How to Get an Enlistment Incentive to Join the Military

Getting an enlistment incentive to join the military is limited by what the recruiter is authorized under current regulations to offer you. Recruiters do not try to hide incentives and they don't receive any bonuses for getting someone to enlist without recruiting incentives. The only way you will miss an incentive is if a recruiter is not familiar with the ones currently offered when you enlist. Read on to learn how to get an enlistment incentive to join the military.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Meet the requirements. In order to receive most enlistment incentives from the military, you usually must meet all requirements of your branch and not need a waiver to enlist. A waiver is usually used if you don't meet the criteria for enlistment. Law violations, education and a low test score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) may require a waiver in order for you to enlist.
2. Talk with your lawyer or a judge if you are facing a misdemeanor charge. This is the time to get your case adjudicated. After you have been convicted is no time to try to change the outcome. If you have a violation, you will need a waiver. If your case is adjudicated pending your enlistment, you will not.
3. Study for the ASVAB. Find out from your recruiter what the ASVAB consists of and study your weakest subjects. Most of the other parts of the ASVAB test your aptitude in different areas. Your ASVAB score is based on a combination of your English and math scores, much like an IQ score. What you are offered is usually predicated on your GT score (General Technical) score. Some jobs require a high aptitude in specific areas.
4. Find out your incentive. Once you have your scores, the recruiter can determine what he can offer you. He may be able to offer you a combination of training and education incentives and a cash bonus. This all depends on whether you have a diploma and meet the guidelines on the ASVAB.
5. Understand the Army program called the Partnership for Youth Success (PaYs). The Army partners with civilian firms and you train in an Army career that partners with a civilian employer that you pick. After your enlistment, you are set up for an interview with that partner.
6. Know about the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which is the education incentive that is offered to most enlistees. All services usually offer this incentive.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't assume anything. All enlistment guarantees must be on paper. If you enlist for the G.I. Bill, that must be on your contract.
• Some bonuses and incentives have time limits. Some have stipulations on how long you must serve. Make sure that all promises given to you are on paper and included on your contract. Make sure that you understand all of the requirements that you must meet in order to qualify.
• Check out your contract with another recruiter from a different area. Make sure that your recruiter hasn't missed anything.
• Do not assume anything. Recruiters are under a lot of pressure to produce enlistments. Make sure that you have checked out your best options and that all promises are on paper.
• Do not lie about law violations. If the military does a background check and finds out that you have lied, you may be discharged or have your enlistment incentives terminated.