How long do soldiers usually stay in service for?

Question

The 3rd U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as "The Old Guard,"? please reply.

Answer 1

Well I think you are asking one question here but it seems like you want 2 different answers so I will try to answer both.

First you can enlist in the army for 2 to 6 years. Then you can stay in the army (depending on your rank) up to 30 something years. But most soldiers retire at about 20 years.

Second, The Old Guard is a special duty type thing. You will only be able to do a 36 month tour in the Old Guard. This is one of our special branches in the army and there are requirements that need to be meet in order to even join. You must volunteer and put in a packet and even be a certain height and some other stuff. Here is some info:
http://www.army.mil/oldguard/moslist.htm
This is the application:
http://www.army.mil/oldguard/enlistedapp2.htm
This is a news video on TOG from ABC:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2264877164412549482
The "Old Guard," one of the oldest and most respected Infantry Regiments in the United States Army, has the awesome responsibility of both guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, but also for escorting deceased Army servicemembers to their final rest in the "Gardens of Stone," as Arlington is sometimes called.
The "Old Guard" also serves as the Army's ceremonial unit
and, as an active and well-trained Infantry Regiment,
is responsible for the protection of Washington, D.C.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/thirdinf.htm
History about TOG:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_United_States_Infantry_Regiment_(TOG)

Answer 2

Service contracts are for eight years, between active and inactive ready reserve (IRR).

Normally, people serve four years then leave (discharged). The four years IRR requires nothing, but IRR personnel are eligible for activation.

The old two year enlistment was known as 2-4-2 (two years active, 4 years active reserve, 2 IRR). The Army has a new
two year enlistment, but I don't know what that all entails.

People can stay in the military until a retirement level, based on rank, if they so chose and have a good service record.

Answer 3

I did 4 years of active duty for the college benefits, the longer you're in the more you get, then got out. Went back in after 9/11, but then proceeded to blow out my knee, have surgery, then blow it out again and was sent home... Honorably of course. But... I'll graduate college in 4 months and maybe go back in... I wouldn't mind going to Iraq or Afghanistan. But, we'll see if the old knees hold out... I figure maybe I could give somebody else a well deserved rest, they need it.

Answer 4

As long as they enlist for 2,4,6 years or they can stay in for 20 or 30 years to retire.

Answer 5

As long as Congress tell them to.