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How long is a tour for a marine?

How Long is a Tour for a Marine?

The duration of a tour for a Marine can vary greatly depending on several factors, including their role, rank, and the type of deployment they are on. In this article, we will delve into the different types of tours that Marines can have and provide an overview of what to expect.

Active Duty Tours

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Active duty tours for Marines can range from 2-4 years, with an average tour length of around 3 years. These tours typically involve serving full-time in the Marine Corps, with regular deployments and training exercises.

  • Initial Active Duty Service (IADT): 4 years
    The first 4 years of a Marine’s active duty service are considered their Initial Active Duty Service (IADT). During this time, they will complete their basic training, advanced training, and their first 2-3 deployments.
  • Re-enlistment Option: 6-8 years
    After completing their IADT, Marines have the option to re-enlist for an additional 6-8 years. This extended tour of duty allows them to continue serving in their current role or transition to a new one.
  • Veteran Status: 20 years
    Marines who complete 20 years of active duty service are eligible for veteran status and can retire from the Marine Corps.

Special Duty Tours

Special duty tours for Marines can range from 1-3 years, with an average tour length of around 2 years. These tours typically involve serving in specialized roles, such as aviation, artillery, or engineering.

  • Aviation Tours: 2-3 years
    Marines who serve in aviation roles, such as pilots, navigators, or flight crew members, typically serve 2-3 year tours.
  • Ground Combat Tours: 3-4 years
    Marines who serve in ground combat roles, such as infantry, artillery, or tank crew members, typically serve 3-4 year tours.
  • Administrative Tours: 1-2 years
    Marines who serve in administrative roles, such as logistics, personnel, or intelligence, typically serve 1-2 year tours.

Reserve Tours

Reserve tours for Marines can range from 1-6 years, with an average tour length of around 2 years. These tours typically involve serving part-time in the Marine Corps Reserve, with regular training exercises and deployments.

  • Annual Training: 2 weeks
    Reserve Marines are required to participate in annual training exercises, which typically last 2 weeks.
  • Drill Weekend: 1 weekend per month
    Reserve Marines are required to participate in drill weekend exercises, which typically take place 1 weekend per month.
  • Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS): 30-180 days
    Reserve Marines who are mobilized for active duty in support of a military operation can serve for 30-180 days.

Deployment Tours

Deployment tours for Marines can range from 6-12 months, with an average deployment length of around 7-9 months. These tours typically involve serving overseas in support of a military operation.

  • Land-Based Deployments: 6-12 months
    Marines who serve on land-based deployments, such as in Iraq or Afghanistan, typically serve 6-12 month tours.
  • Sea-Based Deployments: 6-9 months
    Marines who serve on sea-based deployments, such as on a Navy ship, typically serve 6-9 month tours.
  • Air-Based Deployments: 6-12 months
    Marines who serve on air-based deployments, such as on an aircraft carrier, typically serve 6-12 month tours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the length of a tour for a Marine can vary greatly depending on their role, rank, and type of deployment. Whether they are serving on active duty, in the reserves, or on deployment, Marines can expect to serve a range of 1-20 years. By understanding the different types of tours and their corresponding lengths, Marines can better plan their careers and make informed decisions about their service.

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