The American Foreign Legion, France Has a Foreign Legion Why Not Us

One way for people wanting to become American citizens, is to allow them to serve in the military for a period of time. Upon completion of their faithful and loyal service, reward them with citizenship. This period of service should be no less than 6 years, and should incorporate, minimum requirements. These minimum requirements would include; 1) a conversational command of the English language, to include the ability to read and write at a minimum 7th grade level. 2) Having served honorably, maintaining a socially acceptable record of discipline (i.e. doesn't get in too much trouble). 3) By the end of their enlistment they have at least the equivalent of an American High School Diploma. 4) No felony records in their country of origin, equivalent to corresponding crimes in the US. In addition to achieving citizenship Legionnaires could be granted Citizenship under Heroic conditions, by achieving recognition through demonstrated Valor under fire (earning either a Purple Heart, Silver or Bronze Star, Medal of Honor, etc… etc…). American Legionnaires, would be in their own specialized units, serving autonomously much like the separation of the First Cavalry and Third Armored from each other able to operate together as units yet independently of each other. The major difference would be that Legionnaire units would be comprised of enlisted soldiers, serving under regular Army Officers. Initially Legionnaires would not be permitted to serve as Officers in their own units until they attained Citizenship. Upon honorable discharge those serving would be eligible for all benefits and rights associated with regular Military Veterans. I believe this would be a great way for those persons not normally able to integrate into American society, to become productive citizens without becoming an initial burden on the country, upon their entry.

Provided below is an adaptation of the code of the foreign legion as it might apply to An American Foreign Legion.

Legionnaire, you are a volunteer serving America with "Honor and Fidelity".

Every legionnaire is your brother-in-arms, regardless of his nationality, race, or religion.

You will demonstrate this by strict solidarity which must always unite members of the same family.

Respect of traditions, devotion to your leaders, discipline and comradeship are your strengths, courage and loyalty your virtues.

Proud of your status as Legionnaire, you display this in your uniform, which is always impeccable, your behavior always dignified but modest, your living quarters always clean.

An elite soldier, you will train rigorously, you will maintain your weapon as your most precious possession, and you are constantly concerned with your physical form.

A mission is sacred; you will carry it out until the end respecting laws, customs of war, international conventions and, if necessary, at a risk of your life.

In combat, you will act without passion and without hate, you will respect the vanquished enemy, you will never abandon your dead or wounded, nor surrender your arms.