Is anyone else a bit PO'd about not being offered a bonus because they were prior service? It stinks that I will qualify for a major reenlistment bonus in 3 years, but I'm not worth a few grand to get back in the door. We are cheaper to train Four weeks of WTC instead of 8 weeks of basic to start with.

Anyone else not get a bonus due to being prior service?

Originally Posted by Armychef

Is anyone else a bit PO'd about not being offered a bonus because they were prior service? It stinks that I will qualify for a major reenlistment bonus in 3 years, but I'm not worth a few grand to get back in the door. We are cheaper to train Four weeks of WTC instead of 8 weeks of basic to start with.

Anyone else not get a bonus due to being prior service?

Well, they figure you loved the Army so much, you would gladly pay them to join - so no need for a bonus.

MEPS has never been a friend to prior service - I don't know why.

I do know of one prior service (former 11B) getting a bonus for an Opt. 40 contract two years ago. He had to plow through some brick walls to get the Opt. 40 - but when he did, they offered him 3K to boot.

I was pissed, I am a Combat infantry experienced former Marine. I just joined the Army. I got nothing that was promised by the recruiter. No bonus, didn't keep the same rank and I had to choose between korea europe anf Ft Riley. Man I feel like I was just but raped.

Always Always Always get it in writing or put a tape recorder in your pocket and record your convos! sorry man! wish you the best though!

WE do not get much being prior service. What is your MOS going to be in the Army? How long were you our of the Corps? All of these things play a role in grade determinations.

The Australian Army loves to get it's retired staff back in the door. Particuarly NCO's. I know an artillery bombardier that was a warrant officer 15 years ago. He retired for 12 years, came back and we had different uniforms, different radios, different rifles and all new arty guns that he'd never seen and they still offered him sergeant!

I know the biggest problem. The bonus is usually Unit or MOS related. Which means you may have to get a new MOS in order to get a bonus, or go to a certain unit. My enlistment bonus was for my MOS. My reenlistment was for my Unit.

The best Career Management Field to get bonus are:

18 Series (Special Forces)
38 Series (Civil Affairs Specialist)
37 Series (Psychological Operations)

Those are the ones that I know of off the top of my head. All of those units, CA, PSYOP, SF will have unit bonuses for the support personnel too. Not as big as the MOS bonus generally, but some change in your pockets for sure.

Well, in 1976 if you were prior service you could not get a bonus.

In 1984 if you were prior service you could not get a bonus.

In 1992 if you were prior service you could not get a bonus.

In 2000 if you were prior service you could not get a bonus.

And for some people, this is NEWS?

As I stated previously.

The main reason the bonus is out there for a few select units is because we are deployed so often.

My Grandson is talking with a recruiter about a 25S MOS.

www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=239

He says that he will receive $20,000.00 signing bonus after AIT if he signs up for 5 years. I told him that the Army wants to make sure you are going to have enough time after training to serve about 4 years in your MOS.

He will have 9 weeks of Basic and 50 weeks of AIT. He thinks that he will go ahead and reup after 5 yrs to serve his full 8 years active and not have to serve any inactive reserve. He has worked in radio for a year or so and loves the communication business and he thinks this MOS will give him enough experience to find a job in that particular field.