There are many opportunities to earn money in the Army in addition to basic pay. Bonuses may be available for new recruits, soldiers, and officers who select specific Army jobs, complete special training, assume extra responsibilities, or have served in the military before.

Army Reserve Soldiers on active duty status with no prior service or those with prior service who meet the critical skill, term of service, and other specific eligibility requirements may be eligible for certain bonus opportunities.  Refer to your contract for ramifications as to status of your bonus if accepted into the AGR program.

Reserve Component Enlistment Bonus:  Non-Prior Service recruits enlisting in the Army Reserve for six years in a specified job skill specialty may be eligible for a bonus or a combination of bonuses up to $20,000. Qualified Army Reserve applicants who already have civilian skills that the Army needs and enlist for six years in a critical skill specialty may be eligible for a bonus up to $20,000.

Prior Service Enlistment Bonus:  Formerly serving members of an armed force who agree to serve in the Army Reserve in a specified job skill for a three or six year term of service may be eligible for a bonus up to $15,000.

Reenlistment/Extension Bonus: A soldier currently serving in the Army Reserve who agree to reenlist or extend for a two, four or six year term of service and meet qualifying criteria may be eligible for a bonus up to $20,000.  

Enlisted Affiliation Bonus: Former and currently serving active duty soldiers who meet qualifying eligibility criteria and agree to affiliate with the Army Reserve in a specified job skill for a three or six year term of service may be eligible for a bonus up to $20,000.

Officer/Warrant Officer Accession Bonus: An officer or person who accepts a commission or appointment in the Army Reserve, meets all eligibility criteria, and executes an agreement to serve in an identified job skill for a minimum four year term of service may qualify for a bonus up to $50,000. It may not exceed an annual amount of $15,000.

Officer/Warrant Officer Affiliation Bonus: An officer or warrant officer who affiliates with the Army Reserve from another Military Service and executes an agreement to serve in a specified job skill for a minimum three or six year term of service may qualify for a bonus up to $20,000.

Student Loan Repayment Program: Non-Prior Service, Prior Service and currently serving soldiers of the Reserve who meet eligibility requirements may be eligible for repayment of authorized student loans up to $50,000. Terms of service vary.

Chaplain Loan Repayment Program: Individuals who enter the Army Reserve to serve six years as a Unit Chaplain may be eligible for a bonus of up to $ $80,000.  The bonus is payable following the completion of the Chaplain Officer Basic Course, which must be completed within 36 months of commissioning.

For more information about Bonuses, please visit the following websites maintained by the Department of Defense:

National Guard – Bonus Information:
https://www.nationalguard.com/bonuses

Listing of MOS names by number:
https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-155054

DoD Financial Management Regulation:
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/Volume_07a.pdf

Bonuses: Earning Extra Money:
https://www.goarmy.com/benefits/while-you-serve/bonuses.html

Bonuses Immediately Available:
https://www.goarmy.com/enlistment-bonuses.html

Army National Guard Prior Service Bonuses:
https://nationalguard.com/prior-service

Army Reserve Selected Reserve Incentive Program Redesign:
https://www.usar.army.mil/Portals/98/Documents/Incentives/SRIP-ONESHEET-2023-09-13_redesign.pdf

DoD Instruction 1304.31, Enlisted Bonus Program:
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/130431p.PDF

U.S. Army Reserve Incentives:
https://www.usar.army.mil/Resources/US-Army-Reserve-Incentives-Program/

USAR FY24 SRIP Policy #24-00:
https://www.usar.army.mil/Portals/98/Documents/Incentives/USAR%20FY24%20SRIP%20effective%2001%20October%202023.pdf