Army sign on bonus=screwed?

Question

My husband went to see a recruiter and he told us that the fiscal year for army recruiting ends september 9th and that they have money left to get rid of or they lose it (doesn't roll over to next year). He said that if we sign on before then, he gets a $20,000 dollar bonus and another $20,000 if he goes to training before October 4th. He explained that you only get half the bonus at first and then part of it every year on his anniversary. However, our friend who is in Iraq doesn't want him to sign on until he gets back (hopefully in the next few days) because he says he doesn't want my husband to get screwed, but he won't elaborate on what he means by that.

If he doesn't get back before the 8th, I want my husband to sign up and get the money without our friend but I don't know what to expec t. How can a large bonus s***w you in the Army? Any personal experiences?

Answer 1

Well...I think the first thing you need to understand is that a recruiter will tell you ANYTHING to get you to join.  Also, it also does not matter what the army tells you...once you sign on, you are government property and you will do everything they tell you to do and like it--no matter what is in your contract. They can take away your bonus--or add to it--they can give you a different job if they don't have room--or give you a better one. You never know...and you should join anticipating this.

That said...

The only thing affecting the amount of money your husband will get is his MOS (job). The recruiter will pull up a list online and allow your husband to choose one. Some jobs have no bonus, others have a substantial one.  You do only get half the bonus after you complete Basic. The rest is divided equally among your remaining years and given to you on your anniversary (when you went to Basic). It is taxed. Also, be aware that if you husband does not get to follow through with his MOS he will not get the rest of his bonus and may even be required to pay that money back to the army.

There is a reason that someone already in the army wants to check this out before your husband signs up--you WILL get screwed by the army. Hopefully, though, all the other good stuff that goes along with it balances it out!

Answer 2

The fiscal year ends October 1st. I signed my contract in very late september and got plenty of options for a sign on bonus. Dont know why they are saying it ends so early.

Answer 3

Sounds like the friend is afraid your husband will be sent right away to Iraqm in other words, from Basic to AIt to Iraq, and that could seem like a person is being screwed over, however if you ait until after the election, maybe th ewar will be over and so will the tour of duty over to Iraq, I don;t know just a guess.  

Answer 4

When in doubt, wait. Enlisting is a huge step, and waiting on the approval/guidance of a close friend is worth any amount of bonus money the Army could offer.

Answer 5

Actual the fiscal year ends on 30 Sep 08. 01 Oct 08 is the first day of the new fiscal year...

Aside from that, he needs to have the bonus written into the contract - it is that simple. Only those things in the contract are guaranteed. Another poster mentioned that friends were told the school was full which is something that I do not believe. You are signed up for an MOS because there is a need, that need does not go away.

Also keep in mind that the recruiter is not part of the contract process. He is not part of the job selection process even - all of that is handled by MEPS. They make it very clear that only those things in the contract are guaranteed.

Answer 6

I have friends that joined the army and where promised a bonus a certain job, but after they got out of basic they were told the school for their job was full and they couldn't get their bonus. So when he enlists tell him to make sure his contract says hes guaranteed his school and bonus.

Answer 7

the army need him more than he needs the army. just remember that. just wait until your friend gets back. besides my buddy went in and got $80,000 just for his job and $20,000 for signing on. best bet when dealing with the military is waiting. they can't force anybody to sign right away.

Answer 8

As long as the monetary amounts the recruiter claimed are written IN THE CONTRACT, he will be fine. Just remember, everything you guys have been 'guaranteed' is just lip-service unless you see it in writing before that contract is signed. If it isn't in there....DO NOT SIGN IT.