If I just reenlisted in the national guard, will I have to pay back my bonus if I want to switch to active duty?

2024-04-16T17:56:37-04:00

I just reenlisted for 6 years in the guard and got a $20k “tax-free” bonus but I want to switch to active duty. Will they make me pay back the bonus?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Apr 16 at 2024 7:29 PM

2024-04-16T19:29:42-04:00

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/national-guard-bonus-recoupment

If a NG 25U1 reenlists and receives a bonus, then transfers to AD, does the NG recoup the bonus...

If an Army National Guard 25U1 reenlists and receives a bonus, then transfers to active duty, does the National Guard recoup to bonus that was paid to the Soldier?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2024 8:07 PM

2024-04-16T20:07:12-04:00

More than likely yes, because that money was from a different fund than from Active Duty, take a look at your re-enlistment contract and see what stipulations there are.

Another option if you want to get some AD time is to jump on another units deployment, get on Tour of Duty / Carerra, etc if you want to keep that bonus.

Response by SGT Justin Brothen made Apr 16 at 2024 8:09 PM

2024-04-16T20:09:41-04:00

How the hell you get tax free bonus? You overseas?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2024 12:12 PM

2024-04-25T12:12:50-04:00

The NGR 600-200 reads both ways. The LTC's linked answer shows that as well. Your current unit's retention NCO is should be able to help you. Or your Bridge Career Counselor. An ETP could be done. No guarantee though.

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made May 1 at 2024 1:24 PM

2024-05-01T13:24:04-04:00

Talk to a recruiter, I would think switching to active duty wouldn't require you to repay a reinlistment bonus, but a recruiter would be best able to answer that question for sure.

Response by SSG Bob Robertson made May 10 at 2024 8:29 PM

2024-05-10T20:29:49-04:00

You already made one mistake and now you want to make another even worst?

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made May 13 at 2024 5:14 PM

2024-05-13T17:14:35-04:00

Check with your Recruiter and in the meantime read your Contract and all the specifics outlined

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2024 10:07 PM

2024-05-15T22:07:12-04:00

Yes you will, money is allocated differently. Rank works the same, so you may drop on.