Army expands 2008 retention bonusesBy Jim Tice - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 10, 2007 18:05:15 EDT
Pressed to not only recruit but also retain quality soldiers, the Army will enter a new fiscal year with the largest and most diverse menu of retention incentives in the history of the all-volunteer force.
The incentives range from a few thousand dollars to $150,000.
Bonus outlays for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30 have not been totaled yet, but officials expect they will come in at nearly $660 million. A similar total is forecast for fiscal 2008.
Bonuses are paid lump-sum, and are tax-free if paid in a combat zone.
The incentives are aimed at select categories of officers and enlisted soldiers. And, in a major change from the Cold War era, are available to a broad swath of the active-component population — first-term, mid-career and career soldiers, including some senior NCOs and warrant officers who are eligible for retirement.
In addition to a standard fare of bonus and assignment extension incentives that have been updated throughout the year to support the war effort and help grow the force by an additional 35,000 soldiers, some new programs likely will be added in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
Rest of article at:
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/09/army_bonuses_070910w/