When do I receive my enlistment bonus?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:30:57 -0500

When I enlisted in the Army National Guard I qualified for a $20k enlisting bonus for my mos. it’s even stated on my paperwork. I went to OSUT training April 30 and graduated August 17. I’ve done my on ramping for my unit back in September and have completed 2 drills with my unit. I’m yet to receive the first portion of my enlisting bonus, so I was wondering when I should receive it or about how long after on ramp.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 6 at 2018 1:11 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:11:55 -0500

It should be spelled out in your contract how the Bonus is paid. Been a few years since I was Active Reserve, but the typical bonus was half at the end of initial entry training, then the rest in installments over the enlistment period, usually at three years, although I have seen three and six. I would talk to my chain of command, starting with my squad leader and platoon sergeant, and have them check with the unit clerk or the Battalion S1 section. Making sure you get paid is part of your NCO's functions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2018 1:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:15:20 -0500

Bonuses take time. They have to be verified and approvals have to be sent through your CoC and the pay system. 2 months isn't that long to wait in reality. I'd suggest you get with your Training and Readiness NCO's and see if you can get an estimated timeline from them. To be blunt, I think you're jumping the gun a bit by getting ancy about your bonus this soon, you literally just got to the unit.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2018 9:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 21:40:49 -0500

I forgot to add that I am supposed to get 50% of the $20k which I know is taxed. Then 3 years in I get 25% and at 6 years, the last 25%

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 2 at 2019 10:42 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 22:42:00 -0500

Not enough money ! Just suck it up
Soldier !

Just kidding.. be patient, you’ll get it !

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 4:36 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 16:36:19 -0500

Did you finally get your enlistment bonus? and how long did you have to wait to receive it?
I just turned in my paperwork today.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 1 at 2019 4:40 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:40:01 -0400

Seriously .... What makes you think you rate an enlistment bonus, what makes you so special that you rate one ? Way back when I enlisted in the AF Reserves I was not expecting a bonus.. To me it was the privilege to join one of The United States Military Service branches. I did all required of me and was accepted. I’d been through the AFJROTC program and completed the Cadet program up through the award that allows enlistment as an A1C (E-3). When BMT is completed the date of promotion is moved to date of enlistment. What I brought were leadership skills I had learned. Part of that was personnel mgt skills . Listening is a mgt skill. Anybody can run their mouth and say do this or do that. Taking time to listen to those that work for you and with you. That can help to better manage.. I
had also taken a SK test. for the skill I’d be working in and gives me a jump on working to the next level. By the way...
I did bring two years of apprenticeship train’g(that gave me eligibility to take the bypass SKT.). I was able to translate that skill into my AFSC and move through faster.. So my receiving the A1C pay was my bonus (to me it was). So did you bring an Associate’s Degree in an Applied Science to your MOS ? Or a Trade school certificate that would give you a jump start in working in your MOS? I surmise there are requirements that go with your “bonus” ? Getting your MOS in a specified time span? To go along progressive residual payments in your bonus? Well.. I wish you the best and hope you can deliver back what the U.S. Government and taxpayer is paying you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2019 5:54 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 17:54:03 -0400

I've ready through since of the comments and completely disagree. You should've already gotten it. They guarentee it the day after you enlist or reenlist, sometimes you need to go in and tell them you havent received it. If you haven't received it and get kicked out or fail multiple Pt tests you'll have to pay it all back regardless of whether you've gotten it or not. It's stated in your contact you get the bonus, so go get it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2020 9:37 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 09:37:11 -0500

I've been enlisted now for a year. Been with my unit for 11 months. I haven't seen my sign on bonus at all. I bring it up to my leaders every drill and all I get is that they are "tracking". I have 7 years total with prior service. Marine Corps and Army National Guard and Reserves. I have been pretty patient, but it comes a time when patience can wear a bit thin. One of the soldiers in my unit had almost waited 2 years for his, and I hope that it doesn't take that long to get mine. And at the same time, I don't think that my unit leaders really care about helping at all. I'm not one to complain much, but sometimes I get a bit frustrated with how things are not fixed. And then it seems to be put on me because I haven't passed a pt test yet with them because I hadn't taken one in a very long time that I haven't gotten up to standard yet. Although I am not that far off from passing them. I'm just not sure anymore whether I'm still cut out for it as I am 45 years old now and my body isn't as young as it once was. But I was also more active with the military back then so it was a lot easier. But now since it's a once a month thing and I have had mainly jobs with trucking over the road, it makes it hard to get back into the swing of things.