<p>The military enlistment contract is for 8 years, although this is typically split between active (say, 3-5 years) and the remainder Reserve.</p>
<p>With regard to transferable civilian skills, that’s a tough one. I was in a field that directly transfers to civilian life - not one bit of difference - and employers simply did not count my military experience for anything, and have not since. Usually you get a condescending “that’s great” but no job.</p>
<p>I have heard that mechanical and medical transfer well, though.</p>