A Nigerian soldier, serving in the United States Army for nearly a decade, has recently shared important information for fellow Nigerians and other African immigrants eager to join the military.
In a TikTok video that has garnered wide attention, he outlines the steps needed to enlist, capturing the interest of many with aspirations for a better life abroad.
Inspiration to Serve
Identified on TikTok as @izzyefizzy, the soldier recounts how a video he watched 15 years ago set him on the path to military service.
He encourages potential recruits by saying, “I watched a video of how to join the US Army 15 years ago, and 15 years later, I’m in this uniform.”
Six Key Requirements
He lists six critical conditions for joining the military, emphasising that the first three are vital before starting the application process:
Age: Applicants must be aged 17 to 42, noting that different military branches may have varying upper age limits.
Education: A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. Those who have completed their education in West Africa must have their West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate translated to meet US high school standards.
Legal Status: To join, applicants must possess a minimum of a two-year green card and must be physically present in the United States when applying.
He warns, “The US Military will never recruit you from overseas. So don’t let anybody deceive you.”
Once these prerequisites are confirmed, applicants should visit any Armed Forces Recruiting Station across the country and present the necessary documents.
ASVAB Testing: Candidates must take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This assessment serves as a placement tool, with the Army requiring a minimum score of 31, covering English, mathematics, and general science.
Medical Assessment: Individuals with chronic health issues, such as asthma, may request a waiver, although he cautions that such waivers are seldom granted.
Background Check: A comprehensive background check is mandatory, focusing on personal history and immigration records.
“Make sure you’re coming clean when they’re asking you questions,” he stresses.
For a complete overview of the six requirements, interested individuals can view the TikTok video where he elaborates on each point.
@izzyefizzy How to join the us military #militarytiktok #immigrant #nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 #usmilitary #fyp ♬ original sound – 🇳🇬Eze®🇺🇸
