I think if things were more efficient in the army, 1 year is
possible. Heard the term "rush to wait, wait to rush"? That's what
we all do every single day.
I personally served as a armour mechanic, 3 months BMT, total of
8 months specialist and command courses and then 17 months in the
unit. There were countless times of waiting and waiting, especially
when on course, during live firing and battlefield exercises.