How to Earn Enlistment Bonuses in the Army National Guard
- 1). Join the Active First Program. After basic training, you will serve as an active Army soldier for three years. When your active duty assignment is complete, you'll transition back to your local National Guard unit. As much as $20,000 is available for Active First soldiers through a combination of bonuses.
- 2). Receive a Military Occupational Skill (MOS) Bonus, available through the Active First program, where you'll utilize or obtain one of a couple dozen specialized skills or sign up for special assignments. Depending on the needs of your state, you could qualify for up to $4,000.
- 3). Nab a Hi-Grad Bonus through the Active First program, but don't be misled by the name. Although enlistments must be non-prior service high school graduates or hold a GED with 15 college credits, this bonus is given for college credit. Earn $3,000 for 30 to 59 college semester hours; $4,000 for 60 or more semester hours without a degree; and $5000 for a two year associate degree or equivalent, or higher. The Hi-Grad bonus may be combined with the MOS bonus. Be sure to check with your local recruiter for your state's individual needs.
- 4). Get paid for your skills with a Cash bonus of up to $10,000 if you possess or want to gain specific skills. Your local recruiter will know what specific skills are needed in your state.
- 5). Earn a seasonal or Off-Peak bonus by attending basic training during October through May, typically considered off-peak training months. Most people who join the military want to get all of their training done in the spring and summer months, because of school and other obligations, so depending on the National Guard's needs for soldiers, off-peak basic training is a viable option for up to $15,000 in bonus money.
- 6). Attend basic training within 45 days of enlisting and you may qualify for a Quick Ship bonus of up to $5,000. Up the ante by combining this bonus with the Cash bonus, and you could be eligible for as much as $15,000.
Source...