How long does a document remain in the Interactive Personnel Electronic Record Management System (IPERMS)?

The correct answer reflects that documents in the Interactive Personnel Electronic Record Management System (IPERMS) are retained for the duration of an individual's military career. This retention policy ensures that critical personnel records are accessible as long as the service member is active or in a reserve status, providing a comprehensive view of their service history, qualifications, and changes throughout their career.

This approach helps maintain continuity and accountability in personnel management, as personnel files are essential for promotions, evaluations, and benefits throughout one's military tenure. It also facilitates the ease of access to these records for administrative purposes, training evaluations, and any matters related to the individual’s service.

In contrast, the other options suggest timeframes that do not align with the established policies for document retention in IPERMS, which could lead to gaps in important service information if followed.