SSG Private RallyPoint Member 6612649 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Currently am less than 12 months out from ETS, nearing the end of a deployment. I will be transitioning into the Guard or Reserves (not sure which branch). But it got me thinking, can I contractually make my commitment to whomever it is, and if there is a bonus, would it be tax free since i&#39;m in a combat zone? I obviously would not see this bonus until after ETS when I arrive to the new component, but is it the signing of the contract that makes the bonus tax free, or is it the time of payment? 2020-12-28T03:28:37-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 6612649

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Currently am less than 12 months out from ETS, nearing the end of a deployment. I will be transitioning into the Guard or Reserves (not sure which branch). But it got me thinking, can I contractually make my commitment to whomever it is, and if there is a bonus, would it be tax free since i&#39;m in a combat zone? I obviously would not see this bonus until after ETS when I arrive to the new component, but is it the signing of the contract that makes the bonus tax free, or is it the time of payment?

2020-12-28T03:28:37-05:00 2020-12-28T03:28:37-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 6612664

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, the bonus doesn&#39;t work that way. You can contract with the Reserve Component of your choice, USAR or ARNG, at six months from ETS, which means you have at least another six months till you can contract with a Reserve Component Career Counselor. Your contract does not become effective until your ship date which is the day after your ETS.

2020-12-28T03:37:41-05:00 2020-12-28T03:37:41-05:00 2020-12-28T03:28:37-05:00