There are many opportunities to earn money in the Army in addition to basic pay. Bonuses may be available for new recruits, Soldiers, and officers who select specific Army jobs, complete special training, assume extra responsibilities, or have served in the military before.
Drilling National Guard Soldiers with no prior service or those with prior service who meet the critical skill, term of service, and other specific eligibility requirements are eligible, to include enlisted personnel, officers, and warrant officers.
Reserve Component Enlistment Bonus:
Non-Prior Service recruits enlisting in the Army National Guard for six years in a specified job skill specialty may be eligible for a bonus or a combination of bonuses up to $20,000.
Prior Service Enlistment Bonus: Formerly serving members of an armed force who agree to serve in the Army National Guard in a specified job skill for a three or six year term of service may be eligible for a bonus up to $20,000.
Reenlistment/Extension Bonus: A Soldier currently serving in the Army National Guard who agree to reenlist or extend for a two, three or four year term of service and meet qualifying criteria may be eligible for a bonus up to $20,000.
Enlisted Affiliation Bonus: Former and currently serving Active Duty Soldiers who meet qualifying eligibility criteria and agree to affiliate with the Army National Guard in a specified job skill for a three or six year term of service may be eligible for a bonus up to $20,000.
Officer/Warrant Officer Accession Bonus: An officer or person who accepts a commission or appointment in the Army National Guard, meets all eligibility criteria, and executes an agreement to serve in an identified job skill for a six year term of service may qualify for a bonus up to $20,000.
Officer/Warrant Officer Retention Bonus: An officer or warrant officer in the Army National Guard who has completed their commissioning obligation, met all eligibility criteria, and agreed to serve for a minimum of three years may qualify for a bonus up to $20,000.
Officer/Warrant Officer Affiliation Bonus: An officer or warrant officer who affiliates with the Army National Guard from another Military Service and executes an agreement to serve in a specified job skill for a three or six year term of service may qualify for a bonus up to $20,000.
Student Loan Repayment Program: Non-Prior Service, Prior Service and currently serving Soldiers of the Army National Guard who meet eligibility requirements may be eligible for repayment of authorized student loans up to $50,000. Terms of service vary.
Chaplain Loan Repayment Program: Individuals who enter the Army National Guard to serve six years as a Unit Chaplain may be eligible for a bonus of up to $80,000. The bonus is payable following the completion of the Chaplain Officer Basic Course, which must be completed within 36 months of commissioning.
For more information about Bonuses, please visit the following Websites maintained by the Department of Defense:
National Guard – Bonus Information:
https://www.nationalguard.com/bonuses
Listing of MOS names by number:
https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-155054
DoD Financial Management Regulation:
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/Volume_07a.pdf
Bonuses: Earning Extra Money:
https://www.goarmy.com/benefits/while-you-serve/bonuses.html
Bonuses Immediately Available:
https://www.goarmy.com/enlistment-bonuses.html
DoD Instruction 1304.31, Enlisted Bonus Program:
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/130431p.PDF
U.S. Army Reserve Incentives:
https://www.usar.army.mil/Resources/US-Army-Reserve-Incentives-Program/
USAR FY22 SRIP Policy #22-03 (CAC Required):
https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-1172652
