U.S. ARMY’S HOTTEST JOBS: LUCRATIVE INCENTIVES AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

As part of the U.S. Army’s extensive recruiting effort to increase its end strength to one million Soldiers, notable bonuses, promotions, training resources and other incentives are available to qualified candidates and high-performing enlisted service members.

Those who enlist, re-enlist or change Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) may be eligible for rewarding bonuses and career opportunities as a result of high scores on aptitude tests, a strong track record of service and a flexible timeline.

To recruit and retain highly skilled Soldiers and meet the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act’s mandate of 476,000 active-duty service members, the Army has increased its range of retention and re-enlistment bonuses, including the following examples:

• A new recruit or enlisted Soldier who is interested in becoming a medical laboratory specialist could qualify for a $9,000 enlistment bonus with the right credentials.
  
  
• Culinary specialists who are willing to work for the 75th Ranger Regiment may earn a bonus between $11,300 and $46,000 for those who are within the E-3 to E-6 pay grades. New recruits with a culinary background could qualify for a $5,000 enlistment bonus.
  
  
• The United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) is offering $10,000 to $40,000 enlistment bonuses for Patriot fire control enhanced operators/maintainers to oversee the Army’s primary surface-to-air missile system.
  
  
• A technical satellite communication system operator/maintainer is eligible for a similar bonus. Candidates must have taken one year of algebra and a qualified science in high school, or a semester of both in college. They also need to score 117 on the electronics portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

• The Army also offers career options and incentives for those who don’t have the highest qualifications, but want to serve and earn a good income. For example, recruits who select a position with the Motor Transport Operator MOS (88M) in the Ranger regiment are eligible for a significant bonus.
  
  Learn more about Army career options and bonuses.
  A recent Army Times article provides an informative overview.