There are many advantages to joining the United States Army.
Did you know that you can also receive special pay for serving the country?
The U.S. Army offers signing bonuses and other opportunities to receive financial incentives based on the type of service.
Learn more about the Army bonus list with incentives that could earn you hundreds or thousands more in special pay!
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7 Army Bonuses To Take Advantage Of In 2023
Recruits start earning the moment they join basic training.
There are many other ways to earn additional cash through the Armed Forces in addition to Basic Pay.
The Army offers one-time bonuses for several things such as:
- Enlistment Bonus
- Quick Ship Bonus
- Job Signing Bonus
- Army Reserve Enlistment Bonus
- Army Loan Repayment Program
- Civilian Acquired Skills Bonus
- Reenlistment Bonuses
You can earn thousands in Army bonuses based on your Military Occupational Speciality (MOS) and special training that you complete.
Soldiers can also receive added pay for completing special training, taking on another responsibility, or having served in the Armed Forces beforehand.
Recruits start receiving pay the moment they reach boot camp.
The initial payment for new recruit Army bonuses is made upon arrival at your first duty station, after completing basic training and AIT training.
The remaining bonus amount is paid on a schedule that varies depending on the type of bonus.
Keep in mind that Army bonuses change frequently based on the needs of the military branch.
Speaking with a local Army recruiter can provide you with more details on special pay and bonuses:
Jump To 7 Army Bonuses For 2023
1. Enlistment Bonus
New recruits can earn up to $50,000 in sign-on bonuses!
The amount of your enlistment bonus depends on the length of the contract and the desired Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
The Army offers incentives for signing up for a longer tour such as a three, four, or five-year commitment instead of the minimum 2-year contract.
Recruits can sign up for a series of bonuses combined to equal up to $50,000, but keep in mind that every new recruit doesn’t see that much money.
The amount of your bonus largely depends on your MOS, with certain high-demand military jobs receiving bonuses from $3,000-$15,000.
The Army bonus list of high-demand MOS jobs varies depending on current shortages or demands.
Additionally, you may receive a Civilian Acquired Skills Bonus along with an enlistment incentive.
The Army rewards new recruits that possess civilian skills that are in high demand in the military, such as proficiency in a foreign language or X-Ray certification.
A local recruiter will have the most up-to-date information on current Army enlistment bonuses.
2. Quick Ship Bonus
Along with a financial incentive directed toward enlisting in the military, the Army also provides a Quick Ship Bonus.
The Quick Ship Bonus outlines that you can earn an additional $35,000 to $40,000 simply for signing up for four years and agreeing to train within 30 days of enlistment.
The Quick Ship bonus for those signing up for two years on active duty and two years in the Reserves is $10,000.
The good news is that these bonuses can be combined with other bonuses, so you can add the Quick Ship Bonus to your Enlistment Bonus for additional earnings.
3. Job Signing Bonus
Additional bonuses are available to recruits who sign on to fill one of the Army’s critical needs fields.
While you’ll need the ASVAB scores to qualify, there are MOSs in a wide variety of fields.
And surprisingly, not all of the job bonuses are restricted to combat or dangerous career fields.
If you’re mechanically inclined, there are five different MOSs in mechanics and engineering that come with a $7.5K to $40K signing bonus:
- Multiple Launch Rocket System Mechanic
- Diver
- Geospatial Engineer
- Bradley Fighting System Maintenance
- Bridge Crewmember
The Army also needs people in the fields of science and medicine:
- Combat Medic
- Animal Care Specialist
- Occupational Therapist Specialists
- Medical Lab Specialists
There are too many to list here, but in summary, jobs in intelligence, signals, computers, and communications qualify for MOS bonuses.
They’re also looking for logistics and support personnel, in everything from corrections to cooks to cameras and film editing.
So, don’t rule out a career in the U.S. Army just because you’re more inclined toward support roles.
And if you’re keen to find the action, the Army is offering a Special Forces bonus of up to $40,000. Other ground forces MOSs, such as infantry and calvary scouts can enjoy a nice bonus, as well.
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4. Army Reserve Enlistment Bonus
The Army bonus list is not just limited to active duty service members.
You may be eligible for up to $20,000 in bonuses for joining the Army Reserves.
The bonus allows you to serve part-time while receiving a hefty incentive.
Additionally, officer candidates for the Army Reserve may qualify for additional bonus earnings.
However, you need to complete Army OCS training and commissioning before receiving up to $20,000 in bonuses.
The Reserves have also authorized an extra Quick Ship option of its own. Those who start boot camp within 7 weeks of enlistment qualify for an extra $7,000.
And former Regular Army members who have completed their enlistment on active duty in a critical skills MOS may be eligible for a bonus by joining the Reserves.
5. Army Loan Repayment Program
Another hidden advantage of serving in the military that most people don’t talk about is the means to finance your education.
The military is really good about providing financial aid to students looking to get vocational certificates or college degrees.
Under the Army Loan Repayment Program (LRP) you can have up to $65,000 of your current outstanding student loan debt paid off as an enlistment bonus.
There are requirements for the Army Loan Repayment Program bonus which you’ll need to discuss with a local recruiter.
6. Civilian Acquired Skills Bonus
Not every recruit joins the Army right after high school.
Do you have some college or occupational training? Did you work in a special skills field before deciding to enlist?
If so, you may qualify for the Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP). In most cases, you’ll enter the services with a higher rank of E-3 Specialist or higher.
Along with potential bonuses and higher rank (and the pay and allowances that go with it), you may also have a good idea of where you’ll be stationed after you finish boot camp.
Bonuses are available under the ACASP program for foreign language speakers headed for intelligence careers. But not all fields are that specialized.
The Army is also looking for those with experience in Information Systems, Construction, Air Traffic Control, Illustration, and Musical Performance, as well as CDL drivers and certified EMTs.
Talk to a recruiter about your background to find out if your previous education or experience will earn you an additional bonus or qualify you to enlist as an E-4 Specialist right out of boot camp.
7. Reenlistment Bonuses
The Army doesn’t just want to recruit new talent. It also wants to hold on to its current members.
If you’re already active duty and on the fence about reenlisting, you should take a look at the Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) program for 2023.
You’ll need to be working in a critical skills MOS, but the good news is that it appears the Army will also pay the bonus if you are scheduled to retrain in one of those MOSs.
The amount of the reenlistment bonus depends on the critical demand of the MOS or job skill.
The Army also bases the rate of the SRB on the amount of additional service time in the contract.
The lump sum payments vary according to your current rank and MOS. The amounts may be as low as $1,000. For example, that’s the rate for an E-5 in construction equipment repair reenlisting for two years.
The SRB can also go as high as $81,000 for a 35P interpreter reenlisting for another five years.
If you’re currently undecided on re-upping, make sure you take a look at the Selective Retention Bonus for 2023 before deciding.
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Conclusion
The Army bonus list is designed to give you an idea of how much extra you could earn joining the military.
The U.S. Army allows you to combine bonuses up to $50,000, so depending on your skills, your training, and your desired MOS, you could earn thousands more in special pay.
Contact a local Army recruiter for more information about the special bonuses currently being offered.
The Army does change its list of bonuses regularly depending on current demand and needs.
For a current list of Army bonuses, click here.
Zach currently resides in Syracuse, New York, and is very active in politics and local news media.
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