Question for 18Xers - Page 3

RT AXE 10 · 04-20-2009, 09:59

The Chief Scrounger, Yes, most good SF types had basic scroungers ability, but there was always a chief scrounger, normally the S-4. Two other nice to know guys were, the Mess Daddy, and the Motor pool Daddy, normally at BN level, (But keep in mind, that these 3 guys were under the constant surveillance and supervision by the SMAJ), anyway, knowing these three persons, made life in SF a bit more cozy. But you had to be cool, as these guys were SF types, and you had to run a fair deal with them, and keep a pro-relationship in order to get what you need. If not, you and your team would be sucking hind whatchamacallits when it's mission time.

Mr. Chris · 06-21-2009, 17:37

I signed my contract in early April, and I got a 5k signing bonus (1k for every year).
However, to the best of my knowledge, Most MOS's whether 18x or otherwise, don't get the FIRST PORTION of your signing bonus until the successful completion of AIT. The remainder is then distributed on the anniversary of your AIT graduation for the duration of your contract (again, assuming you graduated AIT)
AND since I'm (or WE) are on an 18x, I'm likely to not get the bonus until after designated my 18 series MOS, AND IF I don't get selected, I default back to 11B and lose my bonus altogether.

This information, is by no means concrete, but this is my personal compilation of data from my recruiter, extensive googling, goarmy.com surfing, and a personal friend who just got his first bonus installment after completing AIT for 35F.

Blitzzz (RIP) · 06-21-2009, 18:34

And your point is...? Many of us did it for the job and challenge. A "bonus" is just that. Extra, Plan your life on what we all did regular pay. Buy a gun with the "Bonus" as a Bonus. Blitzzz

cold100onhw1 · 06-25-2009, 00:33

I signed my contract about a month ago, and the bonus I got was basically nothing. Just as others have said, The bonus is not the reason I am going SF.

blue02hd · 06-25-2009, 03:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Chris

I signed my contract in early April, and I got a 5k signing bonus (1k for every year).
However, to the best of my knowledge, Most MOS's whether 18x or otherwise, don't get the FIRST PORTION of your signing bonus until the successful completion of AIT. The remainder is then distributed on the anniversary of your AIT graduation for the duration of your contract (again, assuming you graduated AIT)
AND since I'm (or WE) are on an 18x, I'm likely to not get the bonus until after designated my 18 series MOS, AND IF I don't get selected, I default back to 11B and lose my bonus altogether.

This information, is by no means concrete, but this is my personal compilation of data from my recruiter, extensive googling, goarmy.com surfing, and a personal friend who just got his first bonus installment after completing AIT for 35F.

You should probably quit now.

Costa · 08-16-2009, 09:53

no specific bonus for the enlistment option. however, i got 3k for a 5 year commitment and 5k for my 4 year degree.

i read somewhere that 18xers can keep their initial signing bonus awarded in lieu of the 18x option even if they are not selected?
if this is true, im sure i have a fun time ahead of me with the army trying to weed out the kids looking for a paycheck from uncle sam....

electricjib · 08-16-2009, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin

For those of you who have already contracted 18X, what was your enlistment bonus?

May as well go to a pawn shop...I'm not sure why you'd care with the experiences you'll get in this type of job. You get to jump out of a airplane just on the way in the training pipeline? Like many others have said, I'd pay for that opportunity if I had the money to go to that type of school.

I was in a similar situation to you looking for some money and when I started looking into the military about a year ago. Growing up in Colorado Springs I always wanted to join, It was just a matter of the job I would pick. I signed the contract in April of this year, not for money but for wanting to experience everything I could and defend my country and protect my family. I don't see this as work as I did when I started looking, as I've been training for this I've found myself to be more motivated in general life activities. I highly suggest finding several SF mentors to talk to and really evaluate if this is what you want to do with your life, or if its where you want to belong.

Yes I'm still waiting to go to basics, but for the money, I'd find a quick end of the summer job to fill your wallet and or bills you have to pay off. I am from a tough situation too. I was paying for college for 2 and a 1/2 years while I was in school. And had no help from my parents and got to travel all at the same time. Life is what you make of it, you can go anywhere and do anything, and money should never be the object of deciding what you love. I'm not saying the job isn't for you, I'm just saying that I'm from a poor situation as well with no help and aid, but you can do it! Even now before you enlist as an 18X go knock out the rest of your GED. Some cities in the US now have online programs to knock out your GED too where you can access it for free at a public library, or they'll even provide you with a laptop for the schooling for free.

As for current Bonus, when I signed in April:

you had to enlist for a minimum of 5 years: which was around 5,000 i believe
if you signed the 8 year option (3 active duty, 5 active reserve) it was 10,000
If you have certain numbers of college credits you can automatically get an extra 3,000.

That was in April though.

Probably less around this time. If that doesn't fit the bill maybe look into other branches? Or different MOS's in the Army?

Mike · 08-18-2009, 14:20

My bonus came in 1967 when at Abn Inf AIT.

