Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/30/2008

Question
Hello, I am a 25 year old man in need of some advice. I am considering joining the military. I am looking for the scoop on enlistment bonuses. The Army says I could possibly get a bonus of $40,000. I do not know really about the other branches of service. There seems to be several of catches to getting a bonus though. Also, are there any up or downs to one service as opposed to another? I am considering the Army or Air Force. Hope you can help, and if you need more info from me to better answer my questions, just let me know. Thanks.

Answer
DO NOT EVER JOIN A MILITARY BRANCH BECAUSE OF A BONUS!!!!!!

I can not stress that enough. I would always get asked about why the Air Force didnt give enlistment bonuses that often...I replyed,,,, think about it. If a company has a position that they need filled like RIGHT NOW....I am going to offer a huge some of money to get that position filled. THe ARMY eventhough at military entity is no different. If the ARMY needs combat troops...guess what you will get 40000 somliens!! If you are going to join ANY branch of the military , join for the reasons that YOU want....not because the are going to give you a huge some of money. YOU ARE TIED TO THAT CAREER EVEN AFTER THE MONEY IS GONE!!!!


I did not say or imply that you were, I was generally warning you as to how the services use bonuses. In your question you  said that YOU needed advise on the bonuses.....I GAVE YOU THE ADVISE!!! How often is it when a recruiter will tell you to not take a job based on bonuses? The freaking army will not tell you that....

Miltary service is what YOU make of it, there is not one better than the other. I have served in the ARMY and the Air Force. I have been in the military a combined 22 years. So the advise I am telling you is DO THE RESEARCH!!