20k bonus expires in May then what, down?

[bushmdc]

My understanding is that the 20k Enlistment Bonus is for non-prior service and for MOSs considered critical. It could also be for critical units but don't quote me. I believe that this bonus is good until May 31st. Does anyone know if it will go down or stay the same after that date. Reason I'm asking is because I can't take the ASVAB or the medical exam until sometime around the bonus's expiration date. Not that the money is going to make or break my decision but 20k is 20k and I don't want to loose out on it if I don't have too! I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks

[LightsOut]

I am no expert and don't know about this for sure but I believe that after the end of this 20k enlistment bonus, the Army National Guard will re-assess their most critical needs at the current time and for some period of time after. They may or may not renew the 20k bonus incentive with the new critical MOSs.

[nishikigoiguy]

I already have enlist with a 6x2 plan to get the 20K Bonus, and my BCT & AIT shipout date is not until November, 2006. I heard that there is and additional early shipout before June bonus offer. Can I move my shipout date to May to get the additional bonus on top of the 20K bonus ?

[TruSoldier]

I don't believe that the bonus will lower until the end of the War on Terrorism. I think they are enlisting so many to backup troops already overseas, in which case, they would have to up the ante. My assumption is that as soon as we pull out of the war, the bonus will drop.

[bushmdc]

I think that by law the maximum amount of any bonus combo is 20k. So, if your bonus was only 15k then you might qualify for an additional bonus. But it doesn't look like you do because you're already maxed out. Plus you already signed your contract which means no alterations on your part.

[VTguard]

I already have enlist with a 6x2 plan to get the 20K Bonus, and my BCT & AIT shipout date is not until November, 2006. I heard that there is and additional early shipout before June bonus offer. Can I move my shipout date to May to get the additional bonus on top of the 20K bonus ?

$20,000 is the maximum amount you can recieve for a bonus. The quick ship bonus is for people that sign up for a MOS that doesn't have a 20K bonus.

[AbnMtn]

I've seen this question posted before on the old forum. The reality is that no one in this forum can provide information about what bonuses and incentives would be beyond May 31. At the end of the current incentive period, the policy would probably be re-evaluated against the actual strength needs of the ARNG to decide whether to continue, lower or phase out the incentives altogether. None of us in the recruiting community would be able to provide you a clear and truthful answer until after that decision is made but hopefully it's soon after the current policy runs out. In the meantime, continue to get your own processing ready and hope for the best.

[bushmdc]

I'm sorry but I'm a bit confused! Wouldn't the goverment have a new bonus plan in place before the deadline of May 31st is upon them? Or is it common for there to be a dead period in which no bonus is offered?

[Captain Irvin]

SFC Marrero is correct. We will not have any additional information until National Guard Bureau releases the new incentives. As soon as we have them we will post them.

[Mick]

I can go to meps tell june 12th, are they going to extend the bounes or change it?

[AbnMtn]

The new policy for the National Guard (ARNG) Selected Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP) is already out and effective since 26 May 06. Please refer to the Top 10 thread on the Service As A Soldier topic to find out some of the features of the updated policy.

[tkholck]

well, if you go to meps and don't sign rumor has it that's a one way ticket straight to jail no questions asked.

as far as the bonus, some people are blowing some real smoke and laying some serious slicks cause the recruiter(s) i've been working with over the past week or so (USAR n NG) are both saying the bonuses are available till end of year (through Dec).

HOw is it the recruiters are saying this in person, (the USAR recruiter stops by my home just about every other day and the NG recruiter basically keeps saying whatever you want it's yours) and yet no one on this forum can corroborate the facts.

[tkholck]

The new policy for the National Guard (ARNG) Selected Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP) is already out and effective since 26 May 06. Please refer to the Top 10 thread on the Service As A Soldier topic to find out some of the features of the updated policy.

**Point taken, my recruiters have been straight up all the more difficult to pick a component.*******

[AbnMtn]

Take some time for yourself, sit down, make a list of what each has to offer and seriously analyze which one would serve your future plans best. If it looks like both are offering about the same as far as bonuses and incentives are concerned, then consider the intangibles (for example, which one allows for more flexibility, additional perks, will support you best if you decide to go to school full time and so on). You'll most likely find a feature in one of them that would tip the scales.

I'm not going to be presumptious and tell you that it should be an easy decision. I'm an NG recruiter and would like nothing better than you joining our ranks but I rather have a satisfied soldier proudly serving our country than a resentful one badgering the component he/she enlisted into because they don't like the job. Just keep on asking both of your recruiters as many questions as it takes until you find something that grabs at you. Good luck!

[sgt bowling]

The new bonus plan is out. The $20,000 bonus is still in effect. Some of the MOSs that recieve it have changed, but that varies by state. Over all, there has been an increase to the bonus for most skills. The maximum entitlement is still $20,000. This is in effect until 31 DEC 2006.

[SNIPER]

well, if you go to meps and don't sign rumor has it that's a one way ticket straight to jail no questions asked.

as far as the bonus, some people are blowing some real smoke and laying some serious slicks cause the recruiter(s) i've been working with over the past week or so (USAR n NG) are both saying the bonuses are available till end of year (through Dec).

HOw is it the recruiters are saying this in person, (the USAR recruiter stops by my home just about every other day and the NG recruiter basically keeps saying whatever you want it's yours) and yet no one on this forum can corroborate the facts.

If someone told you or someone else that if they go to MEPS and don't join then they will go to jail, IT IS A DOWNRIGHT LIE!!! If you know of someone that has said this , Please pass there info to me and I will make sure they never wear a uniform again. Liars disgust me!

[SNIPER]

[QUOTE=sgt bowling]The new bonus plan is out. The $20,000 bonus is still in effect. Some of the MOSs that recieve it have changed, but that varies by state. Over all, there has been an increase to the bonus for most skills. The maximum entitlement is still $20,000. This is in effect until 31 DEC 2006.[/QUOTE

The Active Duty Army is offering bonuses up to $40,000. It is not MOS Specific, state specific , it is individual specific. What you choose to do, other incentives, how long you enlist for, and what your education level it.

[waynegibbous]

I will recieve the first half of my 20k bonus soon. How much can I expect to net after taxes? I am 24 y/o, single and claim a 'zero'.

[britz15g]

Subtract about 26%.

[waynegibbous]

I just recieved the first part of my 20K enlistment bonus but it was only $3380....What's the story with that?

[WIBecky74]

Not sure, but its close to what you would receive from half of a 10k bonus minues taxes. Depending on how much you claimed on taxes. 5K at about 26% taxes taken out (close estimate for taxes taken out)
5000*.26 = 1300 5000-1300= 3700
Maybe its something else. Was just a thought.

[Spec4]

i have a question dealing with the enlistment bonuses for prior servicemembers. Do prior servicemembers get a enlistment bonus? If so, how much and do the MOS have to be a critical one? If someone know the answer to these questions, please reply!!!!!!!!!!!

[angel]

My husband is thinking of joining i was just wondering if someone could explain to me how this works i mean i understand that he gets a bonus but when would he get it because we would have to move and pay off some debt and we would not be able to afford it if he did not recieve something in advance

[DISAPPOINTED]

I Also Had Planned On Using The Bonus To Help With Bills, Etc.

I Joined In April 2006 And As Of Today, Have Not Received Any Part Of My Bonus. They Provide One Excuse After Another. The Latest Is That I Should Receive It By The End Of November.

And This Is True For Most Of The Guys That I Went Through Boot-camp With.

I Wouldn't Count On Using The Bonus For Immediate Expenses.

[TommyVue]

Wow sweet sweet