I'm going to reenlist in December of 2007. However, sometime in the winter-spring of next year I will seek a direct commission, because I will have my degree from the university I'm attending. I know that a 3yr reenlistment is a lump sump of $7500 and 6yr is a $15000 (minus taxes). However, what is the minimum time that I have to stay as enlisted before I can seek a commission? I heard it was about 6 months for a 3yr reenlistment, but what about 6yr? If it's the same time requirement, then it will be more beneficial for me to reenlist for 6yr's and get $15000 instead of doing it for 3yrs and getting $7500, considering I will be commissioning. If the time duration is longer for 6yrs than I may not want to do it that way. Thank you.

Sorry I'm new this board, I didn't see the 'Bonus' section on the forum.

Based on the information provided, I'm assuming you are reserve component.

1 year from the date of reenlistment to the date of commission and your bonus will not recoup. It will terminate, but with a lump sum bonus that won't matter (since there are no future payments). It doesn't matter when you apply for the commission, or when you go before the board.

I would recommend the 6 year since the only real difference in your situation is the bonus amount.

(I'll move this to the bonus forum for you)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Daddy Warcrimes,

Thank you for your reply. Yes I'm in the NG. So one year for both 3 and 6 year enlistments? I guess in that case, might as well take the 6 year. Do you know if I can go through the commissioning physical, paperwork and everything and then have my official start date be a year out from my bonus (so I don't have to pay it back)? Just wondering if I can defer it my officer start date.

AR 135-7 4-9 a. (5) (b)

quote:

a. Recoupment of immediate reenlistment or extension bonus payments will be started by the unit commander when
entitlement to such incentive is terminated based on any of the following conditions:
.....
(5) Separation from enlisted status in a Selected Reserve unit of the ARNGUS or USAR for any reason unless due
to—
.......
(b) Acceptance of immediate appointment as an officer in the Ready Reserve after 1 year or more of the reenlist-
ment or extension term of service has been satisfactorily served.

There is no difference due to the term of enlistment.

Anything in the process prior to your appointment is irrelevant. The magic date is when you pin on the butter bar. You should be able to get everything ready then pin when your year is up, but that requires proper timing. Since you can never really tell when you might be appointed, it's a good idea to leave some buffer time just in case.

quote:

Originally posted by Daddy Warcrimes:
Based on the information provided, I'm assuming you are reserve component.

1 year from the date of reenlistment to the date of commission and your bonus will not recoup. It will terminate, but with a lump sum bonus that won't matter (since there are no future payments). It doesn't matter when you apply for the commission, or when you go before the board.

I would recommend the 6 year since the only real difference in your situation is the bonus amount.

(I'll move this to the bonus forum for you)

What about active duty? I was told that if I went Warrant during this enlistment (I just reenlisted and got a bonus) I would have to pay back the whole bonus. I think thats crazy as I am trying to just improve my career, STAY ARMY, and I would be a WO in my current MOS.