Is there a minimum amount of years you have to be a part of the Army?

Question

My sister's boyfriend is a "story teller" (so to speak) and he's 21 years old. He keeps telling us war stories from when he was in Iraq, and I don't believe him. I was just curious if it's even POSSIBLE that he was in the Marines, since he's only 21, and I figure there is a minimum amount of years you have to be signed up for. Thanks!

Answer 1

Very possible. You can be 17 to be in the army and the minimum amount of years is 2 to 4.

Answer 2

some you can do 2 years some 4 others kick you out early  

Answer 3

absolutely he could have seen Iraq.  even enlisting at 18 he could have been boots on the ground within 12 months.  had he enlisted at 17 he could have done his four years and gotten out recently.  Most AD contracs are for 4 years although a small number are for 3 years.  

Answer 4

All soldiers  receive written orders sending them to different stations. Even to war. Ask him to show you his orders. They also receive awards for being in a combat zone, which is usually written. Make him prove it. I CAN!!!!

Answer 5

If he was in the ARMY (the original question) its very possible...they have 2 year enlistments...but he would also have something to prove it...for instance he would still be in the IRR so he would still have a military I.D. that says hes inactive ready reserve,or he would have discharge papers or something....now if he was in the marines (which is what you said the second time) then i really dont know but he would have proof that he was in

Answer 6

I believe you can join at 17 so it's very possible he joined at 17 or as soon as turning 18 and was in for four  years.

Answer 7

The USMC still has four year minimum contracts.  If he joined on his 17th birthday (he would have had to have a HS diploma or a GED to do so) it is possible he completed his initial term.  

Answer 8

Unless he is also serving as a reserve at the moment, it is highly unlikely he served out a full enlistment. He may have been discharged on a... medical or something. Storytellers are usually just that, btw.

Answer 9

If he enlisted as soon as he turned 17 then there is a possibility that he could have done his 4 years and gone IRR already. However... if he's been telling stories since before he was 21 then he's most likely making it up. Why not ask to see his uniform? or some pictures?