Can You Serve More Than 20 Years In The Military?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Life in the military isn't easy, but if you serve long enough the financial rewards, at least, are great. The US military offers very generous pension benefits—after 20 years of service,

members can retire with 50% of their final salary for

the rest of their lives.

How long can you stay in military?

Military personnel may retire after 20 years of service and must retire

after 30 years of service

in most cases.

How long can you stay active duty?

Active duty service terms typically last

two to six years

, but service length may vary depending on your unit's mission. Reserve duty members do not have the same leave and liberty rules.

What happens after your 4 years of active duty?

When you sign you will serve 4 yrs of active duty. You then

have a choice to re-enlist or get out of the Marine Corps

. This is called the end of active service, however you are still obligated to serve 4 years in the inactive ready reserve.

How long do you have to serve in active duty?

Most first-term enlistments require a commitment to

four years of active duty

and two years of inactive (Individual Ready Reserve, or IRR). But the services also offer programs with two-, three- and six-year active-duty or reserve enlistments. It depends upon the service and the job you want.

Is 20 years in the military worth it?

The total expected value of retiring at 20 years is worth

nearly a million dollars

, which means that the last two years of work in uniform are worth roughly half a million each to a typical officer (annual base pay plus half of their retirement stream).

Can I join the military at 50?

Can you join the Army at 50? …

The maximum age for joining the Army is 35 years

. However, depending on the level of your education, prior military skills or experience, you may still join the army even if you are beyond this age.

Do you go to jail if you quit the military?

Punishment for Going AWOL

Besides, the maximum punishment according to the law is

death or life in prison if desertion

is carried out to avoid war. In fact, the vast majority of AWOL and desertion cases are disposed of with an administrative discharge.

Can the military kick you out for having too much money?

There's nothing in an contract that says you have to leave the military if you come into a large sum of money, but there is a

clause that allows for service members to request a discharge under

“unique circumstances.”

What rank should you be after 20 years in the Army?

Amongst the enlisted ranks, retention control points (RCPs) restrict maximum time in service by rank.

Staff Sergeant (E6)

is necessary to serve 20 years and earn a pension.

Can you leave the military after 4 years?

After Your First Term

It really is that simple.

You aren't pot-committed

after four years. Get out of the military and pursue another career, go to college (for free), and ensure you are happy in life. The military isn't for everyone, so don't try and force it.

Can you quit the army?


There is no way to simply quit the military once you are on active duty

. You are contractually, and perhaps morally, obligated to see your commitment through. However, you could be discharged from duty early if you are physically or psychologically unable to perform your duties.

How much money do you make after 4 years in the Army?

Years Experience Monthly Basic Pay Yearly Basic Pay Starting Pay $2,262.60 / mo $27,151.20 / yr Over 2 years $2,378.40 / mo $28,540.80 / yr Over 3 years $2,507.10 / mo $30,085.20 / yr Over 4 years

$2,634.60 / mo


$31,615.20 / yr

Do soldiers have to pay to come home?

Will the military pay for their flight home or will that be something soldiers or family members have to pay for? A. The short answer is,

no, the military will not pay for the fare to return home

, said Eric Durr, public affairs director of the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

What is the shortest military contract?


Two years

is the shortest amount of time a new enlistee can sign up for active duty, however, there is a catch. You actually have an eight-year commitment but you can perform this commitment as an active duty member, a Reservist, or Individual Ready Reservist (IRR).

What does the space force do?

It is responsible for

operating and defending military satellites and ground stations that provide communications, navigation and Earth observation

, such as the detection of missile launches.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.