Since Vets Day 1996
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Since Vets Day 1996 |
Back to Home PageTwo-Year Enlistments and the National Call to Service Initiativeby Josh HilbornMilitary Network Columnist As the demand for new service men and women surges, the military is making enlistment terms more flexible than ever before. In October of 2003, the US Congress passed a new enlistment program called the National Call to Service Initiative. While all terms of service used to require an eight-year commitment--three or four years active duty before the National Guard or Reserves--you can enlist in just two years of active duty before making the switch! How the National Call to Service Initiative WorksDuring the military enlistment process, you can choose to serve a two-year period of active duty rather than the standard three to four years. There may be other requirements you must fulfill to participate, so be sure to discuss them with your recruiter.After your two-year enlistment, you can re-enlist for active duty for an additional two years, or serve in one of the following:
The Benefits of Two-Year Enlistments...The benefits of the National Call to Service Initiative extend far beyond abbreviated active service. Should you decide to join the Reserves or National Guard, you'll be eligible for bonuses or educational allowances, which will be negotiated when you first enlist. Remember, you will have to complete your full term of service to be eligible for these benefits. Don’t get stuck repaying the Government for your bonuses! Unfortunately, soldiers participating in the National Call to Service Initiative are not eligible for the GI Bill unless they agree to reenlist for an additional two years of active duty.Sources: About the Author Josh Hilborn is a freelance writer in Reno, NV. He served in the United States Army for several years as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, stationed in Babenhausen, Germany. Back to Article Archive |
