When I go to MEPS to sign my new contract, are prior service eligible for any enlistment bonus based on MOS, critical skills, or languages?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 13:07:12 -0400

I’m in the process of transferring from the National Guard to Active Duty, I’m currently waiting on my returned DD-368. I’ve just completed the Special Forces Qualification Course. Since I’m 18 series qualified, I wanted to know if when I go to MEPS to sign my new contract if I would be eligible for any sort of enlistment bonus based on my MOS, critical skills, or languages. Has anyone gone through a similar process or recruiters that have handled this before?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 5 at 2020 1:11 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 13:11:28 -0400

Dear Chris, I pray that you are successful at finding an answer to your question. SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 1:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 13:25:23 -0400

No way to really know until you go to MEPS. I'm a little surprised your Active Duty Recruiter wasn't able to provide this info.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 5 at 2020 2:34 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:34:33 -0400

You would only receive entry bonuses for skill sets associated with the MOS you will be assigned to, and only if it is listed in your enlistment contract.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 2:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:47:07 -0400

Most of the time no, but rarely you’ll see bonuses.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 3:42 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:42:45 -0400

Probably none at all.
Prior service bonuses are mostly critical skills MOS coming in at E4 or below.
But you won't know for sure until the day you are at MEPS.
That said, if you have any student loan debt, you'll also want to ask about SLRP when you go in.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 3:44 PM

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Response by SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield made Aug 5 at 2020 6:55 PM

SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:55:37 -0400

They should tell you when you go to MEPS, but if you spoke with a recruiter then they should of been able to tell you.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 5 at 2020 7:10 PM

SSG Brian G. — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 19:10:03 -0400

Generally for a prior service? No, but the occasional Sasquatch does get mentioned.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 9:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 21:49:09 -0400

Based from my experience no. I transferred from the reserves to active duty and since I was prior service and not an initial entry soldier I was not allowed any enlistment bonus once again for being prior service even though the contract I signed for did have a $5000 bonus I couldn’t receive any of it. Also I couldn’t really pick and choose my MOS, I was allowed to reclass but it was based on needs of the army and what was available at the time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 1:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 01:54:38 -0400

I’ve never been a recruiter, but I’ve never seen a prior service get a bonus. I re-entered at the height of the surge. Initial entry were getting 60k for a few years. I got a plane ticket and no pay for a month.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 6:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 18:20:46 -0400

I’d track down an SF recruiter and ask him, if that’s the route you’re taking. He’d be able to tell you a bit more, I know mine has been extremely helpful