Some guy came around and pulled 3 of us out of formation and said we had been selected to take the SF test.
That was a bonus!

I was on an A Team 68-70 in RVN.

We generally had about 8 on the team.

Mitch · 08-20-2009, 01:08

$55

Richard · 08-20-2009, 04:29

I was drafted. After 5 days in the Army and completing all of the initial entry testing, I was given the option to take the specialized tests for SF. I scored well and was offered an enlistment option to drop the US (draftee) and become an RA (volunteer) for SF training. I accepted, was discharged and enlisted for the opportunity to become a 12B4S (SF Engineer Sergeant). After BCT, AIT, BAC, SFTG Phase 1 and further testing, my option was changed to the 91B4S (SF Medical Specialist).

The bonus was being on jump status @ $55/mo and the SF training and lifestyle.

Richard's $.02

Mitch · 08-20-2009, 07:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

The bonus was being on jump status @ $55/mo and the SF training and lifestyle.

Richard's $.02

I remember talking to this leg dude at Fort Bragg, back in 1968 while I was going through SFTG. He made a comment about us "rich" airborne guys on jump status. He was a PFC, just like me and he eyed my additional $55 a month as a moumental entitlement for us. Since the pay for a PFC back then was about $150 a month (maybe less, I can't remember). That Extra $55 that we got was huge relitively speaking. I just remember telling him, all he had to do was volunteer.

By the way, I normally didn't make it a practice to even talk to Leg Dudes back then - but I had this old twin lens box camera and I took lots of Black and White pictures with it. When I found out that the Hobby Shop on Bragg let you process and develop your own pictures - I was there. The only thing I had to pay for was the Paper. This guy was the guy that sold me the paper.

ZonieDiver · 08-20-2009, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

I was drafted. After 5 days in the Army and completing all of the initial entry testing, I was given the option to take the specialized tests for SF. I scored well and was offered an enlistment option to drop the US (draftee) and become an RA (volunteer) for SF training. I accepted, was discharged and enlisted for the opportunity to become a 12B4S (SF Engineer Sergeant). After BCT, AIT, BAC, SFTG Phase 1 and further testing, my option was changed to the 91B4S (SF Medical Specialist).

The bonus was being on jump status @ $55/mo and the SF training and lifestyle.

Richard's $.02

Ditto, except for the fact that I originally enlisted, and didn't have to trade-in that "US" for "RA"! That $55 sure came in handy, and seeing what went on in the 82nd back then as well as later serving in an infantry outfit in the CZ - I never regretted taking that SF option. It is the only bonus I've ever wanted. (Oh, yeah - Commo to Weapons instead of Engineer to Medic. I couldn't master the ditty-dah-dahs to the required level of 15/15.)

wbturner · 08-23-2009, 18:54

I joined Co. E, 20th SFG(A) in Jackson Miss. In Oct. 1965. I was happy to be accepted by a great bunch of guys. I went to BCT at Ft. Polk, LA; then to AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood in MO. 12B4P; Jump School at Ft. Benning; SFTG, Phaze 1, Commo 05B4S. I sewed my CPL. E-4 stripes on while on the plane from Birmingham, AL to Pope AFB and Ft. Bragg. The opportunity to just BE in SF was all I needed. The pay wasn't a big topic of conversation in 1965-1967. The state ran out of money at the end of MOS school and I got orders to "Get my expensive self back to my home unit". I became the "Chief Radio Operator Supervisor" for the "C" team. I was one of the dozen or so "School Trained" NCO's. Later I was Commo man on a B-team, then later Intel Sgt. then Op Sgt on an A-team. I adapted my 12B training in AIT as cross training so I could help out in engineering etc. I would do it ALL over again if I had the chance with a few changes to smooth the way a little. I get MY INCENTIVE every time I wear my mini wings and SF Crest on my Suit Coat.

Bill Sends

afsereguy · 10-12-2009, 20:14

i just signed a contract last week. no bonus. The guy at MEPS explained to me that with a falling economy more people were signing up for the military and at the start of the new fiscal year there will not be as many bonuses given out...

Costa · 10-13-2009, 12:20

When I initially walked in to my station and expressed that I wanted something infantry related, I was told that this was not the norm, especially for having a college degree.

The others in the station on that day included a guy who wanted a "desk job" and to go through OCS, and a guy with a record that wanted to become an officer in the Army because of the lack of jobs available given the economic situation. Over the course of my tests to get into the Army, I found out he contracted as a 91 series because he liked working on cars. Since then, he DEP-lossed to take a job working in a law firm most likely getting coffee.

These stories happen all the time. I've already seen my share due to being DEP myself and having to check in with the station from time to time.

This is reality and this is what we're up against. As future/current/past soldiers. Just keep on humping.

What does this mean for potential soldiers? I expect the Army as well as other branches to get rid of the quick-ship and seasonal bonuses very shortly if they have not already.

It should make the MEPS experience a little more enjoyable as well.

They have their work cut out for them....