The United States Army is one of the world’s most respected military organizations, offering career advancement, competitive salaries, and long-term benefits for eligible individuals. While only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are permitted to serve, many immigrants are surprised to learn that military careers can support various immigration-related benefits once they have already met the legal requirements to enlist.
This professionally written guide explains the U.S. Army salary structure, annual earnings, benefits, and how lawful permanent residents interact with military service as part of their long-term immigration journey.
1. Can Non-U.S. Citizens Serve in the U.S. Army?
The U.S. Army only accepts:
✔ U.S. citizens
✔ Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
Undocumented individuals, visa holders (such as students or tourists), and asylum applicants are not eligible to enlist.
This rule helps ensure:
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Security clearance eligibility
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Long-term residency consistency
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Compliance with U.S. federal law
Important:
The Army does not directly provide a green card. Instead, individuals must already hold permanent residency before joining.
2. U.S. Army Salary Structure (2025)
Active-duty U.S. Army salaries are standardized under the U.S. Military Pay Scale, which is based on:
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Rank (E-1 to O-10)
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Years of service
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Duty location
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Special bonuses and allowances
Below is the 2025 estimated base salary structure:
Enlisted Soldiers (E-1 to E-9)
| Rank | Annual Base Pay (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| E-1 | $25,000 – $27,000 |
| E-2 | $27,000 – $30,000 |
| E-3 | $30,000 – $42,000 |
| E-4 | $33,000 – $47,000 |
| E-5 | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| E-6 | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| E-7 | $55,000 – $80,000 |
| E-8 | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| E-9 | $75,000 – $105,000 |
Officers (O-1 to O-6)
| Rank | Annual Base Pay (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| O-1 | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| O-2 | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| O-3 | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| O-4 | $85,000 – $125,000 |
| O-5 | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| O-6 | $120,000 – $180,000 |
Additional Allowances
Many soldiers receive:
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Housing Allowance (BAH)
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Subsistence Allowance (BAS)
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Hazard duty pay (if applicable)
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Re-enlistment bonuses (up to $50,000+ depending on MOS)
This means actual annual earnings can be significantly higher than base pay alone.
3. Benefits of U.S. Army Service
Serving as a permanent resident or U.S. citizen includes numerous benefits, such as:
✔ Competitive salary
✔ Tax-free housing & food allowances
✔ Free medical care
✔ Career training & certifications
✔ Tuition assistance
✔ Retirement benefits after 20 years
✔ Access to federal veteran programs
The U.S. Army is widely known for providing one of the strongest total compensation packages in the world.
4. Can Army Service Lead to U.S. Citizenship?
Yes—military service can support or accelerate the naturalization process, but only for individuals who are already lawful permanent residents.
Important Clarifications
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The Army cannot provide a green card.
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You must already have a green card before joining.
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Service can expedite naturalization under certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Benefits for Eligible Immigrant Soldiers
For those who already hold a green card:
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Faster path to citizenship
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No application fees for military naturalization
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Special consideration for military service in background checks
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Eligibility for certain expedited processes during wartime designations
Again, these benefits apply only after meeting all legal requirements to enlist.
5. Immigration Pathways Related to Military Service (General Information)
5.1 Military Service & Naturalization
Permanent residents serving honorably may qualify for:
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One-year expedited naturalization, or
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Immediate naturalization during designated periods of hostilities
This is governed by:
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INA § 328 (one year of service)
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INA § 329 (wartime service)
5.2 Family Benefits
After naturalization, service members may support immigration petitions for:
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Spouses
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Children
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Parents (once a U.S. citizen aged 21+)
5.3 MAVNI Program (Historic Context)
The MAVNI program (Military Accessions Vital to National Interest) previously allowed certain non-citizens to enlist.
This program is currently suspended and not available.
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Conclusion
The U.S. Army offers exceptional career opportunities, competitive salaries, and long-term benefits for individuals who already meet the legal requirements to serve — namely, U.S. citizens and green card holders. While military service does not provide a direct path to obtaining a green card, it can support faster naturalization and provide a stable career with world-class compensation.