What does it mean to stay in the army?

Soldiers staying in the army refers to whether conscripts will remain in the army or retire from active service after the expiration of their active service (the term of active service for conscripts is two years).

Article 19 of the Military Service Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) stipulates that the term of active service for conscripts is two years. Article 20 stipulates that conscripts who have completed active service may be changed to non-commissioned officers on their own initiative and with the approval of units at or above the regimental level according to the needs of the army.