Army raises enlistment age, doubles cash enlistment bonuses
by Douglas Smith
FORT KNOX, Ky. (Jan. 18, 2006) -- The U.S. Army announced today that it has raised the active Army maximum enlistment age from less than 35 years of age to less than 40 years of age. It also announced that it has doubled the maximum combination of cash enlistment bonuses, up to $40,000 for the active Army, and up to $20,000 for the Army Reserve.
These changes were made possible under provisions of the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization Act.
Active Army age limit now up to 40
Raising the maximum age for active Army enlistment expands the recruiting pool, provides motivated individuals an opportunity to serve, and strengthens the readiness of Army units.
This change also allows the active Army recruitment age limit to match the Army Reserve age limit. The Army Reserve enlistment age limit was raised in March 2005.
All applicants must meet the same eligibility standards, to include passing the same physical standards and medical examination.
The program applies to both men and women. Older applicants are eligible for the same enlistment bonuses and other incentives available to younger applicants.
Experience has shown that older recruits who can meet the physical demands of military service generally make excellent Soldiers based on their maturity, motivation, loyalty, and patriotism.
Maximum active Army enlistment bonus now $40,000
The Army can now offer qualified recruits who select a high-priority MOS and enlist in the active Army for four or more years up to $40,000 in combined enlistment bonus incentives. The maximum combination of cash bonuses for an active Army enlistment of three years is $10,000, except for a few MOS that may qualify for up to $40,000.
These cash enlistment incentives may also be combined with either the Army’s Loan Repayment Program or the Army College Fund, but not both. The Loan Repayment Program can repay up to $65,000 in qualifying student loans, and the Army College Fund combined with the Montgomery GI Bill offers recruits up to $71,424 for higher education.
Maximum Army Reserve enlistment bonus now $20,000
The maximum bonus combination for the Army Reserve increased from $10,000 to $20,000. Qualified Army Reserve applicants without previous military service who enlist for six years may qualify for combined bonuses of up to $20,000, depending on the Reserve unit vacancy and how quickly the individual can report to training.
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