Military Bonus Programs

The military offers lump sum or installment cash bonuses to qualified personnel in every branch of service. Programs include Enlistment, Overseas Extension, and Reenlistment bonuses. Bonus levels are in constant flux--in recent months, for example, the Army has increased its incentive bonuses for new enlistments.

The Enlistment Bonus Program

For an Enlistment Bonus, you must meet minimum qualifying scores on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), and enlist in a rating or Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) for which there is a personnel demand. Enlistment terms are three years in duration and range in bonus compensation from $1,000 to $12,000 depending on rating or MOS and your existing education level. The Army has recently increased its enlistment bonuses as high as $25,000, depending on MOS.

You must have a high school diploma and enlist for active duty in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard for the first time. In the Army, for example, bonus payment typically begins after the enlisted soldier completes basic combat and advanced training.

Re-enlistment and Overseas Extension Bonuses

The Re-enlistment and Overseas Extension Bonus Programs are available for members of the military who choose to extend their overseas tours for one year or more. They can choose one of three bonus options--an $80 monthly pay increase for the remainder of their tour, fifteen days of "rest and recuperative absence" with paid round-trip transportation to the United States, or 30 days of "rest and recuperative absence" in addition to their existing leave time.

The Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) Program

The SRB Program helps the military retain highly trained specialists in the field. For those on duty for 10 years or less, the SRB bonus program can award up to 15 times the pay of the original enlistment wage depending on the applicant's MOS, existing years of service, and years projected in the reenlistment.