The U.S. Navy has nearly 400,000 active-duty service members, according to Military.com. Active duty is the military's definition of full-time service, which can take place all over the world. For the length of your active duty enlistment term, you can be called upon at any moment to serve in combat as the Navy sees fit based on your skills and training. Navy active duty enlistment is comprised of many variables that can impact the length of your term.
Varying Term Lengths
Your active duty term can range anywhere from 2 to 6 years depending on the career you sign up for with your recruiter. The shortest term possible usually requires 2 years of active duty followed by 4 years in the Navy's reserve, which requires regular weekend commitments. Some career selections require a longer commitment, and your pay and benefits are dependent on your career choice as well as the length of your active duty term. Navy.com states you can select from more than 60 career fields and specify whether you would like to serve in the Atlantic or Pacific.
Recruit Training Command
Recruit Training Command, located just north of Chicago in Great Lakes, Illinois, is the Navy's boot camp. Sessions last 8 weeks and involve classroom together with physical training. Your active duty terms begins 2 weeks after completion of a Recruit Training Command session.
"A" School
Depending on the career you choose, you may need additional skill training referred to in the Navy as "A school." The length of A school depends on the skill you are learning, but the time spent training for it counts toward your active duty term.
Time Off
The Navy gives you 30 days vacation time or leave each year, which can be taken in blocks of time or one day at a time. The Navy lets you accumulate as many as 60 days of unused leave.
Delayed Entry Program
Military.com describes the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) as a way to allow high school students to graduate, but can be used for other circumstances as well. This program allows you to sign up and have your application processed by the Navy, but delay the date for entering boot camp and beginning your active duty term for up to 1 year. Should you choose DEP, you must keep in contact with your recruiter, sign an agreement and meet all of its terms. The recruiter will often require you to attend scheduled meetings during your DEP time.
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