The active military component offers an enlistment bonus ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 to non-prior service (NPS) applicants enlisting in areas of skills shortage or for critical training vacancies. Selected prior-service applicants may be eligible for an enlistment bonus depending on the specialty chosen or critical training seat vacancies. Soldiers must successfully complete basic and advanced individual training and arrive at their first duty station before they receive the initial enlistment bonus payment.
The Reserve component offers an enlistment bonus ranging from $1,000 to $20,000. An enlistment bonus of up to $20,000 is offered to NPS applicants enlisting for up to six years in designated units or critical skills. A maximum bonus of $15,000 is offered to prior-service (PS) applicants who enlist for six years. The initial enlistment bonus payment will not exceed $10,000, with subsequent payments made in equal annual amounts until the total bonus amount is paid.
The Army also offers bonuses ranging up to $8,000 for college credit (HIGRAD) and up to $20,000 on the basis of seasonality (Quick-Ship) so as to maintain quality and the appropriate military occupational specialty (MOS) fill. Subject to the $40,000 bonus cap ($20,000 maximum for the reserve component), applicants may receive HIGRAD and Quick-Ship bonuses in addition to the regular enlistment bonus.
