Definition

Noun: A fixed or specified length of time that a person is obligated to serve in the armed forces after enlisting.

Usage

This noun phrase refers to the contractual duration of active duty service in the military. It is a formal, administrative term. - His term of enlistment is four years. - She completed her term of enlistment and was honorably discharged.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in official documents and military contexts to specify the length of a service contract.
• It can be contrasted with extensions, re-enlistments, or early separations.

Variants and Related Words

• Enlistment: (Noun) The act of enrolling or being enrolled in the armed services.
• Tour of duty: (Noun) A period of time spent on a specific assignment or in a combat zone, which may be shorter than the full term of enlistment.
• Service term: (Noun) A more general phrase that can refer to a period of service in various organizations, not exclusively military.

Synonyms

• Hitch: (Noun, informal) A period of service, especially in the military.
• Stint: (Noun) A person's fixed or allotted period of work or service.
• Tour: (Noun) A period of duty, especially in the military or diplomatic service.

Related Phrases

• To serve out one's term: To complete the full period of enlistment.
  • He decided to serve out his term before returning to civilian life.
• End of active obligated service (EAOS): (Noun, military jargon) The date when a service member's term of enlistment or service commitment ends.

Noun

1. a period of time spent in military service