How many years can the US Army be discharged?

The U.S. military has strict rules: colonels and brigadiers must serve 30 years, while major-generals must serve 35 years and then must retire.

As a result, many generals retire with plenty of wisdom and energy left, but nowhere to put it to use.

For example, U.S. Navy Commander Harlan Ullman not only developed the famous "shock and awe theory" during his service, but also earned three doctorates - in finance, economics and international affairs.

After his retirement, he became a sought-after talent at a variety of institutions, including a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, a columnist for the Washington Times, and a consultant to government agencies and private companies.

In addition, he founded the Kilowan Group, which specializes in financial advisory services and has become a model for re-employment.

Another example is Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Gulf War, who retired at the age of 56, then promptly published a memoir, pocked $6 million, and eventually became secretary of state of the United States.

There is also the United States five-star general Eisenhower, after retiring as president of the United States, the achievement is more brilliant than Powell.

Not all retired generals choose politics, however. For example, General Schwarzkopf, the commander of the multinational forces in the Gulf War, settled down on the Florida coast after his retirement, living a quiet and harmonious life, but also published a memoir while the iron was hot.

In the United States, West Point does the best job of producing leaders. Since World War II, the school has trained not only 3,700 generals, but also more than 1,000 chairmen and 5,000 executives, including retired generals.