I re-enlisted in Aug '06 as an SSG/97B and received a bonus while overseas (Iraq). In Dec '07, I was appointed as a Signal (251A)WO1 after completing WOCS. The Army is in the process of recouping my bonus. Under the terms of the new contract, I was to serve at least 1 year as an SSG/97B. A requirement that I failed to meet. I was going off the date I signed the contract and not date that the contract started (I re-enlisted a full year early). What are my options? Can I give up my WO1 and serve a full year as an SSG/97B and then re-apply to become a Warrant? Any other guidance is appreciated.

ouch...looks like you someone is paying all that money back...good luck..try to set up a proration so they dont take away everything at the same time, and hopefull when you realized you had to pay it back you saved it and didnt spend it.

quote:

Originally posted by NOVA_GI:
I re-enlisted in Aug '06 as an SSG/97B and received a bonus while overseas (Iraq). In Dec '07, I was appointed as a Signal (251A)WO1 after completing WOCS. .... I was going off the date I signed the contract and not date that the contract started (I re-enlisted a full year early).

I'm not following ... you reenlisted in August 2006 but didn't sign the contract until a year later (or vice versa)?

You stated that "Under the terms of the new contract, I was to serve at least 1 year as an SSG/97B" ... where was this in the contract?

Did you extend under the BEAR Program?

AR 601-280, Chapter 5, paragraph 5-13c:
Recoupment of an unearned bonus is not required if the Soldier is separated to permit acceptance of a commission or warrant appointment or to enter a program leading to a commission or warrant appointment. Entitlement to additional unpaid bonus is suspended and will terminate upon commissioning or appointment.

Sorry.

I re-enlisted and signed the new contract in August of 2006. However, I still had a full year left on my previous contract (I re-enlisted in August of 2004 for 3 years which gave me an ETS date of August 2007.) I was informed that the start time on my new contract would become effective the day my old contract expired (Aug 2007) and not the date that I signed my new contract (Aug 2006). I read AR 601-280 Chapter 5. Does the AR trump Paragraph 4b Section VII of DA form 5261-2-R which was part of my contract?

If recoupment is authorized what additional actions can I take? Will I be allowed to give up my WO1 appointment to fulfill my one year obligation?

Thanks in advance

quote:

Originally posted by NOVA_GI:
I was informed that the start time on my new contract would become effective the day my old contract expired (Aug 2007) and not the date that I signed my new contract (Aug 2006).

Are you active duty?

I am a reservist.

Well, this changes things a bit ... I'll try to track down the answer.

This is good info...

I am also needing this info because I'm hearing the same thing. If I was to reenlist USAR for 25B 6 years I would have to pay back bonuse if I am selecting and finish WOCS

And it would have to be a year from my original contract date so my contract ends june 09, so I couldn't not attend wocs until june 2010..

That is not fair. I'm advancing my career and I hope the above info is not correct.

I also heard if I got 15K which is about 11,800 after taxes I would have to pay back the whole 15,, why would I pay back money i didn't get and uncle same did?

I wouldn't mind hearing the outcome of this. I'm in the reserves and about to re-enlist for 6, but I'm also in the process of putting together a warrant packet.