by Nina Penny

Created on: May 13, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

It is to be expected that during a time of political conflict there will be difficulties getting young men and women to either enlist for the first time or re-enlist in the military at the end of one's contract. The government has started throwing around some serious cash to encourage people to serve their country. Are they doing enough?

Signing bonuses alone are reportedly up to $40,000 now for active duty Army enlistments, according to www.goarmy.com. The same site reports that for reserve status the signing bonuses reach $20,000. The bonuses depend on active or reserve status, the amount of time you sign up for and the job you take. I recently witnessed a re-enlistment for 2 sisters in the Army Reserve where each received $15,000 for 6 more years of part-time service.

Money for higher education has been a longstanding marketing tool for the military. Signing bonuses and incentives may also be offered for college education, even if you didn't complete a bachelor's degree. High school graduates who have completed 30 - 59 college semester hours can earn a $3,000 bonus for their education. More money is offered for subsequent education up to $8,000 for a bachelor's degree.

Upon completion of training programs like student loan repayment, tuition assistance and the Montgomery G.I. Bill make it easier for service members to afford college. According to www.goarmy.com, reservists can receive up to $24,012 in money for college, in contrast to active duty soldiers who can receive up to $73,836 in Montgomery G.I. Bill and Army College Fund assistance. Reservists can receive benefits and go to college while serving one weekend a month and 2 weeks a year in the military (that is unless they get activated and deployed of course.) Active duty soldiers are encouraged to take correspondence or online courses while serving, or wait until completion of their duty contract to go to school traditionally, or full time.

Health care benefits are largely thought of as an incentive for any job. In recent years the military has stepped up their health insurance packages to meet the needs of full and part-time service members. I spoke with a couple of Army Reservists from Pasadena, CA who take advantage of Tricare, the military health insurance provider. They were happy with their services and the cost (as little as $81 a month for a single soldier with no dependents) but they were not happy with the dental plans.

Another incentive recruiters like to boast about to young recruits is discounts!

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