View Full Version : NOTE: To all individuals contemplating an 18X contract - AD or ARNG
Scimitar
06-21-2009, 14:15
Yes it's not about the money, but you do owe it to yourselves to ensure you are getting everything you deserve.
There are some big changes in US Army Recruiting Command at the moment as well as the ARNG side of the house so this information may change. Do your homework.
Enlistment Bonuses
There are specifically two enlistment bonuses that many recruits are unaware of and with a little forward thinking can become eligible for.
1) Seasonal Bonus
The Army finds it a little hard to fill slots during the 'down season'. For recruits SHIPPING between 1 Oct and 31 May there is currently a $5000 Seasonal Bonus for many MOS incl 18X.
I have talked to a number of applicants who where thinking of the early November ship date (Yes you can choose your own ship date - with in reason), by changing this date by 5 weeks they became eligible for another $5000 enlistment bonus, seems worth it for just 5 weeks and you are helping mother Army.
Your call...do your own homework.
2) Quick Ship Bonus
Again a little sketchy on this but, if you are willing to ship with in 45 days of enlisting you may be eligible for the Quick Ship Bonus which is currently $5000. Again, no need to try and play the system too much here, but if all it takes is a little tweak to get an extra $5000....
HTH.
Scimitar
I took the ASVAB last week (Scored a 90), after which, my recruiter looked up the nearest availible slot for 18x, which was in January. According to what your saying, I guess I would need to jump on this before the Febuary cutoff to qualify for an enlistment bonus?
Also, the recruiter said the bonus was $6k. Far from the $40k they advertize on all the propaganda, but like you said, this isn't all about the money, or else I'd be trying to get a SEAL contract. SEALs are the only job in any service I've found actually offering the big money.
Scimitar
06-30-2009, 15:26
I'm surprised the next slot is January, my G2 is that they are struggling to fill 18X slots due to the new demands on the quality of recruits (i.e. No med waivers etc), are you sure of this...?
Feb may not be the cut-off date, do your own research.
The $6k may be the high demand bonus, not the seasonal bonus, do your homework.
The $40k is the maximum combined bonus allowed, all the advertising I've see says this...?
IIRC I signed an 18X contract in 2006 that offered $32k. Gov can't justify big bonuses with the recession.
Don't let the money effect your decision; just don't lose out on $5k cos you didn't know.
For a couple of guys I've talked to already, they where able to push for dates only 5 wks later then they where planning and get the $5k.
It's not about the bonus but seems silly to miss out on $5k if one only has to wait an extra 5 wks.
There have been some very big Bonus changes military wide since April, not sure but there may have been a drop in the SEAL Challenge bonus as well…?
As always policies of this type are complicated and ever changing, do your own homework and tell us what you discover.
Cheers
S
Hostile0311
07-01-2009, 05:43
What about a 32 yr old prior service Infantry Marine whose been out for 6 years? With 3 dependents? I think I'd be lucky if I got an 11B contract...much less something like as flashy as an 18X or Ranger contract. I'd count myself lucky if I was one of you young hard chargers gunning for the glory right now. It ain't about the money. Don't get me wrong...the green is good to have. But most of these Ranger, 18X bonuses are only payable upon completion of training I would imagine. And odds are, well lets just say they aren't in your favor. Count yourself lucky for the opportunity to serve your country. With the current recession, a sure thing going down to the recruiter and getting a contract for 4 years isn't a sure thing anymore. They are very picky at the moment from what I've been told. Anyway, if you make the commitment...serve your country well. If your a young lad, a few years in the Grunts starting off will go a long way and never hurt anybody. It'll give you a bit of experience on how the military works as well as a few valuable critical skills and if you have what it takes, I'm sure SF will be there for you should you decide on it. Besides, with the turnover of the 18X'ers I hear about its better for you if your determined in your course and are willing to stay it. No use in wasting Army time and that of your team just to do 4 and out. I would think commitment and dedication to duty, the fight and your team would be a critical factor. Doing 4 years on the Grunt side and then out is one thing, but signing on and then becoming an elite warrior is another. I wish I had it to do all over again. Just my humble .02.
new demands on the quality of recruits (i.e. No med waivers etc)
Scimitar, could you expand on this a little? Is there a new policy or directive being sent out to the recruiters/counselors at MEPS? I'm just a little curious as my records are currently with the doctors at MEPS and I was under the impression that if the doctors cleared me, that would be that.
Scimitar
07-02-2009, 03:50
Scimitar, could you expand on this a little? Is there a new policy or directive being sent out to the recruiters/counsellors at MEPS? I'm just a little curious as my records are currently with the doctors at MEPS and I was under the impression that if the doctors cleared me, that would be that.
My best man was a USAREC Station Commander, Chatted to him a few weeks ago. This is what I understand....no expert here.
Due to the recession the level of guys separating has dropped significantly and USAREC has already reached its mission for the year. So the order went out to cut back on guys coming in.
Down go Bonuses and Recruiters are only allowed to work 9-5 due to the spate of recruiter suicides. Apparently Med waivers are not enlistable, that may only be for the 18X program?
Word has it that they are even looking at only taking those with at least some university. But….before you panic check with your recruiter.
Also I believe that recruiting year ends September therefore new mission, everything opens up. You will probably see a small rise in Bonuses and some of the restraints loosen.
HTH
Any questions?
Scimitar
Thanks. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens if I do get the waivers.
greenberetTFS
07-02-2009, 13:00
Yes it's not about the money, but you do owe it to yourselves to ensure you are getting everything you deserve./quote/Scimitar
Excuse this old man's response,but I just struggle to understand in todays army why the motivation to go SF is associated with a bonus........:confused: When I earned my Green Beret that was the proudest moment of my life......:rolleyes: The Beret was all that was needed,not $$$...........:( I'm sorry,I just don't get it...................
Big Teddy :munchin
Scimitar
07-02-2009, 14:29
Yes it's not about the money, but you do owe it to yourselves to ensure you are getting everything you deserve./quote/Scimitar
Excuse this old man's response, but I just struggle to understand in today’s army why the motivation to go SF is associated with a bonus........:confused: When I earned my Green Beret that was the proudest moment of my life......:rolleyes: The Beret was all that was needed, not $$$...........:( I'm sorry, I just don't get it...................
Big Teddy :munchin
TFS,
Thanks for the question. I don’t even want to say "you're right", cos what do I know I am still far from being a BTDT.
But to answer your question, I posted this simply out of the desire to ensure that 18X aspirants approach the enlistment process fully informed.
Today’s Army is offering a number of benefits that as far as I understand weren't available in yester-year; or at least are now more complicated.
