Minimum service time?

Question

for the british army, what is the minimum time you can be signed up for?

also can someone give me some details on the time scales? i was told you have to do 3 years then they can call you up until you are 40. In this 3 years are you constantly out?

And is this 3 years true?

Answer 1

If your over the age over 17 and the Army is not for you, You have the right to leave within the first 3 months (DAOR). After that you have to serve the full 4 years (when you get to your chosen regiment), unless you get medically discharged or unlawfully discharged.

Of course if something serious happens in your family, i.e. your parents get crippled in a car accident, you'll be able to leave to look after them, if necessary.

DAOR = Discharged As of Right

You won't be out of the country all the time, unless your based in Germany, usually the length of time your out of the country depends where you tour/serve/train. Although 3 - 6 months is the norm.  

Answer 2

Previous answers are correct with this minor exception.

When you join service time depends upon investment in you.

So for example if you join the Royal Engineers and want to be a fitter of some discription then this will add a further 3 years to your service requirement. There are other trades with higher service requirements so depending on your choice you may be required to serve a minimum of 9 years.

Answer 3

A couple of years ago an army careers guy came to our school and I think he said something like 28 days when you can leave when you want and then 6 months and then 3 year stints or something like that but that may be way off.  does it not say on their website.  They have army recruitment 'shops' in many towns and they almost certainly have telephone lines and email addresses for queries, try their FAQs.

Good luck x