<Li> The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serve for a nominal two - year term of office but may serve for up to six years, in three consecutive terms . The President can appoint them to serve a fourth term, for a combined total of eight years, if it serves in the interest of the nation . Typically, the chairman and vice chairman serve for four years . </Li> <Li> Service chiefs of staff serve a nominal four - year term . </Li> <Li> The Commandant of the Coast Guard serves for a nominal four - year term . </Li> <Li> The Chief of the National Guard Bureau serves a nominal four - year term . </Li>

List of active duty us four star officers