The recruiter isn't obliged to educate the 18X aspirant on these benefits; if he educates himself it is likely he will receive everything that the Army is willing to give him. If he chooses to go in blind, chances are he’s going to miss out of something that could have been his.
As an illustration, when I bought my first new motorcycle, I honestly didn’t care how much it cost, I was going to buy that thing no mater what, but I didn’t let the sales guy know that. I haggled, bargained, and got a good deal.
My first enlistment had a $36k bonus, if my second enlistment goes thru, it will likely be near zero. Believe me when I say, I couldn’t care less. However I was planning on the September class, when I discovered the seasonal bonus I figured
"Hey why not delay for 5 wks to the October Class and get an extra $5k..."
It sure aint the reason I'm signing up, but I ain't gonna look a gift horse in the mouth either.
...why the motivation to go SF is associated with a bonus...
I have seen it in the business world often enough and I imagine it also applies to SFAS (others can lend better advice here then I can). "Money is not a robust Point of Energy"....in english....that bonus WILL NOT motivate you through that tough Selection!
In fact reports I hear is that upwards of 40% of 18X recruits reneg the 18X portion of their contract IN BASIC TRAINING. Why?
21 Year old Jonny walks in off the street; Sgt recruiter advises him that he qualifies for the 18X program; that SF is high speed low dragg and look there's a bonus....Not knocking recruiters or USAREC, just an observation from talking with literally hundreds of 18X aspirants.
Now don't get me wrong, if I may quote a great man*
"There is a fine line between planning and chorography".
Don't get anal about it! However, having been 'involved' with recruiting, I have seen far too many individuals either have their enlistment messed-up or not receive the best outcome they could simple because they were under informed.
With just a little forethought and preparation you can ensure that your enlistment goes smoothly and that you indeed obtain the best outcome available to you.
The way I see it you're enlisting to become a professional, so why not act like one now, get your situational awareness on and learn a bit about the recruitment / enlistment process. Chances are it’ll pay dividends.
HTH?
Scimitar
*Colonel Moroney - RIP
I don't care about a bonus-- but the info about 18x stats is interesting. S you sound pretty well informed. Know any more about that? Probably doesn't matter too much from an individual standpoint whether or not anybody else is ready when I go into SFAS, but I hadn't expected many drops before selection.
Scimitar
07-02-2009, 19:30
I do have some interesting stats on 18X Selection rates thru each stage of the program.
However, instead of answering your question it is likely more appropriate for me to repeat what the QPs on this board will likely tell you, and have told others before.
There is only one Selection rate
100% or 0% and you are the only candidate.
In line with where this thread is going re: going into the program with the right mentality / Point of Energy, the best advice I have gotten is straight from the LTC Martin book "Get Selected for Special Forces".
"Write down why you MUST be Special Forces" (Ch 8)
Write a short essay on it. When the going gets hard, you need it clear in your head WHY AM I PUTTING MYSELF THRU THIS PAIN.
The answers I've had is that the majority of those you quit during Basic are thinking something like this...
"Basic is hard and I hate it, how much more am I going to hate SFAS etc."
"Why am I putting myself thru this pain again?"
"I can't really remember"
"OK, I'm going to quit right now - I'm happy with 11B in the 82nd or 101st"
HTH
Scimitar
Found the following link :
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/apa/goals.htm
Looks like the recruiting year ends Sept 30
Looks like they also reduced their recruiting goal a bit
I wonder what that means as far as bonuses are concerned
Again, I totally agree that this is about wanting to live the life and to see and do crazy and exciting things. I have a degree, and could go for OCS instead, but.... that just doesn't offer what I'm looking for. But if they are offering money, then i'll take it. More toys for my son, why not?
Also, I think Scimitar is correct, that the 18x is often exploited as a recruiting tactic. A buddy of mine who enlisted as a 25p, was initially told by the recruiter that he should go for 18x. Its funny too, because this is a guy who had to take the treadmill/heart rate test at meps because of his body fat %
Scimitar
07-29-2009, 15:23
Looks like the recruiting year ends Sept 30
Looks like they also reduced their recruiting goal a bit
I wonder what that means as far as bonuses are concerned
Again, I totally agree that this is about wanting to live the life and to see and do crazy and exciting things. I have a degree, and could go for OCS instead, but.... that just doesn't offer what I'm looking for. But if they are offering money, then i'll take it. More toys for my son, why not?
Yes, USAREC like most sales engines big and small can be driven by numbers more then reality sometimes. Buy this I mean sales targets are great for management to monitor progress but abutrary lines in the sand can actually be a negative towards actual sales rates. Crazy really, but it's just part of the machine when it comes to sales engines.
USARECs year does end Sep, at the moment they really don't care to much about how many people are coming in, (i.e. aint accepting waivers till Oct probably) they have reached their target for the year already and no ones seperating due to the economy.
However you may find their interest will peak again in the new year when management looks at the whole years targets and wants to score a big hit in the first quarter. You may see bonus increase.
For example the seasonal bonus of $5k isnt so much due to difficulty in filling slots, but more about, new year, new targets, lets start filling the quota quick and a $5k extra bonus will increase numbers.
Not bad things at all, just observations. Understand how the machine works and you will work better with the machine. There's an old saying "Use the system before it uses you", I think a better way to think about it is, "Understand the system so you can use (work-with) each other"
Also, I think Scimitar is correct, that the 18x is often exploited as a recruiting tactic. A buddy of mine who enlisted as a 25p, was initially told by the recruiter that he should go for 18x. Its funny too, because this is a guy who had to take the treadmill/heart rate test at meps because of his body fat %
Basically recruiters get 2 points for 18X, so if you get over 75% on the ASVAB its in their interest to throw it at you. The ASVAB is really the only screener for the 18X contract too, so basically probably 15% of guys walking thru the door are eligable for it.
I'm not sure if exploited is the right word, again from my experiance 95% of recruiters are well meaning hardworking top notch NCOs. If they weren't they wouldn't have been recommended for recruiting duty. However the necessary evils of the machine and of sales in general does create situations which appear as injustices but really are just a reality. There is a very good reason why our system is based on "Caveat emptor" buyer beware.
The best advice I ever heard was no mater what your age bring an educated savy adult along with you when you visit the recruiter. And just realise the recruiter isnt really obliged to tell you anything that you havn't asked. But when asked he is obliged to tell you his version of the truth. :D
HTH
S
Scimitar
07-31-2009, 14:50
....18X bonuses are only payable upon completion of training I would imagine....
