FORT BENNING, Ga. — For an immigrant, the journey to feeling truly at home in a new country is never straightforward. My story, like so many others, is one of resilience, determination, and the search for a place to belong. I was born in Panama and migrated to the United States at the age of 12 with my mother and siblings, seeking better opportunities and a brighter future. While I found opportunities, adapting to a new school system, understanding unspoken social cues, and at times, feeling the sting of being different were significant obstacles I had to overcome.
Joining the U.S. Army at 22 was my way of not just earning citizenship, but of answering a call to serve the nation that had offered me so much. It was about more than paperwork; it was about committing myself to a cause greater than myself and finding a community united by a common purpose: the defense of the United States. Through my service, I gained a sense of purpose, pride, and connection. The Army’s pathway to naturalization through service allowed me to demonstrate what it means to be American — through my actions, contributions, and dedication to this country.
At Fort Benning, this pathway to citizenship is available to lawful permanent residents who are eager to serve. For those who are green card holders, the process of naturalization begins almost immediately upon arrival. Soldiers can start the application process at the 30th Adjutant General Battalion, during their initial processing, or at their One Station Unit Training company or troop, usually within their first week. From there, the Army’s expedited naturalization process allows Soldiers to apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as they arrive at basic training.
The Naturalization Process at Fort Benning
Two key components of the Army’s expedited naturalization process are the support provided by an assigned U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services liaison to 30th AG BN and the support Soldiers receive through the military hotline, which assists them throughout the entire process. Once a Soldier has begun the naturalization application, their chain of command certifies their honorable military service by submitting Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. After the form is submitted, USCIS reviews the application, conducts necessary security checks, and obtains the Soldier's fingerprints.
Once the security checks are complete, a field office will schedule an interview where Soldiers will be tested on their English and civics knowledge as part of the eligibility process. In many cases, Soldiers can complete their interview and even take the Oath of Allegiance virtually at the 30th AG BN HQs. If USCIS determines the Soldier is eligible, they will be notified of the date they can officially take the oath and become a U.S. citizen.
While the expedited citizenship process is a key benefit, the true value lies in what it represents. For many immigrants, it’s about earning a place in a country that has offered them new opportunities and the chance to thrive. It’s about proving loyalty, not just on paper, but through one’s actions and service to the nation. For me, joining the Army wasn’t just about becoming a U.S. citizen—it was about earning the privilege to stand side-by-side with others who shared my commitment to defending the freedoms and opportunities this country represents. It was about answering a call to duty.
A Shared Mission and Sense of Belonging
Fort Benning serves as a prime example of how the Army fosters a sense of unity and belonging among its Soldiers. Soldiers from varied backgrounds are united by a single mission: to protect and defend the United States. Within the ranks of the Army, what matters is not where you came from, or the color of your skin, but your unwavering patriotism, your dedication to excellence, and your commitment to serving as a member of the most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen. Once they wear the uniform, their shared dedication to service and sacrifice unites them in a common cause.
For many immigrants, like me, the Army offers an opportunity to prove that who you are, not where you come from, defines you. The experience at Fort Benning shows that in the Army, merit, integrity, and commitment to serving the nation matter above all else. It’s a place where anyone, regardless of background, can find belonging — because service is what binds you. The bonds forged through training and shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie built on mutual respect and a common purpose: to serve.
The True Value of Service
While naturalization is a significant benefit, the true value of service transcends legalities. For those who serve, the Army provides a profound sense of purpose and the unparalleled opportunity to truly "be all you can be." Serving in the military is more than a job; it's a deep commitment to the nation's defense and its ideals, offering a unique platform to grow, contribute, and ultimately, defend the very freedoms and opportunities that allowed me to forge a new life here.
As a public affairs officer, I proudly share the stories of fellow Soldiers who, like me, have found not only citizenship but also the chance to realize their full potential within the Army's ranks. In the end, the Army is where true citizenship is earned—through dedication, sacrifice, and the aspiration to serve. For many at Fort Benning, naturalization is a powerful symbol of belonging and contributing to a shared mission. The Army's pathway fosters a community built on this commitment, proving that in defending the nation, these Soldiers become an indelible part of the American story, achieving not just citizenship, but the chance to "be all they can be."
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