A deported veteran just became a US citizen. Wait ... what?

PO3 Bob McCord - I have always thought "how do NON CITIZENS get into the Military?" I never understood how it happened in the first place.

I don't think it should be automatic. US Citizenship and Immigration Services already offers expedited citizenship to military members. I think they should have some sort of liaison as recruiting station that are very familiar with the law and standards and ensure it is clearly conveyed to potential recruits. There are several requirements that should not be waived, regardless of military service. Honorable discharge after at least 1 year is required, although I have never heard of a 1 year enlistment, so they would have to have 3 or 4 years of good service that ends with an Honorable Discharge. An exception would be an injury of some sort. So basically, they have to complete an enlistment and not get in trouble, which should be the standard for all service members if they are to retain certain benefits. If an American citizen does 3 years of great service, then decides to punch his Lt in the face in his last 6 months, his whole period of honorable time is out the window; he ends up with a Dishonorable Discharge. He will not be able to buy a gun, get a VA loan, and may lose many other veteran benefits. I don't think non-citizens should retain citizenship benefits if they violate some standard. Good moral character is a requirement for naturalization and that should always be the case.

I don't know if it still holds true but citizens of the Phillipines use to be allowed to serve in the military. I don't know of any other foreign nations that are allowed.