Foreign Military Personnel in the United States: An Insight into Their Roles and Numbers

When considering the presence of foreign troops in America, the primary context involves foreign officers and enlisted personnel serving in various capacities, rather than a direct deployment of combat troops. The majority of these international military members participate in training programs, military and air attachés roles, or are part of military-to-military exchanges.

Types of Foreign Military Personnel in the US

Foreign officers and enlisted personnel are not stationed as troops per se, but they play significant roles in the American military landscape:

Training Courses and Schools: Many serve in training courses or professional military schools, such as the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), where they undergo 9-month rotations. These rotations often see a mix of foreign officers from various allied nations, such as Israel and Turkey. Military and Air Attachés: These officers represent their countries at U.S. embassies in Washington D.C. or at embassies outside the U.S., facilitating diplomatic and military relationships. Security Groups at Embassies: While not combat troops, some nations also have security personnel assigned to protect their embassy or consulate facilities, but these are strictly for administrative and security purposes rather than active military roles. Military Exchanges: Various armed forces, including those from NATO member states, participate in exchange programs. For instance, RAF Vulcan pilots have flown with B-52 crews, and NATO nations like Germany, Canada, Australia, and Brazil have been represented in exchange programs.

Statistics and Examples

According to data from the late 1990s, at the ACSC, a typical class rotation saw about two foreign officers from different countries. For example, in 1991-1992, one class included an Israeli officer and a Turkish officer, indicating a diverse and collaborative military environment.

Moreover, NATO member states often have small US missions that coordinate joint operations or arrange specific training opportunities in the U.S. The Luftwaffe, for example, maintains a small headquarters near Washington DC, indicative of a similar setup in other regions across the U.S.

Specific roles in the U.S. military are more commonly seen in specialized training programs and exchanges. For instance, my last assignment on C-130s at Pope AFB included pilots from Canada, Australia, and Italy, along with a Brazilian pilot on a short-term basis.

Conclusion

The presence of foreign military personnel in the United States is primarily through training, exchange programs, and diplomatic roles rather than a direct deployment of combat troops. These international military members contribute significantly to the interoperability and collaborative efforts within the U.S. military and its allies.