When Does the Army Recoup Military Bonuses?
The Army recoups military bonuses when enlistment contract obligations have not been met. According to Army Regulation (AR) 601-280, the amount the Army recoups is "a percent of the bonus equal to the percent of obligated service not performed."
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Causes
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When a pregnant soldier breaks her Army contract, she is required to repay her bonus. The Army recoups military bonuses from soldiers who are discharged before completing their term of service. In most cases, separation from the Army is not voluntary. According to AR 635-200, a pregnant female may choose to break her contract but must repay a portion of her bonus.
Significance
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A soldier sentenced to prison is dishonorably discharged from the Army and must repay his bonus. If a soldier received a $2,000 bonus for signing a two-year contract and has only served one year, the Army is entitled to recoup $1,000. As outlined in AR 601-280, a soldier may be required to sign an agreement to repay bonus money before he is discharged.
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Warning
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Soldiers who have gone AWOL are subject to collection action to recoup military bonuses. Most soldiers breaking enlistment contracts must repay bonuses. The only standard exception to the rule is when a soldier is medically discharged due to combat action. If necessary, the Army will employ collection action in accordance with AR 600-15 and may garnish future wages until they have been fully repaid.
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