have gotten their citizenship.

You can imagine how hard it must be to apply for citizenship and go through the red tape while fighting in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the reasons immigration officials have been allowed to deal with recruits is really about manpower. The military can use all the good men and women they can get. Some special jobs and clearances would only be available to US citizens. Particularly soldiers who have some knowledge of the language and culture of the Middle East. It is in the military's best interest to have soldiers, US citizens, and familiar with these parts of the world.

You can read more on military service and citizenship here.

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75 percent "unfit" for military service

A recent report has come out citing obese statistics that show 75% of Americans between the ages of 17-24 would not qualify for military service under the current weight guidelines.

The military now, however, is meeting its recruitment goals. But some think this may spell trouble for the future.

Other reasons for not being eligible for military service are health related such as asthma, depression, and ADHD.

Young people also do not have good credit ratings, another factor.

In short, the military does not want people who they will have to treat and have members whose creditors will be a burden.

The issue of a high school diploma is also of concern. Many think a GED will work. But if you only have a GED, you need to score high enough on the entrance exam and get a waiver. Not many are getting this waiver.

The good news for now, is that because of the economy, the military can be more selective of its recruits. More young people are looking at military service as a quick, easy job. The pool of prospective service members is large at the moment.

But, that could change in the future. Military service and education leaders are looking at ways to improve health and education readiness for our future armies.

If you or a relative is interested in military service, make sure they are as fit as can be and graduate high school.

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US Military Recruiters Meet All Goals for first time in 35 years.

The economy is bad. People need jobs. Young people especially. So, the military is a good looking option for many.

The US military has met all recruiting goals for the first time in 35 years. Actually, the first time since the draft was stopped.

We need to warn young people, however, that the United States military is not just a job. And it's not an adventure. It's serious business. Many kids join and don't realize they are asked to kill people and break things. And get killed themselves. But contrary to popular belief, the military is rather safe for most enlistees. But it is a dangerous business nonetheless.

There are wrong reasons to join the military. One is thinking it's just a great way to get a job. Wrong. It really does not prepare you for a great job on the outside. Unless you cherry-pick what job you get in the military. There isn't quite a demand for tank mechanics in the civilian world. Mechanics yes, not tank mechanics. Experience counts, true enough. Plus, you have just spent four years getting experience in a military setting. Not exactly real world experience for the working world. Some may disagree, but if you really want a great civilian job, then go find out what that great civilian job needs. And go and get it. Probably the military is not a prerequisite.

The only reason to join the military should be that you want to do your patriotic duty for the betterment of your country and the world. The other reasons are secondary.

Joining the military will not make a man (or woman) out of you if you are not already one.

Joining the military will not get you a great civilian job. In fact, that idea is just plain stupid, but it is a popular recruiting line.

Joining the military is not a great way to escape your parents and get out on your own.

Joining the military is a hardship. Especially if you are married

Joining the military is not a great way of going to college. Think about it. You'll be four years older and four years behind your career goals.

BUT...
Joining the military for honorable service is one of the BEST things you can do.

Joining the military is a great career in and of itself.

The military needs military minded men and women. Not civilian job seekers.

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