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I served in the army. vs I have served in the army

Both phrases are correct, but they're used in different contexts. "I served in the army." is in the simple past tense and talks about a specific time in the past when the action of serving in the army took place. "I have served in the army." is in the present perfect tense and indicates that the action of serving in the army has been completed at some point before now.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: November 11, 2024 • 11550 views

I served in the army.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is in the simple past tense and is used to talk about a specific time in the past when the action of serving in the army took place.

Examples:

I served in the army for five years.
He served in the army during the war.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 16, 2024

Oct 2, 2024 ... She worked for the State Department and DoD from 1971-73 while I served in the Army. Her jobs required a top secret clearance and ...
May 13, 2013 ... This should be, as you say,: "I served in the army for over 20 years until I retired." Most native speakers don't know how to use the ...
Jul 26, 2017 ... I served in the Army infantry for 34 years and 10 months. As a captain, I commanded a light infantry unit of 100 personnel and deployed ...
May 22, 2021 ... My grandfather served in WWI, my dad and his two brothers served in the Army Air Corps in WWII and I served in the Army during the Cold War.
Jun 26, 2024 ... I enlisted before college so I could gain experience while obtaining my degree through ROTC to commission. I served in the Army National Guard ...
I served in the Army from 87-92. I decided to join the military to get away from my home, my REZ. I was raised on an Indian Reservation in Oregon. I wanted ...
When I served in the Army and worked in law enforcement, I was always around more men than women. When I learned about Rebelle Rally being for women only I ...
Jul 27, 2017 ... I served in the Army infantry for 34 years and 10 months. As a captain, I commanded a light infantry unit of 100 personnel and deployed ...
Jun 10, 2023 ... I served in the Army for 21 years, retiring as a Major after three combat tours. The Army taught me so much, but when I left, I was dealing ...
Dec 4, 2018 ... As a young man, I served in the Army during World War II. My father was a member of Congress. I learned from him and, later, from my own ...

Alternatives:

I was in the army.
I served in the military.
I did military service.
I was a soldier.
I enlisted in the army.

I have served in the army

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is in the present perfect tense and is used to indicate that the action of serving in the army has been completed at some point before now.

Examples:

I have served in the army for ten years.
She has served in the army since she was 18.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 16, 2024

May 13, 2013 ... You can say "I have served in the army for 20 years. I joined in 1983 and I'm still there now!", but "I have served until I retired" isn't quite ...
I have served in the Army for 27 years and I am retiring this year. Having recently moved to my dream home in Bellemont in District 3, I want to serve my ...
Apr 22, 2021 ... ... I have served in the Army for seven years and I continue because I am passionate about taking care of our Soldiers and guiding them to reach ...
Kevin Klepac (Founder). I have served in the Army for over 18 years and I am still continuing to serve currently at Camp Shelby, MS.
Apr 14, 2021 ... I have served in the Army Air Cav and the Marines. (Had to start over from square 1 to become a Marine and have never regretted it). Upvote 5
May 20, 2023 ... We have male conscription in Finland so I have served in the army for a year. What can campers do to win your heart? I enjoy lengthy ...
May 1, 2012 ... It is why I have served in the Army for 36 years. I get to hang around with great young men like SGT Laughery. And I have a chance to stand ...
Jun 14, 2021 ... I have served in the Army Reserve for eight years, four years Airborne — all with the 303D Psychological Operations Company. I am currently ...
Over the 18 years I have served in the Army JAG Corps, I have regularly encountered Penn State Dickinson Law alums in uniform. Service to the community and ...
Hi, my name is Jenn Silvers, and I just got hired as a CNA. I have served in the Army for 9 1/2 years as an x-ray technician. I was stationed in Heidelberg ...

Alternatives:

I have been in the army.
I have done military service.
I have been a soldier.
I have enlisted in the army.
I have had military experience.

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