What are my options for getting paid my 18X seasonal bonus?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 04:49:37 -0500

This is going to be a lengthy post and I apologize but I figured I should include as many details as possible. I have looked everywhere for help online and have not found it. I enlisted as an 18x with a seasonal quick ship bonus of 16,000. On my bonus paperwork it says in order to get my bonus I have to complete the prerequisites for 18x which would be infantry OSUT and airborne. I did not make it through the course but I did complete OSUT and airborne. I even called Retention at Ft Bragg to be sure I was eligible still and they looked up my bonus through my social and told me that “18x just guarantees that you have a chance to go to selection. If you complete OSUT and airborne then you are good.” I turn my bonus paperwork in at my next duty station and they tell me that they are denying it because I didn’t complete 18x. The guy was not helpful at all when I was trying to explain so I called some more people and they told me to turn in my PCS orders to Bragg that have my MOS as 18x . “ they change from 11b to 18x after you compete airborne” I try to turn this paper in and the finance guy won’t even take it. I have had 4 people with the same exact bonus turn there bonus paperwork in with the paper I forgot and they were all paid. So what are my options now?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2020 8:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 08:47:24 -0500

Go to the Bragg finance office and talk directly with a finance person, not your S1 or the help desk people.

Your bonus might be different than your friends, the person you talked to might have been wrong. You may or may not be eligible for the bonus. Usually you will have to turn in your DA 3286-B, MOS and Airborne orders, DD4/1, DD4/2, and DD4/3, and your orders bringing you to your current post. Miss any of that and you won't get paid.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 21 at 2020 5:19 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:19:52 -0500

You received a bonus for 18X quick ship, you are not a qualified 18X, why would you get the bonus when you were unable (for whatever reason) to complete all of the requirements. I may be wrong in any case you need to go to S or G1, or the base finance time be sure. Either way you have accomplished a great deal and should be very proud of yourself. If you don’t get the bonus look at the whole picture, where are you, where did you come from, where are you going. You are on a great path, the Army can be a truly great life’s experience. The things you will face will shape you in ways you would not otherwise experience. Head up, God Bless, Be proud to serve.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Feb 22 at 2020 11:17 AM

1SG Charles Hunter — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 11:17:28 -0500

"...the finance guy won’t even take it." Did he tell you it had to be sent on a Unit Transmittal Letter? I know things have changed a lot since I was in, but demanding proper procedures be followed is usually timeless.