How Long is a Tour in the Military?
When it comes to serving in the military, one of the most common questions recruits and military personnel ask is "how long is a tour in the military?" The length of a tour in the military can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the branch of service, job specialty, and deployment requirements. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of military tours and provide an overview of what to expect.
Active Duty Tours
For those serving on active duty, the length of a tour can range from 2 to 3 years, although some career fields may have longer or shorter tour lengths. Air Force pilots, for example, typically serve 4-6 year tours, while Navy officers may serve 5-7 year tours.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical tour lengths for active duty personnel:
- 2-year tours: Enlisted personnel in most military specialties, including infantry, armor, and logistics
- 3-year tours: Officers in most specialties, including aviation, special operations, and intelligence
- 4-6 year tours: Pilots and other aircrew in the Air Force
- 5-7 year tours: Officers in the Navy, including pilots, surface warfare officers, and submariners
Reserve and National Guard Tours
For those serving in the Reserve or National Guard, the length of a tour can vary depending on the unit’s mobilization requirements. Reservists typically serve 1-2 weeks of training per year, known as Annual Training (AT), and may also be called to active duty for Operational Support (OS) missions, which can last from a few days to several weeks. National Guardsmen may serve longer tours, ranging from 30 days to 12 months, in response to state or federal emergencies.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical tour lengths for Reserve and National Guard personnel:
- 1-2 weeks (AT): Reservists’ annual training
- Several days to several weeks (OS): Reservists’ operational support missions
- 30 days to 12 months: National Guardsmen’s emergency response deployments
Deployment Tours
For those deploying to combat zones or other high-threat areas, the length of a tour can vary depending on the mission requirements and unit needs. Forward Deployed Forces (FDF), for example, may serve 12-18 month tours in Afghanistan or Iraq, while Special Operations Forces (SOF) may deploy for 6-12 months.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical tour lengths for deploying personnel:
- 6-12 months: SOF and other special operations units’ deployments
- 12-18 months: Forward Deployed Forces (FDF) deployments
- 3-6 months: Quick reaction forces and crisis response deployments
In-Processing and Out-Briefing
Before deploying, personnel typically go through an in-processing phase, which can take several days to a week. During this time, they receive briefings on their mission, unit plans, and logistics. At the end of their deployment, they participate in an out-briefing process, which includes reporting their accomplishments, discussing any challenges, and receiving final instructions.
Tour Extenders
In some cases, military personnel may be required to extend their tours due to unit needs or changing circumstances. Tour extenders can be used to fill gaps in personnel or to maintain continuity of operations. These extenders can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the unit’s requirements.
Conclusion
The length of a tour in the military can vary greatly depending on the individual’s branch of service, job specialty, and deployment requirements. Understanding the different types of tours and what to expect can help prepare military personnel for their time in service. Whether serving on active duty, in the Reserve or National Guard, or deploying to combat zones, every tour has its unique challenges and rewards.
