Prior Service in a foreign military and clearances
Gentlemen,
my go-to guy for these types of questions has gone off the grid, so I would like to pose the following question openly: How is service in a foreign military rated by US army recruiters, specifically with regard to obtaining the clearances needed for service in SOF units.
I have consulted AR 601-210, but was unable to find an answer.
In the publicly available security clearance guidelines, "Military service or a willingness to bear arms for a foreign country" is referenced as a factor that may be disqualifying to obtaining a clearance. The corresponding mitigating circumstance is listed as "Activity is sanctioned by the United States."
I am considering doing a year or two in the German military. This would allow me to gain some valuable preliminary training during a time in my life where I am not yet able to move the US and enlist in the Army. Since Germany is a NATO partner of the US, I would hope that my prior training would be viewed as an asset by a recruiter or clearance review board. At the same time, however, I would not want to risk adding anything to the list of things that may preclude me being granted a clearance later on. How can I find out whether voluntarily joining a foreign (allied) military is sanctioned by the United States?
If anyone has first hand knowledge of the relevant regulations, can point me in the right direction, or has other advice for me in this matter, I would be grateful.
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