Ill try to make it simple because I know you guys are flooded with these questions, thank you in advance for the help.
1. I have read that you receive a bonus for 24 months extension after AIT, if that is the case then why the 12-23 months table in the MILPER message?
2. Is that two years AFTER my current service obligation? i.e. ETS now is July 2009, if I finish school in March 2009 I need to extend for 24 months so March 2011. Does that 3 months of overlap between March and July count?
3. I have read about a waiver of a remaining 24 months of time on your service obligation in regards to bonuses, any validity to this?

Thanks again.

One more question for you if you don't mind. I just got to my new duty station, Ft. Lewis, a couple days ago. I absolutely love it here and would love to stay here if possible so..
4. I have heard there is a 12 month on-base stabilization requirement for reclassing does that mean I will definitely get to come back here? I would hate to go to AIT then get a whole new duty station.
**In case it helps, I am 25F and we are required to reclass NOW, don't know if that will effect the answer to any of my questions**

Thanks for all info, everyone!!

First of all, I commend you for taking control of your career because the Army chooses a new MOS for you.

The BEAR Program is a program in which you extend for 24-months past your class graduation date. If you reenlist within 90 days after graduation, you will have those 24-months (called previously obligated service) forgiven. This is why the 12-23 months is on the SRB table.

As for your question about going to school and returning to Fort Lewis ... this would be called TDY and return and your command must approve this (and pay for it most likely) before you can be processed for the MOS you're looking for.

Get with your Career Counselor to begin this proces.

Wow thanks for the quick response! What is the likely my command would approve this given my situation with the forced reclass of 25F's?

This depends on if the new MOS is short at your current installation.

If you are able to stay at Lewis through the reclass, and want to be there a while try to get into one of the three Stryker brigades. 4/2 and 5/2 are on 3 year lifecycles. 4/2 is going to reset soon, and then they won't deploy for a while. The reset might create a demand for your new MOS there. 2/75 will also stabilize you for a time.

MCT SGT, good general information on units at Fort Lewis, but we're not sure of what MOS he's looking at or the strengths at each unit.