If I switch from the Reserves to Active Duty, do I have to return my enlistment bonus?

2018-03-27T19:24:40-04:00

Response by SGT Lee Jamison made Mar 27 at 2018 7:29 PM

2018-03-27T19:29:26-04:00

It depends on a couple things. 1. Did you get a lump sum or split payment bonus? 2. How long have you served of your contract? These are questions a recruiting and retention NCO would need the answers to in order to get you the correct answer. Honestly that’s who you will have to talk to in order to get an answer. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 27 at 2018 9:22 PM

2018-03-27T21:22:20-04:00

This is crazy. Makes no sense to me that you would need to give any of it back. You are INCREASING your commitment to the U S Army and to the United States as a whole. You are giving more than your original signing bonus contemplated. I don't know, but does the Army have some sort of TO&E rules concerning Reserves and NGs? Sounds like a bean counter creation to me (and I apologize to all you accountants.) But, good for you, I am proud that we have Americans like yourself, willing to go the distance for his country. Far different than Vietnam. You typify the all-volunteer military.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-03-27T21:37:32-04:00

It really depends on how your contract is structured. I lost my bonus when I went from Guard to Active duty and then I was going to have to give back my next bonus when I accepted a green to gold. They finally let me keep it but it was a fight.