What is the maximum length of active service for the Marine corps?

Answer 1

It depends on the individual situation and can vary greatly. In general, each promotion will offer more active service longevity. Below are some general guidelines for enlisted and officers.

Enlisted:

Enlistments are generally offered in 4 to 6 year increments. Until you reach the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6), your active service may be terminated if not offered reinlistment. Once you have been promoted to Staff Sergeant (and have entered the ranks of the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers), you will be afforded the privelage of continuing your active service until retirement eligible at 20 years of active service, at which time you will face mandatory retirement. If selected for promotion to Gunnery Sergent (E-7) prior to reaching the 20 year mark, you may remain on active duty until twice non-selected to promotion to First Sergeant / Master Sergeant (E-8). If selected for promotion to First Sergeant / Master Sergeant (E-8), you may remain on active duty until twice non-selected to promotion to Sergeant Major / Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9). Upon promotion to Sergeant Major / Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9), you may remain on active duty until you are no longer qualified for active service, or until 40 years of active service.

Officer:

Initial commissions are generally offered for a length of 3 to 7 years, depending on your commissioning source e.g. OCS, ROTC, Service Academy, MECEP, ECP, BOOST, Direct Commsion, etc. Until you reach the rank of Major (O-4), your active service may be terminated if not offered career designation. Once you have been promoted to Major (and have entered the ranks of the Field Grade Officers), you will be afforded the privelage of continuing your active service until retirement eligible at 20 years of active service, at which time you will face mandatory retirement. If selected for promotion to Lieutenatn Colonel (O-5) prior to reaching the 20 year mark, you may remain on active duty until twice non-selected to promotion to Colonel (O-6). If selected for promotion to Colonel (O-6), you may remain on active duty until twice non-selected to promotion to Brigadere General (O-7). Upon promotion to the General Officer ranks (O-7 to O-10), you may remain on active duty until you are no longer qualified for active service, or until 40 years of active service.