My understanding is that as Off-Peak and Quick-ship bonuses are not tied to your specific MOS, then aslong as you graduate any AIT you will receive them.
S
My understanding is that as Off-Peak and Quick-ship bonuses are not tied to your specific MOS, then aslong as you graduate any AIT you will receive them.
S
I just talked to a recruiter who said the Off-Peak and Quick-ship bonuses have gone away. Can anyone else confirm? I'm going to MEPS in the next few weeks and wanted to be armed with correct information.
As a separate question, a buddy of mine who went national guard rep-63 and is just now in the Q course *strongly* advised I set up my contract to come home after AIT for a few months to train before going to selection. He mentioned two reasons:
Financial: He said, doing it the split way, you get "Mobilized For Training" orders when you go to selection and Q course - which means significantly more pay and off-barrack housing. He said he is kicking himself in the butt for not doing this. I just wanted to know if others had heard the same and does it make sense to ask for this?
SOPC: His advice was to avoid SOPC if at all possible. He said he was already in shape on his own, but SOPC was a non-stop smoke session for undisciplined people who couldn't work out on their own and didn't help him get in shape for SFAS but rather broke his body down. As an older guy like myself, he said he would have been able to train for selection much more efficiently on his own and allow himself time to recover from injuries.
As MEPS is the last time I will be able to make any decisions about my contract, I respectfully turn to PS.com for information. I already asked my recruiter, and he says he doesn't know anything about off-barrack housing or extra pay for MFT orders. He also says I can't split up my enlistment if I go 11B, because the 19th in West Virginia doesn't support that MOS. According to my recruiter, I would have to choose an MOS supported by the company, which I might consider, but I really have my heart set on going to infantry school at Ft Benning. I would appreciate any information and hopefully this is helpful to others on the board. In anticipation of comments that SF is not about the money or finding an easier way in, I would like to point out that I've already made the decision to forgo my current salary, so why not get as much one can? And regarding avoiding SOPC if it's not effective, I train almost every day in MMA, and we constantly look for the most effective way to train rather than just the hardest because you will become a better fighter if you can continue training every day rather than needing to take time off for injuries, which has happened to me in the past when I trained stupidly.
Again, respectfully looking for information before I sign my contract. I could not find the information with Google-fu or searching the board. Thanks in advance!
Scimitar
08-01-2009, 17:34
I just talked to a recruiter who said the Off-Peak and Quick-ship bonuses have gone away. Can anyone else confirm? I'm going to MEPS in the next few weeks and wanted to be armed with correct information.
My understanding is that Active Duty may have dropped these where as NG hasn't yet. Scuttlebutt aside, the only reason I can think of as to why he would not be telling you the truth is he doesn't want you to be basing your timeframe decision around these bonuses.
Remember his agenda is to get you in and generally you get you in as quickly as possible.
The best way to check is to make a quick call to an SF recruiter in a different State near you and simply advise that you are planning on enlisting 18 series and wanted to discuss timeframes and could he advise you on the availability of the Quick-ship and Off-Peak bonuses and see what he says, don't say you're working with another recruiter.
PM me for POC near you.
On another note is he may have misunderstood your question, Seasonal is down until at least new recruiting year. 1 Oct. The same may be with the Quick-ship. Read my above about USARECs style of quota management, you may find things will open up in the new recruiting year.
BTW, don't geek out on this stuff, this was an FYI post, it really is bottom of your priority list.
Financial: He said, doing it the split way, you get "Mobilized For Training" orders when you go to selection and Q course - which means significantly more pay and off-barrack housing. He said he is kicking himself in the butt for not doing this. I just wanted to know if others had heard the same and does it make sense to ask for this?
I just talked to a buddy Q-side and he confirmed that NG guys get great housing, not sure about the extra money and not sure weather this also applies to NG 18X contracts?
SOPC: His advice was to avoid SOPC if at all possible. He said he was already in shape on his own, but SOPC was a non-stop smoke session for undisciplined people who couldn't work out on their own and didn't help him get in shape for SFAS but rather broke his body down. As an older guy like myself, he said he would have been able to train for selection much more efficiently on his own and allow himself time to recover from injuries.
If you don't do SOPC then you will almost be guaranteed to do the guards 3 months version, where you drill in a specific prep unit every month until they sign off on you to go. Either way you going to do some sort of prep stuff.
Weather SOPC is better or worse then doing Guard Prep, I wouldn't know, not a BTDT. Others can make more informed comments. I have been advised multiple times that SOPC is excellent and they provide a lot of rest and nutrition in line of the goal to build you up.
Take into account that you may not be able to be employed during that break between Basic and Selection. Many guys prefer the NG 18X style contract over the NG split program simply due to their inability to stay employed during that break, depends on your job I guess.
I already asked my recruiter, and he says he doesn't know anything about off-barrack housing or extra pay for MFT orders.
As far as I know, all of the 15 SF NG states either run a pure 18X contract or the split program. From what I know WV runs the 18X program therefore will know nothing about the benefit differences in the split program. Best option might be to contact Recruiter SFC Logan Gregory at the 19th HQ in UT on 801 859 2000 and see if he knows; very informed guy. Please report back on your findings.
He also says I can't split up my enlistment if I go 11B, because the 19th in West Virginia doesn't support that MOS. According to my recruiter, I would have to choose an MOS supported by the company, which I might consider, but I really have my heart set on going to infantry school at Ft Benning.
- "He also says I can't split up my enlistment if I go 11B". As above, I think you'll find you can't split a NG 18 series contract with WV at all.
- You'll have to choose an MOS in line with the MOS you want in your 18 Series contract. (i.e. 68W Combat Medic = 18D SF Medic etc etc)
- If you want to go 18B SF Weapons then I think WV has a Cav Scout unit and you would go to Cav Scout OSUT, apparently the Basics are similar; can't provide informed comment on this.
- OH, offers an 18X contract with an 11B option, call their recruiter (PM me for details). Not living in the State you enlist in is not a big deal since you only have to drill once a month and you can sometimes increase that to every 2 or 3 months. I have been advised that a significant portion of NG SF guys don't live in the State they enlist in and travel to drill.
And regarding avoiding OSUT if it's not effective
I think you mean SOPC
HTH
Scimitar
Surgicalcric
08-02-2009, 08:19
...As a separate question, a buddy of mine who went national guard rep-63 and is just now in the Q course *strongly* advised I set up my contract to come home after AIT for a few months to train before going to selection. He mentioned two reasons:
Financial: He said, doing it the split way, you get "Mobilized For Training" orders when you go to selection and Q course - which means significantly more pay and off-barrack housing. He said he is kicking himself in the butt for not doing this. I just wanted to know if others had heard the same and does it make sense to ask for this?
