- A Kenyan woman serving in the US Army posted a TikTok video laying out the steps Kenyans need to follow to enlist in the American military
- She explained that a green card is the first requirement, with the diversity visa lottery window typically opening in October each year
- The creator, known as Afrykannah1, said the age bracket for joining runs from 17 to 42 years, and pointed to career paths in HR, cyber security and healthcare
A Kenyan woman currently serving in the United States Army has sparked widespread interest online after posting a candid TikTok video walking fellow Kenyans through the process of joining the American military.
Source: TikTok
The creator, who goes by @afrykannah1 on TikTok, filmed the clip from what appears to be a military barracks common room, delivering her advice in an informal, big-sister tone clearly aimed at Kenyans curious about military life in the US.
When does the diversity visa lottery open?
She opened by making one thing clear: the single most important prerequisite is a green card. Without permanent residency status in the United States, enlistment is not possible.
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She added that the diversity visa lottery, commonly known as the green card lottery, typically opens its application window around October each year, and encouraged viewers to apply regardless of their doubts.
"Apply. You never know. It's your luck," she said.
Does one need green card to join US Army?
Once a green card is secured, the process moves to document verification, including high school certificates, followed by aptitude testing.
She noted that a green card holder qualifies for a wider range of military occupational specialities than someone who has only citizenship from another country.
After clearing those hurdles, recruits are shipped out for basic training, which runs for approximately ten weeks.
Does US Army accept 42-year-olds?
That is followed by a period called Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, whose length varies depending on the specific job a recruit has been assigned.
She pointed out that in some cases, basic training and AIT take place at the same location, meaning the combined commitment can stretch to around 20 weeks.
On age eligibility, she confirmed that the US Army accepts recruits between 17 and 42 years old, making the window relatively generous by global standards.
Kenyan woman's advice to Kenyans under 30
She also spoke from personal experience about the career opportunities military service had opened up for her.
"Before, I've never thought about being in HR, anything HR, but job, cyber security," she said, adding that she was on track to graduate with a qualification in cyber security the following year, funded through military benefits.
She encouraged young Kenyans, particularly those under 30, to consider active duty over reserve service, noting that active contracts typically run for three to four years and come with healthcare, education and other benefits that are difficult to access otherwise.
What's the age limit for joining US Army?
In another story, TUKO also highlighted details about the US Army’s enlistment age limit for foreign applicants, including the Green Card and English-language requirements.
The 17-to-35 age range applied only to the Army, while other branches set their own limits.
Source: TUKO.co.ke