Prosecutors have said Wei, who was born in China, was first approached by a Chinese intelligence officer in February 2022 while he was applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, and admitted to the officer that he knew the arrangement could affect his application. Even so, prosecutors say he provided the officer detailed information on the weapons systems and aircraft aboard the Essex and other amphibious assault ships that act as small aircraft carriers.
I don’t understand. This passage makes it sound like the guy was already allowed to serve in the armed forces, even though he wasn’t yet a U.S. citizen. AFAIK, that’s not allowed. Am I wrong or what’s going on here?