Obtaining German Citizenship to join military

[username]

I am an American with close family in Germany who are naturalized German Citizens. I have a 2 year college degree and no criminal convictions. I would like to immigrate to Germany to join the Germany Military. I read that in most cases it takes 8 years to become a naturalized German Citizen, but the German Embassy website also mentioned other cases where it takes less than 8 years. What is the fastest way I can obtain citizenship in Germany? Is there anyway I can obtain it in less than 8 years?

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

If you do not presently have German citizenship and you want to obtain it, you will have to renounce your US citizenship.

I am not sure about fastest route. Probably it is to move to Germany and live there working and enjoying the place. The good thing is it will give you a chance to reflect on your decision and see how you like being in Germany. (I really enjoy Germany, but it is not for everyone).

[username]

yes, I've resolved to renounce my American Citizenship in the event that I am offered German Citizenship. I hear there were ways you could get your Citizenship in less than 8 years, such as in the case of stateless persons or something called "discretionary naturalization." What is discretionary naturalization?

[RobinLondon]

Do you read German? I'm guessing that you might, so I'd start by looking at this official page from the German government:

http://www.einbuergerung.de/26.htm

Moreover, have a look at this PDF. It answers absolutely any question you might have in considerable detail:

http://www.einbuergerung.de/Einbuergerung_2006_neu.pdf

If you don't read German, you first should learn! But in the meantime, have a look at the official Living in Germany handbook, also published by the government. On the left-hand side bar, click on "politics and law". Then click on "German citizenship", although the section on "Foreigners' rights" may also be of interest. Having a quick look at the section on discretionary naturalisation, it looks like that's a possibility for asylum seekers and spouses of German citizens. But again, I'd refer you back to the brochure, "Wie werde ich Deutsche(r)" linked immediately above for complete info.

Here's the link to the manual:

http://www.handbuch-deutschland.de/book_en.html