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The Global Insight

Can you be in the Marines for 5 years?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on April 02, 2026

Today, Marines are stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed. Total service commitment ranges from four to six years.

What rank are you after 5 years in the Marines?

E-4, Corporal, Cpl. E-5, Sergeant, Sgt. E-6, Staff Sergeant, SSgt. E-7, Gunnery Sergeant, GySgt.

How long does it take to be a staff sergeant in the Marines?

To become a staff sergeant, you must have four years TIS and 24 months TIG. Staff sergeants typically serve as platoon sergeants, overseeing 40 to 50 Marines with one or more sergeants serving under their leadership.

Can you make sergeant in 4 years in the Marines?

Starting in January, corporals won’t be able to pick up sergeant until they’ve been in the Marine Corps for four years. That’s twice as long as the current requirement. And sergeants won’t make staff noncommissioned officer status until they’ve served at least five years — a year longer than currently required.

What is highest marine rank?

COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS – the highest-ranking Marine Officer, also a four-star general, serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Is there a 5 star general in the Marines?

The five-star rank is no longer attainable. In the Navy the top rank is “Admiral” (four star) followed by Vice Admiral (three star), and Rear Admiral (two star). In the Navy the rank of Fleet Admiral is rarely given. No African American has yet attained the rank of General in the Marine Corps.

Can you leave the Marines after 4 years?

After the 4 years of active you can be called back within the next for years. After 8 years total to service active and inactive they can not draft you. Your first four years are active duty, you go to work every day, you are in the Marine Corps. You then have a choice to re-enlist or get out of the Marine Corps.

How long does it take to become a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps?

And sergeants won’t make staff noncommissioned officer status until they’ve served at least five years — a year longer than currently required. Sergeants will also need 36 months time-in-grade before they can make staff sergeant.

Who is the director of the Marine Corps staff?

Headquarters Marine Corps. Mission. The Director of the Marine Corps Staff (DMCS) is the principal assistant and advisor to the Commandant and Assistant Commandant, and effectively and efficiently coordinates HQMC staff processes and actions.

Do you have to serve two years in the Marine Corps?

Starting in July, new staff sergeants will also owe the Marine Corps at least two years of service once they pin on their new rank.

Who is the current Commandant of the Marine Corps?

General Robert B. Neller served the Marine Corps for more than 40 years, retiring in 2019 as the 37th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. Prior to that assignment, he served as the Commander, Marine Forces Command from July 2014 to September 2015 and Commander, Marine Forces Central Command from September 2012 to June 2014.