He is talking about being put on COADOS orders for training. The benefit to this is that you will draw perdiem while in the SFQC and you will have the benefit of off-post housing.
You have other things you need to be concerned with, especially as a REP-63!
SOPC: His advice was to avoid SOPC if at all possible. He said he was already in shape on his own, but SOPC was a non-stop smoke session for undisciplined people who couldn't work out on their own and didn't help him get in shape for SFAS but rather broke his body down. As an older guy like myself, he said he would have been able to train for selection much more efficiently on his own and allow himself time to recover from injuries.
SOPC is supposed to be a bit of a smoke fest...
...And regarding avoiding OSUT if it's not effective, I train almost every day in MMA, and we constantly look for the most effective way to train rather than just the hardest because you will become a better fighter if you can continue training every day rather than needing to take time off for injuries, which has happened to me in the past when I trained stupidly...
Are you talking about OSUT or SOPC? What are you gauging its effectiveness against? I guarantee you there are more 18X/REP-63's who get selected because of SOPC than would do so without it.
As for being injured, SF is SF and injuries are going to happen. It isnt a matter of if, but when. Read everything you can here and listen to the guys who have done what you want to do...
In my day, the Q-course was uphill, both ways. It was always over a hundred degrees in the daytime and it snowed three feet at night. :lifter
Don't let anybody make you feel bad or less of a candidate for getting everything in your contract that you can. Not doing so shows a lack of resourcefullness.
One small math note, if you delay five weeks for five grand that is taxable, how much are you actually earning? Wouldn't you make close to 5k in the five weeks with your army paycheck, some of which is not taxable? :confused:
Scimitar: Thank you for the detailed response. Maybe the recruiter did misunderstand me about "seasonal". I'll check with other recruiters and report back to the board. I think you are correct about the West Virginia setup. I believe Maryland has a split program with 11B. Maryland is actually closer to me, but the training team NCO for West Virginia has been mentoring me and allowing me to participate in drills, so I feel committed to WV. The split program wouldn't be a problem for my employer since I work for a defense contracting firm which is very supportive of the military. I'm asking about the off-peak bonus, because I'm planning to ship in the Fall anyway, so it would be silly to miss out on a bonus by a few days. And, yes, I meant SOPC. Thank you!
Surgicalcric: I am only asking about SOPC and COADOS (if that's what it's called), because my buddy, who was just selected and now in the Q course, strongly recommended I avoid SOPC and go with the split-enlistment. I generally trust his advice (as much as you can trust someone with a PhD in Physics...), but, as you suggested, I thought the whole point of SOPC was to get you ready for selection, so I came here for second opinions. As for off-post housing and drawing a per-diem, I'm not sure what you meant by "You have other things you need to be concerned with, especially as a REP-63." Right now I need to choose and sign a contract, so that's what I'm trying to figure out right now. All things being equal, I'd rather have off-post housing and a per-diem if it's a free choice. If it doesn't make sense, I'll forget about it. Once the contract is signed, I will move on to the next target. Thank you for the recommendation on SOPC. I was just surprised by my friend's adamant insistence that SOPC was a waste of time. My friend has always been in excellent physical shape, so I was surprised that he found it counter-productive.
Swank: Thank you for the supportive comment. You have an interesting point about the math of delaying and losing army income just to gain $5k bonus, but you're assuming I don't currently have a job. How do you know I don't currently make significantly more than $5k/mo? :)
Thanks all!
Scimitar
08-02-2009, 15:04
One small math note, if you delay five weeks for five grand that is taxable, how much are you actually earning? Wouldn't you make close to 5k in the five weeks with your army paycheck, some of which is not taxable? :confused:
Good point,
I should mention that my maths only works if an individual is already earning.
S
Surgicalcric
08-02-2009, 19:12
...My friend has always been in excellent physical shape, so I was surprised that he found it counter-productive...
Does your friend have a long tab yet? If not what more do you need to know? Do you or he or we know better how to prepare a soldier better for SFAS? You need to read 'Get Selected For SFAS.' If you have read it, read it again!
Crip
Does your friend have a long tab yet? If not what more do you need to know? Do you or he or we know better how to prepare a soldier better for SFAS? You need to read 'Get Selected For SFAS.' If you have read it, read it again!
Crip
No, neither of us have tabs. That's why I'm here respectfully asking questions. If you have experience with SOPC or are involved in running it, I greatly appreciate your insight. I have two options: direct or split-enlistment, so I'm trying to make an informed decision.
Thanks!
Scimitar
08-02-2009, 20:46
No, neither of us have tabs. That's why I'm here respectfully asking questions. If you have experience with SOPC or are involved in running it, I greatly appreciate your insight. I have two options: direct or split-enlistment, so I'm trying to make an informed decision.
Thanks!
Amatlis,
Just an observation...
It seems SurgicalCric is partial to SOPC; I have heard only good things about SOPC; your friend didn't like SOPC. (BTW I think they changed its name?). I suspect like a lot of things you are only going to get mixed reviews here. Horses and Courses.
This was my take on the same decision...both prep programs do exactly that...prepare you; are run mainly by tab'd guys who give a damn about your success and the quality of recruit coming thru. I suspect either will do the job just fine.
Where I feel the real variable lays is weather there is any signifcant difference in living conditions and pay (or anything else) between the 'straight' 18X NG contract and the split contract. (not that I intend to imply that the split contract is gay or anything :D)
You're normally in the Q anywhere from to 15 - 24 months, if there's a significant pay / benefits increase for split guys then that might be an important enough variable to base the 'which State to enlist in' decision on...
Regardless of all that you mentioned you had an emotional tied to WV and I'm pretty sure they can only offer the Pure contract....
Just some thoughts brother, I'm in the same boat as you and would appreciate any and all G2 you uncover on this topic.
Scimitar
P.S.
Damn life was simple when all I had infront of me was an 18X AD contract and a pen...damn you knees!! :D
Knowledge can be a real bitch sometimes, just ask Adam & Eve.
Surgicalcric
08-02-2009, 20:55
...Damn life was simple when all I had infront of me was an 18X AD contract and a pen...
25 meter target tends to get a bit out of focus when you start looking at the 250 meter target doesnt it...
Surgicalcric
08-02-2009, 20:57
No, neither of us have tabs...
Maybe you should focus on the tried and true...
Amatlis,
If there is a way to lose money with enlistments, etc, I've managed to do it. Swank, on the other hand, is a magnet for Army money.
