What are the details on getting an Army ROTC bonus?

Sam M — Sat, 12 May 2018 03:24:48 -0400

[link below]
I just joined up ROTC as a sophomore and will be going to Basic Camp this summer (June). When I was joining ROTC the program recruiter really emphasized the $5,000 bonus I would recieve If I went to camp as a upcoming junior.
Now that I have joined and gotten a Slot for Basic Camp he is downplaying the bonus.
He says that the bonus would be nice but is “iffy and would be nice”
I am not doing ROTC for the money but it would definitely be nice to receive it.
How does this work? Is it just a bait and switch? Is there a catch to receiving it?
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/02/01/army-offers-5000-bonus-for-college-sophomores-to-join-rotc/

Army offers $5,000 bonus for college sophomores to join ROTC

Students who want the bonus have until this summer to join ROTC.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 5:10 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 05:10:44 -0400

I am not too familiar with this bonus, however, it seems to be targeting potential cadets who want to commission or need to be contracted (juniors and above) but will not be receiving a scholarship. To put simply, an alternative to receiving a scholarship for commitment to commissioning.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 12 at 2018 9:20 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 12 May 2018 09:20:14 -0400

Did you sign a contract? What was in your contract? Is it contingent on you completing the requisite camp? Is It the sum total of the pay from Basic and Advanced Camp?

The answers are all in plain sight: https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/rotc-bonus.html

Make sure it is in your contract.

ROTC $5,000 Basic Camp Bonus

Earn Cash Bonuses Just For Joining Army ROTC and Completing Your Entry Training, Known as ROTC Basic Camp

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 12 at 2018 9:33 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 12 May 2018 09:33:25 -0400

You should put the recruiter to task and speak with the station NCOIC or Commander, if it was authorized you should receive it. At the very least you may help in exposing a recruiter who conducts themselves unethically, which cannot be tolerated. I thank you for your future service. If you wish to be an Officer and you identify unprofessional conduct you need to display the morale courage needed to become an Officer.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 10:14 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 10:14:15 -0400

Sam M, below are two army links regarding the bonus. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and use the contact information provided. If you are eligible and your recruiter isn't doing their part, gather any forms, emails, or texts that he's given you and submit an IG complaint.
https://www.army.mil/article/199843/rotc_offers_5k_bonus_to_all_qualified_college_sophomores
https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/rotc-bonus.html

ROTC offers $5K bonus to all qualified college sophomores

A newly established $5,000.00 bonus will be awarded to current college sophomores who can pass the challenge of attending cadet basic training and accept the mission to lead the finest Soldiers in the world.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 10:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 10:55:40 -0400

Sam M it’s not just completing the camp. You have to sign a contract too. Just for your situational awareness that bonus will be taxed. I got the bonus after completing what used to be basic camp and signing a contract. Then you start getting paid $350 a month as a junior. Go to advanced camp. Come back a senior and get paid $450 a month.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 12 at 2018 12:26 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 12 May 2018 12:26:12 -0400

Rules change- was it in your contract? If not you may have a problem.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 5:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 17:58:23 -0400

Your bonus is a commission and especially a job when you graduate

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Aug 10 at 2019 5:17 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 17:17:02 -0400

First, you have to volunteer for a castration and a lobotomy.