In order to meet their increased recruiting goals, the Army offers more enlistment incentives than any other branch. Most Army enlisted jobs qualify for an enlistment bonus, some up to $40,000. Many jobs also qualify for the Army College Fund, a program that adds extra money to the G.I. Bill. The Army also offers other bonuses for such things as college credits, agreeing to ship out to basic during designated times, and agreeing to serve in an airborne unit. However, to qualify for most Army enlistment incentives, you must score at least a 50 on the AFQT portion of the ASVAB. The Army offers two, three, four, five, and six year active duty enlistment contracts (some Army jobs -- those that require lengthy training -- require an enlistment period of four or more years).
About 65 percent of new Army recruits received an enlistment bonus during Fiscal Year 2009. The Pentagon reports that during FY2009, the Army paid an average of $22,000 per recruit in enlistment bonuses.
Want to read more about the pros and cons of choosing the Army?
- Recruiting Environment
- Job Opportunities
- Basic Training
- Assignment Opportunities
- Deployments
- Quality of Life
- Promotion Opportunities
- Educational Opportunities
- Enlisted Commissioning Programs
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