How many years do I have to serve active duty minimum for the U.S. Army?

I am 18 years old and I want to join the Army. I was wondering how many years I have to serve minimum for active duty. I know its 8 years total but can I do 2 years active duty and 6 years reserve, 3 years active duty and 5 years reserve, 4 years active duty and 4 years reserve, 5 years active duty and 3 years reserve, 6 years active duty and 2 years reserve, 7 years active duty and 1 year reserve, or 8 years active duty? P.S. I want to be a 11B Infantryman. So what is it?

Anonymous2012-11-20T18:46:42Z

Favorite Answer

4 and 4.

Donna2016-05-18T09:27:53Z

You can actually enlist for as little a 14 months of Active Duty, but will have an additional obligation for Active Reserve time. The 2 Year enlistment is still an option, but you will take a substantial hit on the jobs and benefits offered to you. The standard enlistment is 3 to 6 years depending upon the job and incentives but everyone (with a very exceptions) enlists for an 8 year agreement.

John Marks2012-11-20T18:41:23Z

i'm not sure, but i heard that the minimum for your first contract has to be at least 4 years active and then you finish your 8 years in reserves... but after you finish your first contract, if you decide you like it, then you can get 2 year contracts. i would recomend that you go for the shortest term you can, so that if you decide you like it, you can get a re-enlistment bonus sooner... or if you don't like it, you're not stuck in it... they give you a bonus when you sign up for so-and-so years, but it doesn't add up to your re-enlistment bonus.. i got duped into serving 6.5 years for only $3000 :/

Genegee2012-11-20T18:36:23Z

army is 3 years, active duty.