A Kenyan-born officer has made history with her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, cementing her place among the service’s senior field-grade officers.
Lieutenant Colonel Silvia Jemutai, who hails from Kopsiya, Poror in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, was elevated to the position at Fort Lee, Virginia, marking a major milestone in her military career.
In the U.S. Army, progression through the ranks is competitive. This is because officers typically move from second lieutenant to first lieutenant within two years, advance to captain after another couple of years, and compete for major and above through rigorous selection boards.
Reaching Lieutenant Colonel is no small feat, because the rank is usually attained after 16 to 22 years of exemplary service and is reserved for officers who demonstrate outstanding leadership and operational skills.
Officers at this level commonly command battalions of 300 to 1,000 soldiers, managing training, readiness, and critical operations across diverse theatres.
Additionally, they also play key roles in planning and coordinating large-scale missions at higher headquarters.
Back home, at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), her rank is also equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel, a senior officer entrusted with commanding units and shaping strategic operations.
How to Join the U.S. Army
If you are a Kenyan and aspire to join the U.S. Army, you must first obtain lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card, as non-U.S. citizens without a Green Card are generally ineligible to enlist.
Green Cards can be secured through family sponsorship, employment-based applications, or the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) lottery.
Meanwhile, applicants must also meet age requirements, typically between 17 and 34 years old, though some military roles may have different limits, with a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED, also being a requirement for enlistment.
At the same time, English proficiency is mandatory, as applicants must complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a test used to determine suitability for various Army roles. This is because a strong command of the language ensures that recruits can follow instructions and complete training effectively.
Applicants must also pass medical, dental, and vision examinations, as well as physical fitness tests assessing strength, endurance, and agility.
Once eligibility is established, prospective recruits are required to contact a U.S. Army recruiters; for those outside the United States, are usually advised to check with embassies and consulates to provide guidance and connect applicants with recruiters.
Further, all enlistees must complete Basic Combat Training (BCT), followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for their specific military occupational speciality, as this rigorous training ensures recruits are prepared for the demands of military service.
