Ok i've read numerous post here and I can't understand the difference. I'm a regular army PFC deployed to Iraq. My MOS is 63M and my ETS is NOV 08. I am researching my options right now. I know i can choose Option 3 and choose any job i qualify for but I don't know how the bonus works. Is the bonus for simply reenlisting in a combat zone or is the bonus for the mos or both? How does it differ from the BEAR program, i know my MOS on the IN/OUT is understrength. So does that mean i'm not eligble, like say i wanted 46R. Is there no exception for first termers? Also I was told bonuses for Option 3 aren't tax free because they aren't paid until AIT is completed is that true?

I have an idea of how to answer your question and know what you're talking about and what not, but I'll let AR give you the 100% correct answer so I don't mess it up

Give it a shot Huski, no one else is, lol. I'm sure whenever AR gets around to this question he'll set the record straight. Let see how close you are.

Well, you had your chance ... haha

BEAR = Extension
The BEAR Program is designed to entice Soldiers in balanced and overstrength MOSs to extend their contracts for up to 48 months (2 years past new MOS AIT end date) and receive a bonus (upon reenlistment within 90 days of graduation date) once they graduate AIT and are awarded a Shortage MOS.

Since you are in an understrength MOS, you cannot apply, unless you're looking at EOD or a couple MI MOSs.

Option 3 = Reenlistment
Option 3, Army Training Option is offered to all initial term Soldiers. They will be given a list (normally about 5 or 10) of MOSs that the Army is offering through your Career Counselor. Once you are "qualified" for te MOS by the Career Counselor, you can reenlist for that MOS.

When you reenlist for Option 3, you do not qualify for a bonus (unless you are deployed and you're getting "deployment" bonus; not an MOS specific bonus) because you do not hold the MOS yet.

Hope this helps and if you have any additional questions, please call on this community.

-Or diver or SF

quote:

Originally posted by HighSpeedLowPay:
-Or diver or SF

Huh?