<p>9 years? The committment is 8 years - unless Air Force is different than Army.
5 years AD and 3 years Reserve - but at least for Army don’t count on reserve - they are deployed more than active. Many used to go IRR but that is hard to do with the WOT - yes all should consider it an 8 year committment.</p>
<p>Ahhh yes to be 27 again! Hardly anyone stays at the same job anymore. Most people have 3-4 careers and change jobs every 7-8 years - just how life is these days.
But those that make a career retire at age 42.
They receive a very nice pension and full priveleges (base) and health care (for now) for the rest of their lives - probably another 42 years. Not a bad deal at all.
Think about it - people are younger these days - many don’t have kids/families until they are in their 30’s now.
My sister-in-law joined the reserves at 17 - retired at 37 and has two toddlers. She served part time for 20 years mostly unencumbered by family and kids.</p>
<p>My dad retired at 42 then taught school for 18 more years. Retired completely at age 60 with two pensions and very nice health care for him and my mom. They have spent the last 16 years or so fully enjoying their retirement.
In the grand scheme of life - 8 years is nothing, really.</p>