Can I reclassify a year after re-enlisting and getting a bonus? If so, will I have to repay the bonus?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 14:14:59 -0400

National Guard
MOS: 88M
MOS I would like to re-class to: 12N, 15E, 15N, or 68A

I re-enlisted about a year ago (6 yr contract w/ 20k bonus), I was wondering if I'm able to re-class? If I'm able to re-class and already got my bonus (lump sum) will I have to pay it back? What is the proper way to ask for a re-class (chain of command)?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 2:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 14:34:35 -0400

typically bonuses are tied to a specific MOS, if you reclass you usually have to repay the bonus. It all depends on how your contract is worded.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 3:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 15:09:42 -0400

Talk to your unit career counselor.

Best of luck

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 3:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 15:11:47 -0400

Are you Air Guard or Army ... profile is all jacked up ... maybe it is just my ignorance but I have never seen an 88M in the Air Guard ...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 5:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 17:12:03 -0400

If your 20K bonus is tied to your MOS and you've received it, then yes you would have to pay some/most/all of it back. A year into a new contract....very very difficult to reclass.

You will need to seek out your Career Counselor to get specific answers to these RFIs. That is what they are for.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 5:12 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 17:12:35 -0400

I will shadow what LTC Private RallyPoint Member and LTC Private RallyPoint Member have said. Typically the bonus is tied to what you signed for, so my assumption would be that you will need to pay it back. There are some special circumstances that would state otherwise, such as your unit disbanding by the Big Army; you apply to go to WOCS or OCS and get accepted (and graduate); or you are forced out of your MOS. I would look at your enlistment contract, where you agreed for the bonus, as the instructions and circumstances are listed on there.