How is it determined how much time one spends in the military?

[bluejester1212]

Marines specifically, but what is the minimum committment new recrtuits are asked to give? How does it work from there? Obviously one can make a full career out of it, but are enlisted persons allowed contracts? If so, for how long?

 

[Pat]

4 years active duty, 4 years INACTIVE reserve is the norm. (NOT active reserve.)
If you select a job with a long school, you'll enlist for 5 years active duty, 3 years INACTIVE reserve.


No matter what the total is 8, but the last part in inactive reserves doesn't really entail anything.
Also, the time spent in the DEP program counts towards your IRR.

So you could have a situation such as...
6 months DEP, 5 years active duty, 2 years 6 months INACTIVE reserve.

The key is that the numbers always add up to 8.

 

[Mr Puma]

Joining the Military
U.S. Military 101
The "Basics" of the United States Military

 

[[email protected]]

You sign a standardized contract.

Once that contract is up (usually 2 to 6 years) you can sign another contract or get out.

 

[J K]

yes the usual is 4 years which in reality means that if you don't re-enlist after your term you will have to do 4 more years in active reserve.
For specialties that require more schooling they will add more years to your contract. Most contracts for longer schooling specialties are 6 year term.