This enlistment option was implemented in October 2003 as a pilot program in 10 of the U.S. Army’s 41 recruiting battalions: Albany, N.Y.; Columbia, S.C.; Miami; Raleigh, N.C.; Cleveland; Kansas City, Mo.; Oklahoma City; Sacramento and Southern California (Mission Viejo, Calif.), and San Antonio, Texas. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 directed the Department of Defense to carry out a new short-term enlistment program designed to promote and facilitate military enlistment in support of National Service. The 15-Month Plus Training Enlistment Option is now available nationwide for qualifying individuals who enlist in one of 59 military occupational specialties.

Applicants enlisting for this program will incur an eight-year military service obligation (MSO). This MSO will consist of: 15 months of active duty after completion of basic and advanced individual training and 24 months of satisfactory participation as an active drilling member in the Army Reserve or National Guard. Soldiers have the option of serving the remainder of their eight-year MSO in one of three ways, as:

• an active drilling member of the Army Reserve or National Guard;
• an inactive Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) member; or
• a member of a National Service Program designated by the Secretary of Defense (such as AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps).

Soldiers in this program also have the option of reenlisting to remain on active duty.

Individuals who enlist for the 15-month plus training option will be eligible to select one of the following enlistment incentives:

• a cash enlistment bonus of $5,000 payable upon completion of the initial active duty obligation;
• Student Loan Repayment of up to $18,000;
• a monthly education allowance for up to 12 months (currently $816 per month*); or
• a monthly education allowance for up to 36 months (currently $408 per month*).

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

* monthly payment based on 2-year Montgomery GI Bill rates and subject to change

Qualifying 15-Month Enlistment Option Military Occupational Specialties