How to Calculate a Reenlistment Bonus

As an incentive to get United States military personnel to reenlist in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force, the military offers a number of service members a monetary bonus to reenlist. Bonus amounts vary widely based on such criteria as your MOS (job), your current pay and the number of years you're reenlisting. To calculate your reenlistment bonus, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Determine your monthly base pay. If you don't already know it, find it on the military pay chart.

2. Find your reenlistment zone among the three zones. Zone A covers 21 months to six years. Zone B covers six to ten years and Zone C falls between ten to 14 years. The year spans relate to how long you've already served.

3. Figure out your specific bonus multiplier, based on your MOS and your reenlistment zone. You can find all the figures you need through your military manuals and resources.

4. Take your monthly base pay and multiply it by the bonus multiplier.

5. Multiply that figure by the number of years you plan to enlist. The result gives you your reenlistment bonus total amount. You receive half of when you reenlist and the military divides the other half into your annual pay.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble finding information, need help with your calculations or have questions, contact your local reenlistment officer.

Resources

• Visit the Navy's Selective Reenlistment Bonus Calculator.