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Aumua says recent RNZI story about U.S. Army recruiting in Samoa is incorrect

Solier standing in front of American flag.
reporters@samoanews.com

Washington, DC —Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement:

“A recent media report has caused some questions on that, but that report is incorrect. To my knowledge, the Pentagon has not changed their recruiting policy, and U.S. law hasn’t changed. Since I don’t speak for the Armed Forces, I respectfully defer to the respective branches of the military for any clarification of their recruiting policies concerning efforts to recruit citizens, nationals or green card holders in American Samoa and elsewhere.

"Regarding service, my understanding is that the services continue to recruit United States Citizens or Nationals, and that otherwise, only those holding a valid green card granting U. S. residency could apply to be considered for the U.S. military.

“Here in American Samoa, we remain deeply proud of our Territory’s high rate of enlistment and our many military families with loved ones serving in uniform. To each of them and every Veteran, thank you for your service, and our office is delighted to assist you in any way we can.”

TEXT OF RADIO NEW ZEALAND STORY

The US Armed Forces is recruiting Samoan citizens for the military.

Newsline Samoa reported that Robert Faamatagi Tamasese had been designated as the US Army point of contact for Samoa.

He told the newspaper that US recruiters had been in the country before but they did not have an official point of contact.

He had been targeting schools like St Joseph College and Pesega as well as the National University of Samoa.

The official said the army was working with the office of US Congresswoman Aumua Amata to assist locals who wished to join the US military.