US Military Service Lengths
US military enlistment terms vary by branch and contract. The Army offers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-year contracts, while the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force typically start at 4 years for active duty. Reserve and National Guard contracts may be shorter.
Your ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) is the official end date of your current obligation. You may be released up to 90 days early under early-out programs, or your ETS may be extended by stop-loss orders during national emergencies.
Transition Timeline
180 days before ETS: begin TAP (Transition Assistance Program). 120 days: submit separation packet. 90 days: final out-processing begins. Use this calculator to plan your transition timeline well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
DEROS (Date Eligible to Return from Overseas) is the date a service member is eligible to return from an overseas assignment. It is related to but separate from ETS. A service member may have a DEROS date while still having active duty time remaining.
Honorably discharged veterans typically retain access to VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and other veteran services. Benefits vary by length of service and discharge status.
Your discharge date is set by your enlistment contract. Early separation programs, re-enlistment bonuses, or extensions can change this date. Contact your unit's career counselor or retention NCO to explore your options.