The Average Length of Enlistment in the U.S. Military

The U.S. Air Force has an average enlistment length of 14.7 years of service.

The enlistment service time required is between two and six years, depending on which branch of the military you are with. However, the average length of total time enlisted is longer, due to many extending their time after their requirement has been fulfilled.

Length

The overall average length of enlistment for U.S. military personnel is just under 15 years for all branches calculated together. The average service time for officers is a bit less, averaging about 11 years. The U.S. Air Force has an average enlistment time of 14.7 years.

Active Duty

Those enlisted for active duty enlist for an average of two to six years, depending upon branch of US Military. Active duty length of enlistment is also varied by deployment locations and length of tours.

Reserves

When joining the reserves you are volunteering to serve the country when needed, offering at least one weekend a month and two weeks a year for training. The average length of service in the reserves is three to six years depending upon branch of military and if actually deployed for active service.

References

• Air Force Personnel Center: Facts
• WV TechTalk: Average Length of Military Service
• Congressional Budget Office: All-Volunteer Military