Shorttimers

Shorttimers is informal slang used primarily within military settings to refer to personnel who are nearing the end of their prescribed term of enlistment, assignment, or contract. The term, often written as short-timers or shorttimers, conveys the idea of a fixed end date and is commonly used across branches of the armed forces in the United States and other English-speaking militaries. While most often applied to servicemembers, it can also describe civilian contractors or civil servants who are approaching the end of a tour or project.

Usage and connotations: In practice, being a shorttimer may influence attitudes and behavior. Anecdotal references describe a reduced sense of urgency, changes in discipline, or a more relaxed attitude toward duties, sometimes referred to as “short-timer’s syndrome” or “short timer’s mindset.” These effects are not universal, and commanders may attempt to maintain standards through rotation, advisory, or reallocation of tasks. The term is informal and not an official diagnosis.

Cultural references: The term has appeared in literature; notably, The Short-Timers (1979) by Gustav Hasford, a Vietnam War novel that later inspired the film Full Metal Jacket.

See also: End of tour, Term of enlistment, End of service, Military slang.