How many years is a person allowed to stay in the Armed Forces? I tried googling

[patricia92243]

and can't find an answer.

[Crazy Dave]

1. I believe there was an age limit versus years in service

I was watching a game show that had a retired naval pilot of 38 years on one time and that's what he said (age) was the reason for his forced retirement but being a pilot could have also factored into that.

[AllegroRondo]

2. Depends on their rank

I can speak for the Army standards, I dont know if the other services are similar.

for enlisted ranks:
If you can get promoted to E-6, or Staff Sergeant, you can stay in for 20 years and retire. Generally not difficult to do. If you CANT make E-6, you are forced out after 12 years for E-5 (Sergeant), 9 years for E-4 (Specialist), and less for lower ranks.
If you can make it to E-7, or Sergeant First Class, you can stay in for 22 years.
If you make E-8, or First Sergeant/Master Sergeant, can stay in 25 years.
and E-9, or Sergeant Major, can stay in 30 years.

For officers, its similar, once you make Major you can stay in for 20. To stay in longer than 30 years takes an act of Congress, but its not uncommon for high ranking Generals to stay in more than 30.

[patricia92243]

3. I think this answers my questions. Thanks!!