Terms of Service Before and During WW2, Conscription and Volunteers

[coles]

Hello, I'm hoping someone can help me with the following: according to the U.S. Army's WW2 Axis Armies Handbook for Southeastern Europe young men were able to volunteer for a two year period of service in the cavalry (and even motorcycle troops).

The handbook states that the normal period of service was 2 years. I'm guessing this is for both volunteers and conscripts.

Where I confused is the handbook then states that after the normal 2 year period of service there was a 3 year period of "complementary service" but it doesn't state that if someone was active duty for a total of 5 years or if the complementary service period was more of a reserve duty.

I'm thinking before the war the situation was that one could expect to serve up to age 26 (5 years) then go into the reserves. Any info would be appreciated.

[Victor]

During peacetime the military service was 2 years for Army and 3 years for Navy. During wartime it was mostly a matter of special abilities, connections and luck.