Military relied on bonuses to lure new recruits

[jaslivers]

WASHINGTON - After seven years at war, the military paid recruits hundreds of millions of dollars over the past year as they answered the call to duty.

According to data obtained by The Associated Press, the Army and Marine Corps doled out nearly $640 million in the fiscal year that ended Tuesday to entice recruits to join up.

The two services continue to bear the brunt of the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but recruits were buoyed by incentives that can be as high as $40,000 each. All told, the enlistment incentives coupled with the promise of thousands more for education, increased the costs of Army and Marine bonuses by 25 percent over last year's totals, The Associated Press has learned.




i got 20k to join the Navy Reserve

[Y2K_CAMARO]

I only got 3k, but that wasn't to join, my recruiter just happened to get me one, dammit!!!

[jaslivers]

every branch reached their recruiting goals for the fiscal year

[Y2K_CAMARO]

every branch reached their recruiting goals for the fiscal year

Oh, well if they were only doing it for this fiscal year, I came in over a year ago, so missed it

[jaslivers]

Oh, well if they were only doing it for this fiscal year, I came in over a year ago, so missed it

they have been doing this for a couple years, but this year was the highest

[Y2K_CAMARO]

they have been doing this for a couple years, but this year was the highest

Cool. Wish I could have been smart enough to get some $$$

[2000 SS Beast]

I didnt even get a cookie

[The Manalishi]

In 21 years of service in the Army the only thing I have ever gotten is my monthly paycheck. No bonuses, no station of choice, nothing. O-well I have enjoyed myself.

[SeVeReDiStOrTiOn]

I didnt even get a cookie

no shit...I would have even settled for some lube

[ArcticZ06]

I got $800 after taxes back in late 2000.

I think the last I read my career field was up to 60k for reenlistment.

[Kennedy]

Military should all get double or triple present pay scale. We have one of the best forces in the world, they should be paid accordingly.

[ArcticZ06]

Military should all get double or triple present pay scale. We have one of the best forces in the world, they should be paid accordingly.

That would be nice! lol

[jaslivers]

Military should all get double or triple present pay scale. We have one of the best forces in the world, they should be paid accordingly.

i wouldnt mind

[Y2K_CAMARO]

They need to stop paying athletes millions, and start paying the military, police officers, and firemen more. They are the ones that deserve more pay

[Kennedy]

They need to stop paying athletes millions, and start paying the military, police officers, and firemen more. They are the ones that deserve more pay

I totally agree- and I'd probably add teachers, including those at tech schools and such, into the mix, too. Also nurses and a lot of people in health care that are normally overlooked, like techs.

If we are doomed to be a "Socialist America", at least some occupations should get increased standards of living.

[zero_proto]

dammit, well i got 10k over six years ago, but i had a 2year school, i started with a 6 year contract.....i wish i got more but oh well, the Navy takes care of me right now, so i can't complain.

[Y2K_CAMARO]

I totally agree- and I'd probably add teachers, including those at tech schools and such, into the mix, too. Also nurses and a lot of people in health care that are normally overlooked, like techs.

If we are doomed to be a "Socialist America", at least some occupations should get increased standards of living.

Good point. Have to add them in the mix as well

[iam_dale]

Wish they would've been offering those 11 years ago!!

dale

[SeVeReDiStOrTiOn]

I totally agree- and I'd probably add teachers, including those at tech schools and such, into the mix, too. Also nurses and a lot of people in health care that are normally overlooked, like techs.

If we are doomed to be a "Socialist America", at least some occupations should get increased standards of living.

Nurses make good money dude..

[Kennedy]

Nurses make good money dude..

My kid spent three days in the hospital last year.

Nurses are worth way more than they're paid.