The objectives of the Bonus, Extension and Retraining (BEAR) Program are to attract highly qualified Soldiers in the rank of SSG and below who are currently serving in an over-strength/balanced MOS to migrate into a critically short SRB MOS, and receive an SRB in the newly awarded PMOS.

How can you qualify?
Soldiers must be in the rank of SSG or below. Additional rank requirements are as follows:
(1) If the soldier's rank is SGT and below, the appropriate rank column for PMOS (as shown in current HRC In/Out Calls Message) must show N/N or N/Y at their current rank and MOS (Current MOS must be balanced or overstrength)

(2) If the soldier’s rank is SSG, the appropriate rank column for PMOS (as shown in current HRC In/Out Calls message) must show N/Y at their current rank and MOS (Current MOS must be overstrength)

Here is the latest BEAR Message:
https://perscomnd04.army.mil/MILPERmsgs.nsf/All+Documents/05-147?OpenDocument

This bonus has been extended to 31 December 2006.

It's original termination date was 31 December 2005.

I am under the impression that you must be within your two year window to qualify for the BEAR program. However, I don't see that in your explanation of it. Am I misinformed?

Yes, you must be within 24-months from ETS to enroll in the BEAR Program.

You can get all the latest BEAR information at http://www.armyreenlistment.com/bear.htm.

Specifically, BEAR Message 07-01, paragraph 10 lays it out for everyone.