If I received a bonus for joining the Reserves, would I have to pay it back if I switch over to the Guard?

2018-06-08T00:53:30-04:00

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?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 1:27 AM

2018-06-08T01:27:32-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 6:31 AM

2018-06-08T06:31:18-04:00

Personally, I think you should pay that money.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 6:33 AM

2018-06-08T06:33:48-04:00

And if your commander Sign that Paper than they should make him pay the money, this is my opinion. Stop wasting the people money

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 8:24 AM

2018-06-08T08:24:41-04:00

Yes you will have to pay the portion of your contract that you did not fulfill.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 10:42 AM

2018-06-08T10:42:05-04:00

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.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jun 8 at 2018 10:52 AM

2018-06-08T10:52:49-04:00

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 11:46 AM

2018-06-08T11:46:31-04:00

It depends on if you received a lump sum or partial payments and depends on how much of the contract you have fulfilled. For example if you signed a 6 year and fulfilled only 1 year of the contract then yes they would recoup. If you fulfilled at least half of the contract they'd usually not go after you for recoupment. They would just terminate any future payments that you may be owed. I've had Soldiers go Active duty some switched to the Air National Guard and none have had bonuses recouped.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 12:37 PM

2018-06-08T12:37:07-04:00

The commander has the option to release you from your obligation or not.
If I were to advise the commander, which way to go would depend on what the Guard offers in the new contract. If they give you a bonus, I would advise to rescind the Reserve bonus. Same with SLRP and MGIB (which you should get from the Guard as well).
The thing to look out here is to not obligate the Army to pay you twice, or create a pay problem with multiples of the same entitlement being paid on your behalf from different accounts.

In the event the Guard didn't pay a bonus, I would advise the commander to suspend the bonus, thus eliminating any future payments, and collect back any amount paid as a lump beyond the fulfilled commitment you have served.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 2 at 2018 2:08 PM

2018-08-02T14:08:15-04:00

Finance may require it since it was for the Reserves and not the Guard