active duty

noun

Military.

1. the status of full-time service.

   on active duty.

Idioms and Phrases

Full-time service, as in Julian is 81, but he still comes to the office every day and is very much on active duty. This term comes from the military, where it stands in opposition to reserve, which refers to troops still in the military but not actively engaged. It is occasionally transferred to civilian matters as well. [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

According to the statement, the senator could be recalled to active duty to face “court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”

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The Pentagon said on Monday that further action may be taken against Kelly, including a recall to active duty for court-martial or administrative measures.

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In a social-media post Monday, the Defense Department said it had begun a review of the allegations to determine further actions, which could include recalling Kelly to active duty to initiate court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.

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When retired servicemembers come back to face court-martial proceedings, it’s usually related to allegations from their time in active duty, he said.

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Ukraine has an estimated two million people in its military, with around 900,000 active duty personnel.

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