If I already signed my reenlistment contract when the Army was not doing bonuses, can I go back and get a reenlistment bonus?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:07:25 -0500

I reenlisted in November of 2015 (with an original ETS date of February 2017) for Hawaii but could not PCS until March 2017 due to needing to be on the same post for 2 years before PCSing. At the time I reenlisted, there were no signing bonuses. Now, January 2017, the Army is doing signing bonuses. A friend advised me that if I went back to retention they could add the bonus to my contract. Can I?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2017 2:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:09:56 -0500

Yes, I know I already signed my contract and that's why I wasn't going to do anything about the bonuses except kick myself, but when I was informed that I might be able to get that bonus... well, that's a lot of money to pass up on for no reason and I have some car and loan debts I could definitely use it for. Thanks for your responses.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2017 2:33 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:33:11 -0500

I'm going to guess that would be a big NO........but, I'm not a Career Counselor. Talk to the Career Counselor. But, don't be shocked if they tell you no.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 16 at 2017 2:37 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:37:02 -0500

The only way that would be possible is if the MILPER message that authorizes the re-enlistment bonus for your MOS stipulates that it is retroactive to re-enlistments, with a retro date that falls into your timeframe.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jan 16 at 2017 4:03 PM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:03:11 -0500

Been there done that. The answer is a big fat, negative. The good news is there will be plenty of bonuses when Trump gets in since the current President has neutered our military by reducing our manpower to the lowest levels since before WW2.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 17 at 2017 11:41 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 11:41:32 -0500

You can try, but it's doubtful. Typically the retention bonuses are used to try and entice people to stay in for spots that are dwindling in numbers. Once you made the decision to stay in, they don't really need to bribe you anymore.