Other Nationalities in US Army - And Da Man

[Panther Al]

One of the things that gets a lot of discussion in my group, as well as occasionally here, is the status and reasons for those other than americans serving in US units. One of my players went off on how the US Army would never let it happen.

I gave a lot of good reasons why it would happen, and his comeback was, "Name one soldier who excelled in the US Army that didn't start in it."

So, I gave him Lauri Allan Törni.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauri_Törni

Talk about a guy who had one hell of odd military life - and wound up being played by John Wayne.

What sort of logic do you all give when presented the point of view that it wouldn't happen in your games?

[HorseSoldier]

One of the things that gets a lot of discussion in my group, as well as occasionally here, is the status and reasons for those other than americans serving in US units. One of my players went off on how the US Army would never let it happen.

Your player doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. One word answer: KATUSA.

Once the nukes fly, US forces are going to face a severe manpower shortage. Local levies are going to be necessary. Plus a need for translators and local guides, getting more and more severe as units shift from normal military operations to being an all-encompassing only-thing-that-passes-for-local-government sort of entities.

[Targan]

It is well known that the US military will accept recruits that don't have US citizenship. Although its not about the US Army, look at Generation: Kill, there is a US Marine in that who is Brazilian (he keeps speaking in Portuguese over the comms net in the heat of battle and no one can understand him).

[Panther Al]

Indeed, we had a Czech and a Frenchman in our unit during OIF (As he put it, he had France's entire allocation of balls - and my apologies to our french forum members, he said it, not I!), what I am dealing with is finding enough other sources to get my player to shut up about it.

[Legbreaker]

I know of at least one Australian who joined the 82nd - he was front page news back in 93 (I think) when elements of the Division jumped into Singleton training area, right off the plane from the US. Poor men had to endure a flight halfway around the world in the usual military comfort and then jump!

[Panther Al]

That sounds.... horrid. I flew coach on both Quantas and Air NZed (The better of the two in my experience) all the times I went to see family down by Wellington, bad enough as is. But in jump gear packed liked sardines in the back of lifter? Gah. *shudders*

[dragoon500ly]

Originally Posted by Targan

It is well known that the US military will accept recruits that don't have US citizenship. Although its not about the US Army, look at Generation: Kill, there is a US Marine in that who is Brazilian (he keeps speaking in Portuguese over the comms net in the heat of battle and no one can understand him).

When I was stationed in Germany in 1978, there was a Sikh truck driver, earning his US citzenship and yes he had the waivers allowing him to not cut his hair and bread, to wear his turban and to carry his knife.

[pmulcahy11b]

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

When I was stationed in Germany in 1978, there was a Sikh truck driver, earning his US citzenship and yes he had the waivers allowing him to not cut his hair and bread, to wear his turban and to carry his knife.

I'm sorry, but if you join the US Army, you need to integrate in, and look like the other troops. (Yes, I know there are grooming and other waivers for special ops, but that's a different situation.) He should never have been given those waivers.

[dragoon500ly]

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

I'm sorry, but if you join the US Army, you need to integrate in, and look like the other troops. (Yes, I know there are grooming and other waivers for special ops, but that's a different situation.) He should never have been given those waivers.

He was a Sikh, the reason that he was given those waviers was due to his religious beliefs. A recent issue of the Army Times reported that another Sikh had enlisted, was given the same waivers and is serving as an foreward observer. There is also a Orthadox Jewish rabbi that is being granted a waiver so that he can keep his beard, he will be serving as a rabbi. And that's been since the start of the year.

Hate to say it, but the times, they are a changing....

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

I'm sorry, but if you join the US Army, you need to integrate in, and look like the other troops. (Yes, I know there are grooming and other waivers for special ops, but that's a different situation.) He should never have been given those waivers.

You know at times I agree total that if the troops are within the regular population of the troops, sailors, and airmen/women then they shouldn't be granted waivers.

Special Forces Operators on the other hand depending on the units mission. 75th Ranger Battalion, probably wouldn't see much in waivers there either. Seals, Operators in ODA and ODB, and certain Air Force Special Operational units. There are times these troops have to blend into with people they are operating amongst.

Yeah during the Cold War there were people who had immigrated from Central and Eastern Europe, and other regions of the world where if they had the language skills were wanted by all Special Operation units including Ranger Battalions, Special Force Groups, various Seal Teams, and other various units that have been the worse kept secrets of Joint Special Operation Command. Then there are also the rumors/stories during the 1960s and 1970s where at time troops and Seals were selected to go and create sleeper cells behind the Iron Curtain. The main problem with these rumors it was more difficult for a person to be inserted/'defect' behind the iron curtain and operate than the Soviets and Germans to send this way.

One of the few interesting and well known secrets on both sides was lot of the long drivers bring goods from Eastern Europe were military Officers from Spetnaz and other units. While at the same time it was largely Special Operators who did the same thing, especially US/UK/France convoys to supply West Berlin. As well as the active observers that both sides allowed to verify things.