I can assure you this: if you're a money motivated guy (ie: more motivated by the cash than you are by the company you keep and the job you do), you will bounce after your first enlistment and find a way to bathe in tubs of contractor money. You might become a Nasty guard bum.
About SOPC. It changes constantly. What your esteemed friend went through may not exist anymore. Who cares. Riddle me this: is it possible that it's there to not just train you but to punish you?
For a short time while when I was at the course, SWC experimented with sending SOPC kids to SFCDC during breaks in their SFQC training; about 6 went and all but one made it. One described scuba school as "Aquatic SOPC." Crip is from that era of SOPC. Please don't think me joking when I tell you that the SOPC mafia is alive and well and that the people who endured the exprience have yet another layer bonding them.
Stay safe,
Books
About SOPC. It changes constantly. What your esteemed friend went through may not exist anymore. Who cares. Riddle me this: is it possible that it's there to not just train you but to punish you?
For a short time while when I was at the course, SWC experimented with sending SOPC kids to SFCDC during breaks in their SFQC training; about 6 went and all but one made it. One described scuba school as "Aquatic SOPC." Crip is from that era of SOPC. Please don't think me joking when I tell you that the SOPC mafia is alive and well and that the people who endured the exprience have yet another layer bonding them.
Stay safe,
Books
A light just turned on when I read your post. Perhaps my friend found SOPC to be more punishment than training, but maybe that was the point... I think I get it now. I'm not in this for the money. I have a high-paying contracting job now, so this not a money making move, but I'll take what I can get. In the meantime, I'll focus on the tried and true...
Scimitar: I hear you on the knees. ACL surgery set me back a couple years from when I was going to join, but I rehabbed hard and it all got better. Keep the faith! I'll keep you informed!
Scimitar
08-03-2009, 00:29
Scimitar: I hear you on the knees. ACL surgery set me back a couple years from when I was going to join, but I rehabbed hard and it all got better. Keep the faith! I'll keep you informed!
Good stuff Amatlis
S
Swank: Thank you for the supportive comment. You have an interesting point about the math of delaying and losing army income just to gain $5k bonus, but you're assuming I don't currently have a job. How do you know I don't currently make significantly more than $5k/mo? :)
Erroneous and irrelevant. Order I said!
Books, I'm what kind of magnet?:cool:
That would be a nasty, dirty Army money cash magnet. You're the current reigning GRAP ninja.
I swear, one of these days I'll actually get a re-enlistment bonus.
For the rest of you non-qual types: If you're considering coming to WAARNG to go SF, the current drug deal to get you in is this:
1 - you have to be in the WAARNG with an established MOS, what type is immaterial, but you have to have it.
2 - You are not assigned to A/1/19 until you pass SFAS, to which you will attend TDY.
3 - Once you get selected, we'll transfer you to A/1/19, and send you TDY to Airborne or CPT maneuver or whatever is required before you attend SFQC.
4 - Once that is done, we "Mob for Training" you to the long course, you go, get injured, recycled and graduated and come home with a big knife, a fancy hat and a long tab.
5 - We put your ass to work.
If you're a contracting-type with skills (mad dope skills, hacking skills, nunchuck skills) or you have the right background (former Recon, SEAL, Ranger, PJ, Ninja, etc), give us a call. Deals can be made to massage the transition and get you straight to the course. Most of the guys are out of the office right now at training, etc, but get in touch with the Readiness NCO and he'll set you straight.
Books
Philkilla
08-04-2009, 19:03
Here is my input on this up until my status in the Q course:
I am prior service and I was told when I re-enlisted I WOULD NOT get a bonus. I didn't really care,I was just happy enough to get the 18X contract.
SOPC is a bit of a smoker, but you do get a lot of good training and familiarization with the lay of the land ;).
I was informed by some PAC personnel upon in-process of SOPC that prior service 18X's ARE in fact entitled to a bonus if you enlisted before September of 2008. If this has changed or not, I do not know. The only stipulation was you had to get selected to get the bonus, where as the brand new recruits got theirs before even going to SOPC!
It's not about the money, and if it is for you, don't bother ingesting anything I have typed.
My opinion though, absorb all the training you can; it will help out in the long run. Just take care of yourself.
So, I promised to post an update once I got more information. Sadly, it took 2.5 months of literally calling my recruiter multiple times per day, every single day, until I was finally able to just get in the door at MEPS. By that time I was so deliriously happy to be there, I completely forgot to ask about bonuses. It wasn't until I was waiting to be sworn in, sitting in the main lobby next to some 17 y/o Kurt Cobain look-alike who only signed for infantry because his ASVAB was too low for anything else, that I suddenly thought to myself, "Shit! Bonuses!" I guess, when you're afraid you won't even get the chance to try out for special forces, money no longer becomes a concern. I asked Kurt Cobain if he got any money, and he mumbled something incoherent which I took to be a no. I asked some of my other fellow recruits (most of them about half my age - and who could have been my own children if I had had less discretion when I was young). They all said no.
So, final answer: No Bonuses! Just swearing the oath, noticing that one of the flags has a surprisingly accurate depiction of a woman's breast, and being incredibly happy to be starting a new journey at ground zero with people half your age who scored really badly on the asvab. On a side note, I expected the asvab to be retardedly easy, but it was actually quite difficult. As an electrical engineer, I was a little embarrassed, after taking a practice exam at home, to have to go online to google "long division".... Ooops! If you haven't taken tests in a while, it doesn't hurt to do a little review. And the asvab some weird topics on it!
WV vs MD: (I was originally going with WV because I had a mentor there and I liked what I saw, but WV wouldn't give me a contract for 11B->18E. I had to go either 11B->18B or 25U-radio->18B. I wanted 18E because I'm an electrical engineer, but I also really wanted to go to infantry school at Ft Benning). I decided to suck it up and go 11B->18B, because the only thing that really mattered to me was getting a chance to try-out for special forces. In the end, the choice to switch to Maryland was made for me because my WV recruiter suddenly dropped off the face of the earth and refused to return any of my emails or messages. After hearing nothing for a month, I switched to Maryland where everyone gets 11B as their first MOS.
Getting a waiver for ACL Surgery: I can't speak to what other MEPS doctors are like, but rumors about the Baltimore meps doc being a Nazi turned out to be completely true. I had to go through endless cycles of gathering documentation from my doctors, calling my recruiter repeatedly to ask if he sent them, finding out he lost them, sending them again, calling him endlessly again only to find out the meps doctor had asked for more documentation, gathering more information, not being able to reach my recruiter, finding out he was on vacation or sick all week (multiple times), finally hearing that meps had lost my documents and had no record of me (after 2 months), and finally somehow magically getting a date at MEPS after 2.5 months. When I finally got to MEPS, the chief medical officer was a mean SOB. He sent me home the first day because my recruiter had used white-out to fix a date instead of redoing the entire form. He sent one kid home for having too much ear wax. He yelled at recruits and got furious at us for not understanding exactly what he wanted. I sat in one doctor's office for 15 minutes waiting to get my physical done while three doctors bitched about what a total asshole the chief medical officer was. So, I don't know what other State's meps are like, but Baltimore MEPS = Not a fun time.
