I just got this press release and it looks like the U.S. Army is taking steps to improve recruiting bonuses for new enlistments (those with no prior service) offering at least $5,000 in bonuses and possibly up to $20,000. Here is the press release:

Minimum $5,000 bonus for every qualified Army recruit

FORT KNOX, Ky. – All qualified recruits without prior military service who enlist for at least three years in the active Army and report for training before Sept. 30 are eligible for an enlistment bonus of at least $5,000, which may be combined with all other existing bonuses for a total of up to $20,000.

The maximum combination of cash bonuses for a three-year enlistment is $20,000 for some high-priority jobs, and $10,000 for most of the Army’s more than 150 entry-level jobs. The previous maximum was $17,000. The maximum combination of cash bonuses for an active Army enlistment of four or more years is $20,000.

These cash bonuses may also be combined with either the Army’s Loan Repayment Program or the Army College Fund, but not both. The Army College Fund, which is available to recruits who select high-priority specialties, offers up to $70,000 for higher education.

The Student Loan Repayment Program, available to all recruits with qualifying student loans who enlist for at least three years in any military occupational specialty, can repay up to $65,000.

To learn more about Army opportunities, visit your Army recruiter or log on to goarmy.com.

Contact: Douglas Smith
(502) 626-0164
pao@usarec.army.mil

The U.S. Army has been missing it's recruiting goals for the last 3 months running. They recently took a day off to look at their recruiting procedures and it seems they are ready to get aggressive again offering the highest bonuses we've seen. If you were interested in joining up for the money, now may be the time.