“Our intention is to attract and retain quality Soldiers in the Army of all components and ranks,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Sterling, chief, Analysis and Studies Branch, Enlisted Division, Army G-1. “Legislation has officially been submitted to the Office of Secretary of Defense for two new programs that will really give momentum to the recruiting efforts, and may offer potential recruits a financial incentive not really found in the civilian hiring world.”
The first program proposal, the 'Army Home Ownership Fund' also known as AHO, would give payments up to $45,000 to active-duty Soldiers who have a pre-existing mortgage, or are planning to buy a home, Sterling said. He said to be eligible for this amount will require enlisting or re-enlisting for a minimum of six years on active duty. For contracts of fewer years, he said the amount will be pro-rated less, down to a minimum of $15,000 for a three-year active-duty contract obligation.
“Our second program proposal, the `Army Business Fund,' also known as ABF, would target service members who have completed their active-duty obligation," Sterling said. "The amounts of the bonuses mirror those we’re proposing in the AHO bonus program. It’s the intention of the ABF to attract a new market of Soldiers to become Army entrepreneurs after they have completed their contract obligations."
While appealing to future community leaders to become lifetime Army advocates, Sterling said ABF also appeals to the influencers – the parents and others who are concerned about prospects for life after the Army. With the AHO program potential, the Army Reserve also plans to offer active-component to reserve-component Soldiers $12,500 for a three-year obligation and up to $20,000 for a six-year contract.”
Enlistment and re-enlistment bonus programs like the AHO and AFB could be a first among firsts.
“A key part of these two fine proposals,” said Sterling, “is when the time comes for Soldiers to enlist or re-enlist that either of these bonuses would give an excellent financial incentive to make a difference at mortgage time, or to ramp up that new business someday when they’ve completed their Army service obligation.”
