The Army offers rewards above and beyond your salary.
BONUSES IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE
Learn about the wide selection of bonus opportunities you are eligible for upon enlisting.
UP TO $50K WITH AN ACTIVE ARMY ENLISTMENT BONUS
Full-time recruits can combine bonuses to earn up to an additional $50,000 for enlisting in certain jobs.
UP TO $15K WITH A QUICK SHIP BONUS
With the Quick Ship Bonus, you could earn up to $15,000 just for reporting to Basic Training within 30 days of enlistment for certain in-demand jobs. This bonus can be combined with other enlistment bonuses to earn up to $50,000.
UP TO $47.5K WITH A JOB SIGNING BONUS
A handful of enlisted job openings come with a signing bonus of up to $47,500, which you could benefit from in the short and long term with the right skills and qualifications.
UP TO $20K WITH AN ARMY RESERVE ENLISTMENT BONUS
Qualified Army Reserve recruits may be eligible for up to $20,000 in bonuses.
UP TO $45K WITH A CIVILIAN ACQUIRED SKILLS BONUS
Current enlisted applicants who have specific skills the Army needs may be eligible for bonuses up to $45,000.
UP TO $20K WITH A RANGER BONUS
Qualified Soldiers may receive a bonus of up to $20,000 after completing the required Ranger training and programs, as well as reporting to their first permanent duty station. This bonus can be combined with other enlistment bonuses.
UP TO $10K WITH AN AIRBORNE BONUS
You can earn up to $10,000 for attending the U.S. Army Airborne School and becoming Airborne qualified. This bonus can be combined with other enlistment bonuses.
Common Questions About Bonuses
Do bonuses depend on your rank?
Rank does not factor into bonuses available for first-time enlisted Soldiers, since most join with the same starting rank. Instead, the values of initial enlistment bonuses are determined by other factors like job specialty (called MOS) or how quickly you can report to Basic Combat Training.
Once you’re serving and near completion of an enlisted contract, rank and length of service can be factors for receiving a reenlistment bonus.
Bonuses for commissioned Officers are more rare but offered during service for some specialties and in-demand jobs. These are also offered to some civilians with special in-demand skills who join the Army as commissioned Officers.
How do I know what bonuses I qualify for?
Qualification for bonuses is determined by scores on certain tests, skills you may have, and a number of other factors. We encourage you to speak with a recruiter about your passions, skills, and interest in the Army, to identify which bonuses you qualify for.
Is there a reenlistment bonus?
Yes. A Soldier currently serving in the Army may be eligible for a reenlistment bonus, provided the Soldier has completed at least 17 months of continuous active duty (other than for training), is qualified in a military skill designated as critical, and reenlists for a period of at least three years.
Can medical professionals earn a bonus?
Yes. Health care professionals who serve as commissioned Officers in the U.S. Army Medical Department enjoy a wide range of opportunities and financial incentives including bonuses of up to $400,000.
How are bonuses paid out?
The timing of your bonus and how it’s paid out will depend on which ones you qualify for and the details of your contract. Generally, initial payments for new enlistment bonuses are made after the completion of your training, but timing may vary. It’s important to work with your recruiter and get all the details of the bonuses you’re eligible for and how to receive payment during your joining process.
Do homeschool graduates qualify for bonuses?
Yes. Those with homeschool diplomas can qualify for the same bonuses as traditional high school students.
Learn more about how you can earn more as soon as your first day. Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.