Signing the Contract: I just want to say a few words about the contract because it is an extremely non-transparent process and quite stressful when you're being rushed and have no idea what's going on. I was told by my recruiter that A) I could do a split enlistment (where I come back after OSUT+Airborne, work a few months at my job, and ship to Selection later with better benefits such as off-base housing and a stipend) and B) that my recruiter would be there to explain the contract to me. Of course, neither of those things turned out to be true. After two days of going through station after station at MEPS, I finally ended up in front of this enormously fat civilian named Stacks with a neck fatter than his head who looked like a stack of pancakes or a dead ringer for Jabba the Hutt. Without any explanation, he asks me to start signing forms. I start signing, and then I go, "Whoah, this looks like the contract!" He says, "No, it's the annex to the contract." So, I look at it more carefully, and it says things like "Do you understand the sexual harassment policy, the drug and alcohol policy, the sure pay policy, bla bla bla". But then, before that, it also says "Do you acknowledge that your are committing to 8 years, and do you understand that you are enlisting as an 11B infantryman." It sure damn looks like a contract! Nowhere does it say anything about going to Ft Bragg or going to SOPC and Selection. So, I ask him, "Does it specify that in the actual contract?" And he says, "No, the contract has nothing but your start date and the number of years you are signing for." I ask him about the split contract, and he says there is no split contract. I ask him where will my contract say I'm going to Ft Bragg, and he says "No where." I ask him, how do know I'm not signing a straight contract for Infantry and nothing else, and he points to a code on the form that says "Para: 114y" and tells me that means I'm slotted for 18xray. At that point, I tell him I'm really not comfortable signing something that I don't understand, and that I'd like to have my recruiter present so he can explain what I'm signing. Jabba the Hutt starts bitching at me that he's not going to sit there and explain every word and paragraph, and that my recruiter is an ass-hole who doesn't understand anything about contracts, and that he's not going to have the recruiter present, playing games with him, while the contract is being signed.
I was pretty pissed off at that point. Everyone always tells you, "make sure everything is in writing on the contract." But nothing about the contract looked anything at all like what it was supposed to say. I finally argued with Stacks until he got my recruiter on the line. Stacks called him an idiot who didn't understand the contract process and told him to stop telling recruits lies. Then my recruiter's boss called and Stacks told him the same story. Long story short, I talked to other soldiers at MEPS who told me Stacks was legit and knew what he was doing and that the recruiters don't understand the contract process. It's apparently the same contract that all the Maryland Rep-63's are signing, and the recruiters just don't understand the details. The "Para: 114y" code does, in fact, indicate you are slotted for 18xray, but the unit decides which 18 series. The other indication you have that you are not just signing an infantry contract is that the contract states you are being assigned to Det 2HQ 2nd BN 20th. Supposedly, another indication is that you are being activated for 72 weeks, but I have yet to find that anywhere in my contract.
Overall, the contract is not an easy document to understand. When I pointed out to Stacks that I didn't just buy a house without reading all the documents, he laughed at me and said "Bullshit!! I didn't read my documents when I bought my house and you didn't either!" And I said, "Uh... actually, I did. I don't just sign documents without knowing what they say." In the end, he finally got tired of my stubborn persistence, and I got him to write into my contract on line 32) Specific Option/Program Enlisted For, "After training at Ft Benning, Applicant to go on to Selection at Ft Bragg". I felt that was enough of a victory, so I finally signed the contract and felt good about it.
I apologize for the length of my post, but I hope it proves helpful to other candidates trying to understand the system. The bottom line is you have to effectively do the recruiter's job for him. Do not expect he is doing his job or understands the contract process. Be proactive and get all your doctor's notes from your file and scan them into your computer. Be prepared to send them multiple times and expect that your recruiter may not actually be sending them, even if he said he did or thinks he did - or if he sent them, MEPS may be losing them. Don't think you can leave a message and expect a response. Be prepared to rapid-dial your recruiter's cell phone 5-10 times in a row until he finally gets annoyed enough to answer you. Oh, and don't take it personally that no one seems to care about you or take your situation seriously. It's a recession economy with everyone trying to enter the military, and the Guard is currently over capacity. The recruiters are having no problem meeting their quotas and they have too many people to deal with. You will have to work extra hard to get yourself in the door. Please feel free to ask me questions about MEPS or dealing with the recruiters, and I will answer as best I can.
P.S. I don't mean to hammer my recruiter. He's a good guy. He did, in fact, do a lot of work for me, and MEPS is genuinely hard to deal with, and he has a lot of people to process. I just wish he would have taken 5 seconds out of his day sometimes to respond to my messages when I had no idea what was going on.
*I ship Jan 12, 2010*
deepblack 18x
11-12-2009, 19:28
I got ZERO bonus, but that had nothing to do with my decision at all. I thought there would be a bonus but it had nothing to do with me wanting 18x. I was kinda happy to learn that I didnt get a bonus, cause I figured this would weed out some of the guys looking for a payday. :p
I can tell you that as an ex-Army recruiter, that bonuses, school dates et al are fleeting. I have seen with my own eyes, an applicant walk into an office one morning sit down and grab a 63B job (Light wheel vehicle Mechanic) with a 15,000 dollar bonus. Later that same day another applicant was in looking at the same exact job the only difference is that it had no bonus at all. The army places and removes bonuses as they see fit. You have to understand that that everything we do is at “The Needs of the Army”. This means that when the Army is done offering bonuses for a job then they will pull those bonuses off the table.
As has been stated here, if you are looking at a bonus as the driving factor in your decision to go SF then you are already in the wrong field. If however you are offered a bonus then by all means ensure that you get the best deal possible. I used to tell all of my applicants that there is no way I could lie to them as all the information they need is online. This is a very true statement and you will see it again and again being said here on this forum. Go online and do research. Don’t trust your “buddy who knows a guy” or some TV show you watched once. Get out and make some phone calls, get on the internet, go to multiple recruiters and see what they tell you, Take charge of your career from day one.
