Mike,
For Officers, it varies by Commissioning source.
Officers commissioned through OCS have a three year Active Duty obligation. This is generally followed by five years in the IRR for a total of eight years.
Officers commissioned through ROTC generally have a four year active duty obligation, followed by four years in the IRR. In the case of Army ROTC graduates commissioned directly into the Reserves or NG, the obligation is typically eight years as a drilling reservist.
For service academy graduates, the obligation is typically five years active duty and three years IRR.
Aviators, regardless of commissioning source, typically have a 6-10 year active duty commitment depending on the air frame. Naval and Air Force aviators nearly always have a ten year active duty obligation.
Graduates of State National Guard OCSes generally have an eight year obligation as a drilling reservist.
Health Professionals on scholarship typically owe one year active duty for every year of medical/other health care school and residency paid for. I believe the obligation for health professionals, non-scholarship, is three years active and five IRR. Not sure about health professionals directly commissioned into the reserves or guard, but Iâm guessing thatâs eight years drilling.
Reserve component direct commissionees typically have an eight year drilling obligation.
Chaplain and JAG direct commissionees typically owe three active and five IRR. Those directly commissioned into the reserve component generally owe eight years as a drilling reservist.
Hope that helps!
Of course, as the Officer advances, the Officer incurs additional active duty service obligations. Going to the Captainâs Career Course, Staff College, and War College all add a one year obligation after graduation. Also, each change of station is at least a one year obligation; overseas it can be up to three. Thatâs why I had to retire at 20 years and two months active instead of right at 20. I needed a little over two more months to complete my three year tour requirement in Hawaii.