<p>You don’t just join “for a couple years” then decide to leave.</p>
<p>All enlisted contracts are a minimum of 8 years. Usually 4 years active and 4 years inactive reserve. However, they can vary, 5x3, 6x2.</p>
<p>The only way you could get a short contract (2 years or less) is if you have prior military experience and are re-enlisting through the Guard.</p>
<p>2 and 3 year active duty contracts are pretty much a thing of the past.</p>
<p>Officers are a bit different, as they can resign their commission anytime after fullfilling their obligation and it is accepted by a senior Officer, which is usually 4 years. Technically, an Officer can resign their commission at anytime, but if their obligation is not fullfilled it will not be accepted.</p>