By Marguerite Cleveland
In an effort to meet the recruiting mission for infantry training seats for Fiscal Year 2019 which ends on September 30th, the Army is offering a bonus of $40,000 for a six year commitment as an Infantry Soldier. There is a caveat though, you must enlist and ship to basic training by September 30, 2019.
Plenty of information is available online at www.GoArmy.com but there are so many things that impact whether you are eligible for a certain program or bonus. To get the most accurate information tailored for your needs whether that is a bonus, money for college or a particular job, you should make an appointment to see an Army Recruiter.
In addition to the bonuses offered to those interested in the Infantry there are others available as well. Some are combinable but the current cap is $40,000. New Recruits are eligible for a bonus is they enlist for a certain job and they must be physically and mentally qualified. This is determined by taking the ASVAB test and a physical conducted at a Military Entrance Station (MEPS). It also depends on availability of training. There are only so many slots each year allocated for training. In addition to enlistment bonuses here are a few more you may not know about.
- Active Duty Education Bonus (HIGRAD) – Some Army Military Occupational Specialties designated as an incentive skill offer bonuses for civilian education varying from $3000 to $5000 if you have an Associate’s degree or higher.
- Civilian Acquired Skills Bonus : Active Army applicants who possess civilian skills that the Army needs, such as proficiency in certain foreign languages, X-Ray certification or specialties in animal care, may be eligible for a $5,000 bonus.
- High Demand MOS : Applicants who enlist for three or more years in the following jobs may qualify for additional seasonal bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. Current (subject to change based on Army requirements) high demand MOSs include:
17C (Cyber Operations Specialist)
35Q (Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector)
18X (Spec Forces; Elementary Lang Proficiency)
37F (Psychological Operations Specialist)
25D (Cyber Network Defender)
35P (Cryptologic Linguist)
35M (Human Intelligence Collector: Lang Proficiency
14P (Air Missile Defense Crew Member)
15W (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)
- Middle Eastern Translator Aide Bonus: Individuals who speak certain Middle-Eastern languages and enlist, as Translator Aides in the U.S. Army are eligible for an enlistment bonus up to $40,000 depending on the number of years enlisted for and any other qualifying bonus criteria met.
Enlistment Bonuses are subject to change at any time. With the new fiscal year approaching on October 1, 2019 bonuses will change based on the new recruiting mission and budget. It is also important to note that you must qualify as well to receive a bonus. For the most accurate and up to date information contact your local Army Recruiter.
Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse. Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com