Further, for those of you who are in the processes of enlistment right now, I can tell you that the Army uses a program called FSR2 (Future Soldier Reservation Request) At least they did 2 years ago. This is a real time enlistment tool that allows your recruiter to “see” all of the Jobs, bonuses, school dates, ship dates, and seats available to an applicant. This is based on factors such as ASVAB line scores (Not your overall score), age, law history, med history etc. All of these things play a factor in your options to enlist. The only issue with this is that EVERY recruiter nationwide can see the same thing and it’s a first come first serve deal, so go get yours.
crimson ghost
01-03-2010, 20:11
MEPS is genuinely hard to deal with
Wait until you get to reception...:rolleyes:
ZonieDiver
01-03-2010, 20:50
Wait until you get to reception...:rolleyes:
Wait til you get to actual SF training!
Scimitar
01-03-2010, 21:02
I'm guessing you could add in here..."Wait to you get to A'stan".
:D
Lsquared
02-18-2010, 23:18
Hello everyone,
I went today and reserved my 18x contract and, as of now it, looks like I'm only going to get $1000 bonus. I scored well on the asvab and have 100+ college credit hours. Should I not be getting at least the 4-6k that is associated with having 60+ college hours? I'm not concerned with it not being as much as some of the other 18x contracts because I am happy with having the contract available to me, but I an concerned about the credit hour bonus. Is this a concern I should try to correct or is this just the way things are right now? Note that the only reason I am asking is because my friend at Fort Lewis received zero bonus when another ranger received 40k for the exact contract. He expressed his concern in making sure I get what I deserve. I appreciate your thoughts on the situation.
LL
ZonieDiver
02-18-2010, 23:27
"caveat emptor"
"what the market will bear"
YMMV :D
RE: enlistment bonuses - :boohoo - I got a draft notice and then - upon conscription - an opportunity to be discharged and enlist as an RA volunteer for SF - that was bonus enough for me.
However - YMMV - and so it goes...
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Lsquared
02-19-2010, 01:23
I was more refering to the HIGRAD bonus specifically, which I thought was more standardized but... I guess not. I'm happy to have the contract I have. My shipout date is at the end of July so it'll allow me to do a few triathlons I kind of wanted to do this summer. I'll be going to MEPS and signing it on Wednesday....
Thank you for your thoughts.
@Lsquared: It seems as though though the Army is cutting back on the amount of bonuses. I enlisted as an 18-X Monday, and my bonus was $3k; $2K for the job, and another $1K for my college credit. That being said it's not an issue, they're offering me additional money for something that I want to do; a bonus is just that.
Marvin Blank
06-09-2011, 16:18
Awwww.....Jesus Tap-Dancing Christ....:rolleyes:
Can we have a single thread on this website without ten of us posting about how "It's not about the money!" and "If you are only concerned with the money you shouldn't be here!!"
We got it. They got it. If they don't, they never will, and they wont make it through anyways. So who cares? The money will either help the Q course student live a little better, or will help the former student and current 82nd Private buy a gun to shoot himself with.
The first post has a "I know it's not about the money, BUT here is some info for you guys so you don't get screwed".
After that, was there any reason for ANY of us to make any comments about it "Not being about the money"? He put the disclaimer in, so the thread should NOW BE ABOUT THE MONEY, as it was intended. I joined cause I wanted to be and do all the things that being in SF means. I would have done it for free. That being said, I got screwed out of $8000 additional because I didn't know any better. YES, I got $12000, which is more than many, but that IS IRRELEVANT. That $8000 would have made life easier on me.
So PLEASE, as long as someone throws the disclaimer in the first post, just contribute to the thread or leave it alone.
Scimitar
06-09-2011, 16:56
Jesus Tap-dancing Christ
LOL, havn't heard that one before.
Cheers Marvin
S
tom kelly
06-11-2011, 12:30
I would like to know where any of it is or matters for the following SF soldiers that I know?
Ricardo Davis: date of loss: 03/20/1969; Date of casualty:07/11/1974, STATUS: Presumptive finding of Death: BNR.
James Gabriel: Executed while POW: 04/08/1962
Wayne Marchand: Executed while POW: 04/08/1962
Herbert Francis Hardy: KIA: 03/04/1964
George Underwood: KIA 07/23/1964
William Toth: KIA: 10/27/1964
Dave Morgan: KIA: 09/23/1964
Donald J. Fawcett: KIA: 07/23/1966
Richard E. Pegram: KIA: 08/23/1968
All were members of C Company 1st SFG(Abn) Machinato, Okinawa
R I P brothers, tom kelly
greenberetTFS
06-11-2011, 14:55
Bonus!.......We don't need no stinking bonus........:mad:
I believe that SF is a 'calling' - not too different from the calling missionaries I know received. I knew instantly that it was for me, and that I would do all I could to achieve it. Most others I know in SF experienced something similar. If, as you say, you HAVE searched and read, and you do not KNOW if this is the path for you --- it is not.......:lifter
Zonie Diver
Enough said.........:D
Big Teddy :munchin
Bonus!.......We don't need no stinking bonus........:mad:
Yeah, but they ARE giving bonuses - and not necessarily to be SF. You may get a bonus for enlisting for 5-6 years vs. the 2-4 that everyone else signs up for, or a bonus for a college degree. They give these bonuses to the future cooks and water purification guys, so why wouldn't you want a possible future Brother to get one too? At least tell these kids to take the bonus then donate it all to the SOWF, or GB Foundation, etc. Personally, I'm all for helping out guys and their families if they're willing to do the deed.
Forgive me for asking a question that I'm sure is covered here somewhere. I have searched for a current answer to this, but have not found it.
I will be going to MEPS to sign my contract for 18X within the month (July '11). My recruiter is telling me that the contract won't actually say "18X" on it, it will be an "11X" contract. Is this correct?
He has also told me that at 35 years old, I am still eligible for this program because he can do an age waiver for my prior AD service (3 years). Is this also correct?
If anyone can answer this for me or point me in the right direction for who I should talk to, I would be grateful. I just want to make sure I am indeed signing up for 18X when I sign the dotted line.
Texas_Shooter
07-08-2011, 15:50
Forgive me for asking a question that I'm sure is covered here somewhere. I have searched for a current answer to this, but have not found it.
I will be going to MEPS to sign my contract for 18X within the month (July '11). My recruiter is telling me that the contract won't actually say "18X" on it, it will be an "11X" contract. Is this correct?
He has also told me that at 35 years old, I am still eligible for this program because he can do an age waiver for my prior AD service (3 years). Is this also correct?
If anyone can answer this for me or point me in the right direction for who I should talk to, I would be grateful. I just want to make sure I am indeed signing up for 18X when I sign the dotted line.
