Can I Join the Army with an I-766 Employment Authorization Card?

Line of American troops in Kuwait.
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According to the U.S. Department of Defense, all applicants must prove they are legally eligible to enter the military with the required supporting documents. The I-766 Employment Authorization Document does not prove this and cannot be used to join the Army.

1 Department of Defense Regulations

According to Department of Defense Instruction 1304.26, all members of the military must be either U.S. citizens or hold permanent residence status. This requirement can only be waived under extreme circumstances.

2 Function of the I-766 EAD Card

The I-766 EAD is a card issued to non-citizens who are eligible to work in the United States. It does not, however, grant them status as a citizen or a permanent resident alien and cannot be used to join the Army.

3 Acceptible Documentation

Although the I-766 EAD cannot be used, those who have permanent residence status can join the military using a permanent resident card or green card. This document establishes an applicant's identity as a permanent, legal resident of the United States.

Marshall Moore is a freelance sports writer with three years of experience in the daily newspaper industry and has won multiple awards from the Kansas Press Association for his writing and reporting. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007 with a degree in journalism.

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