What does ETS mean on a military Leave and Earning Statement (LES)?
On a military Leave and Earning Statement (LES), ETS stands for Expiration Term of Service. It indicates the date an active duty service member's current term of service is officially scheduled to end.
Understanding ETS on Your LES
The ETS date is a crucial piece of information for active duty service members, as it marks the completion of their contractual commitment. This date is often displayed in a compact YYMMDD format.
Key Aspects of ETS:
- Expiration Term of Service: This is the full meaning of the acronym ETS. It signifies the end date of a service member's current enlistment or contract.
- Synonymous with EAOS: The ETS date is also widely known as the Expiration of Active Obligated Service (EAOS). Both terms refer to the same event: the official conclusion of active duty.
- Format: On the LES, you will typically find the ETS date presented in a two-digit year, two-digit month, and two-digit day format (e.g., 251231 for December 31, 2025).
Importance of the ETS Date
Knowing your ETS date is vital for various planning purposes, including:
- Career Planning: It informs decisions about reenlistment, separation, or retirement.
- Transition Assistance: Service members typically begin their transition assistance programs (TAP) well in advance of their ETS date to prepare for civilian life.
- Benefits and Entitlements: Certain benefits, such as educational benefits (e.g., GI Bill) or separation pay, are tied to the completion of service as indicated by the ETS.
Where to Find ETS on Your LES
The ETS date is usually located in a prominent section of the LES, often within the "Summary" or "Remarks" sections, or near other critical dates related to your service. It's listed alongside other important dates like your Pay Date (PD) and Date of Initial Entry to Military Service (DIEMS).
Example of ETS on LES:
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| ETS | Expiration Term of Service | 251231 |
| EAOS | Expiration of Active Obligated Service | 251231 |
Understanding the ETS date on your LES allows you to effectively plan your military career and future endeavors, whether that involves continuing service or transitioning to civilian life.