My contract did not say 18X or 11X but it says REP-63. It should say somewhere in there that you have to pass Basic, AIT, and Airborne School, Pass the SF Physical, and is able to obtain a secret clearance.
Maybe since you have to obtain the age waiver that you have to go on a the Infantry Enlistment Option. But ask about the REP-63 option.
Forgive me for asking a question that I'm sure is covered here somewhere. I have searched for a current answer to this, but have not found it.
I will be going to MEPS to sign my contract for 18X within the month (July '11). My recruiter is telling me that the contract won't actually say "18X" on it, it will be an "11X" contract. Is this correct?
He has also told me that at 35 years old, I am still eligible for this program because he can do an age waiver for my prior AD service (3 years). Is this also correct?
If anyone can answer this for me or point me in the right direction for who I should talk to, I would be grateful. I just want to make sure I am indeed signing up for 18X when I sign the dotted line.
Hey 25MM,
I just reviewed my contract to confirm this, and nowhere does it say anything about 11x. The only time it refers it is on my job qualifications information page, "Applicant will complete 11B OSUT". I am also prior service as you are, but having a prior 19D MOS means that I need to get the 11B MOS. So again if it doesn't show 18X, than it probably isn't something you should sign. If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.
Scooterdude REP-63 is the National Guards equivalent to the 18X program, but you probably already knew that. ;)
Scimitar
07-08-2011, 16:59
I will be going to MEPS to sign my contract for 18X within the month (July '11). My recruiter is telling me that the contract won't actually say "18X" on it, it will be an "11X" contract. Is this correct?
I am out of the loop on things now, and alot has changed, but...
Many NG units used to / do NOT like to enlist you straight into the SF unit, cos the admin involved in transfering you're ass out of the unit when you wimp out and quit, or simply fail selection all together is annoying.
So they enlist you into an 11B unit or equivalent and then borrow you from that unit with what can be described as an "understanding" with that non-SF units G1.
He has also told me that at 35 years old, I am still eligible for this program because he can do an age waiver for my prior AD service (3 years). Is this also correct?
Yes.
Scooterdude REP-63 is the National Guards equivalent to the 18X program, but you probably already knew that
Again I am a little rusty on this information, but I'm note sure that's completely correct.
Some units offer a straight pipeline all the way thru option (EXACTLY like AD-18X program), others offer a program where you enlist, finish AIT, and then drill, and then SFAS, and then drill, and then the Q. Some offer both options. I think Cric cleared this 18X v Rep-63 wording somewhere around here. My point is NG may actually offer Rep-63 AND 18x contracts from a wording PoV. I could be wrong, do you're homework.
S
Thanks for posting your replies regarding whether or not 11x would be on the 18x contract.
As prior service, I'm a little wary when it comes to the contract signing and want to make sure I'm getting exactly what I'm wanting to sign up for...I'm sure you understand this. As a young dumb 18 year old years ago, I signed up for 11x being told it was the way into a Ranger contract....I ended up mechanized infantry for three years. Sheesh. I want to get it right this time.
Any other info is appreciated. Thanks.
Scimitar
07-08-2011, 18:11
Hang on 25mm, I'm not sure you've advised us wheather you are going AD or NG this time around? Cos it looks like you're going AD from your previous posts,
From memory there is supposed to be an identifying comment on your contract re: SF, but from memory it wont show SFAS or 18X anywhere. Or it might say it in the small print, I can;t remember.
Be very very careful here, you wouldn't be the first to have been misled.
One option when you get to MEPS, ask the counciling Sergeant to show you clearly where it staits you have the oportunity to attempt SFAS immediately after completeing OSUT / BAC. If it's not clear enough, feel free to do what you can do in any legal contract. Write in a hand written clause and inital it and then ask him to inital it.
I've seen this done at MEPS, and most counciling Sergeants will happily initial it, if the statement is true. Nice little test, if you're not sure you're being given the full stroy. Most counciling Sergeant have no interest in misleading you, but the occasional recruiter does. Ask a conciling Sergeant a straight question, you'll tend to get a straight answer.
S
Scimitar,
To clarify and answer your question, yes, this is regarding AD 18x. Not NG. I'm looking at doing this and staying in for a career.
To all,
Your information is really helping and the idea of speaking with the Counseling Sgt. at MEPS if need be is a great idea.
I just checked a copy of my contract and it will say 18x on the Enlist Job.
blacksmoke
07-19-2011, 17:47
Scimitar,
To clarify and answer your question, yes, this is regarding AD 18x. Not NG. I'm looking at doing this and staying in for a career.
To all,
Your information is really helping and the idea of speaking with the Counseling Sgt. at MEPS if need be is a great idea.
I signed on May 25 and my contract DID SAY 18X! I am also prior service and it starts with 14 weeks Ft. Benning, 3 weeks Ft. Benning, 2 weeks OSUT ( I don't know why) and 3 weeks Ft. Benning. This is presumably, Infantry OSUT, Airborne, ??, and then SOPC.
mariley85
12-11-2013, 15:21
I have a bachelor's degree, and never thought once about a bonus. I figured an automatic E-4 and an 18X contract was enough of a bonus for me. I suppose that's a good place to be; mentally, emotionally, and philosophically. That said, maybe I should pump my recruiter for some info before I sign on the dotted line...
PokemonMaster
01-25-2014, 00:35
I am getting released from the Guard early and getting an 18x contract. Am I eligible for a bonus?
If not then I don't care just going to SFAS is living the dream.
I am getting released from the Guard early and getting an 18x contract. Am I eligible for a bonus?
If not then I don't care just going to SFAS is living the dream.
You may have to pay back the bonus you got from the guard.
What MOS did you enlist for in the guard, what bonus did you get and did you fulfill your first enlistement?
They laughed when I was asking about bonuses. Money is a little tight in the Army right now. I was told I could get a bonus if I took a job like 35P but even then it was way less then the $40,000 they show on the brochures. I didn't even think to ask about student loan reimbursement, so that might have been a "bonus" that I missed out on. It's not like I'll have time to be runing around spending money anyway so plenty of time to pay that down with my check.
PokemonMaster
01-25-2014, 11:51
You may have to pay back the bonus you got from the guard.
What MOS did you enlist for in the guard, what bonus did you get and did you fulfill your first enlistement?
I enlisted as 68W. No I did not fulfill my first enlistment. The bonus I got from the guard though was payed out in installments. Half after graduating AIT and the rest periodically. I still have one last installment yet to be received. I was thinking that I would just not get it if I leave early. I ETS in March 2015 btw. But hey money comes and money goes.