I signed up for 6 years in Army Reserve, but I don't see the bonus in my contract. Can someone help me understand why?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 19:41:56 -0500

where am I supposed to see the bonus? I only heard the guy at MEPS verbally saying 13000 dollars but I don't see it in my contract. does it mean that I am not receiving any bonus at all?and i signed up in the army for free? please I need some answers. anyone?

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 30 at 2019 8:01 PM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 20:01:20 -0500

You did not see it in the contract, it more than likely isn't in there but I may not be correct. It's not free money, it is taxable.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Jan 30 at 2019 9:01 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 21:01:12 -0500

1) I can't see the contract, but I doubt your leaving right away. So you got time to figure things out.
3) Did your MOS change while at MEPS? If so that could affect a bonus. If not and everything is the same then.....
3) You need to have a "come to Jesus" chat with your recruiter. Ask him where the bonus paperwork is in your contract.
Now, keep in mind, you have a reservation contract and not an actual contract. Until you go back to MEPS, you're not under an enlistment contract. A bunch of people will tell you otherwise to include your recruiter, but if you decide to walk at this point, you can. That's why they do the contract that way. But when you go back to MEPS ask about the bonus, if things aren't the way you were expecting or it doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to walk.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2019 10:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 22:25:07 -0500

The DD4 is your contract, but the bonus is never written on the DD4. The bonus is located in an addendum for Reserves and the DA3286 on the Active Duty contract. The other thing you have a picture of is just a training reservation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2019 11:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 23:55:34 -0500

Your contract reservation looks a bit different then mine, but I did see my enlistment bonus on it before and after I enlisted. I'll give you a picture for reference. I had to sign off on my bonus at MEPS before I swore in and was told the usual and that the army reserved the right to withhold all of my bonuses if I was considered an "unsavory participant" and was given separate paperwork for each one. If you didn't do any of this at MEPS then you probably didn't receive your bonus. All I can really offer you is my insight on the matter, so I'm sure all the people on this thread know the proper steps to remedy something like this.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2022 4:29 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 16:29:38 -0400

I’m having this same problem now … did you get it fixed , if so can you tell me what you did ?