Enlistment bonus payback?

2020-08-18T21:45:56-04:00

I enlisted for 6 years Active(army), I’m getting out on a pregnancy chapter After almost 2. I’ve already agreed to go into the national guard, do I have to pay back my initial enlistment bonus?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 9:52 PM

2020-08-18T21:52:47-04:00

Yes. You didn’t complete your contract and you got chartered under your own discretion. Wasn’t Army related.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 9:54 PM

2020-08-18T21:54:13-04:00

I got got chaptered and discharged with a honorable and re-enlisted and still had to pay mine back.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 18 at 2020 9:58 PM

2020-08-18T21:58:30-04:00

Yes. You will have to pay it back. You signed a contract to do something specific in order to get that bonus. In the eyes of the Army you did not live up to your end of the deal and so they are are reclaiming what they paid in a bonus.

Response by PFC Scott Whitmire made Aug 18 at 2020 10:10 PM

2020-08-18T22:10:26-04:00

Y r u being chaptered for pregnancy?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 10:37 PM

2020-08-18T22:37:58-04:00

Yes you do. It’s a voluntary separation, meaning you are choosing to separate after accepting the Army’s money.

Recoupments are prorated, meaning in if you were paid $7200 for a 6 year or 72 month contract, that’s $100 per month for every month you haven’t served. You will be charged the pre-tax amount. If you received $7200 charged at 22% you would have received $5616 after taxes. If you received a $7200 bonus and separated at 2 years you would owe $4800 back to the government. The amount that was taken in taxes is your responsibility to fix by filing an amended tax return for that year.

As for the National Guard, you will still need a family care plan. Make sure that your Commander signs his memo stating that you DO still have a remaining MSO so that the NG can pay you a bonus for affiliating with them. If you don’t, that’s up to $20k you could be flushing away.

Response by PFC Lois Crawl made Sep 15 at 2020 8:32 AM

2020-09-15T08:32:34-04:00

I don't see why you should have to pay it back. Here's a number to William Sutton (VSO) at [login to see] . They are compromised of veterans like us as they're the liason between the Dept. Of VA and veterans. So they will represent you. Explain your situation so they can assist you. Please let me know this information helps you.