Posted on Jun 8, 2018
If I received a bonus for joining the Reserves, would I have to pay it back if I switch over to the Guard?
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When I Enlisted in the Reserves, I received a sign on bonus. I've been thinking about switching over into the guard. Would I have to pay back my bonus if I can get my commander to release me before my ETS?
ETS/EAS
Re-enlistment
Reserves
Military Pay
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 9
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Yes, if you were granted a conditional release from the USAR to the NG in the first place. It is not easy to "switch". Requires an approved DD368 by the USARC G1, not your unit commander. All he or she can do is recommend or endorse it. Your bonus was paid out by federal funds for a USAR enlistment contract. A conditional release terminates that contract, so any bonus paid to you must be paid back because you did not fulfil your contract wit the USAR. Bonuses are affiliated with unit and MOS in your enlistment contract. So it is not really "switching" at all. A conditional release terminates your enlistment contract with the condition that you enlist in another component on a new contract. USAR is a federal component, NG is state. Two separate entities.
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CPT (Join to see)
SFC,
What if you switch from Army Reserves to Active duty ? Will a bonus recoupment be required ? thank you
What if you switch from Army Reserves to Active duty ? Will a bonus recoupment be required ? thank you
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SFC J Fullerton
CPT (Join to see) - In many cases yes, because most USAR bonuses are tied to specific units and MOS's. It is called a "Unit Affiliation Bonus", an incentive to fill vacancies in understrength units and MOS's. It also depends on how much time has been served in relation to the payout structure of the incentive. The SM should be formally counseled on that by the commander as part of the conditional release process.
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CPT (Join to see)
SFC J Fullerton - I appreciate that, I'm switching from Reserve to Active. My AMEDD recruiter or milpay was unable to give me any clear answers. So thank you for the response. The process for active is taking a while, so by the time I get orders hopefully the recoupment will be prorated and not too much.
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SFC J Fullerton
CPT (Join to see) - AMEDD is an entirely different animal than enlisted, so an AMEDD recruiter will have to verify that for you, but I imagine the same would apply.
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I would say yes, a portion of that money paid out by the Reserves will be collected back, it depends on how long you served in the Reserves, how was the bonus paid out, lump, installments etc. But in truth if the UA or Finance does not initiate the paper work it could be a while or they could jump right on it.
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Suspended Profile
To be honest, it depends on your original paperwork regarding your bonus, your enlistment. You should be able to find that in your iperms, and if you read over that it would clarify it for you.
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