Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: I was recently talking with other soldiers at my unit(National Guard), and the subject came across the other half of enlistment bonuses. My question is that is my contract says that I'll get the other 50% of my bonus on the 36th month anniversary of my enlistment day, I should get it around that time right? ie, enlisted in may 2007 and may 2010 is not far away, i should be getting it this year right?

ANSWER: Dear Jimmy --

The bonus payment for enlistment/re-enlistment bonuses varies from contract to contract.  Generally you get your initial payment when you graduate from your training.  Then any follow-on payments are based on the anniversary of that first payment.

However, as a National Guard Soldier, you may have received your first payment on the month in which you signed into your Guard unit.  Then that date becomes your anniversary date for bonus payments.

If your contract stated the 36th month anniversary of your enlistment date, then you should get your payment in May, if your anniversary is before the 20th of the month or in June, if your anniversary is the 20th or later.  A bonus payment may not exceed $10,000 in a single payment.  

Please write back, if you have other questions.  Good luck to you.  Thank you for your service.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you for your time and knowledge on this subject. One more question...They are talking about deploying in Oct.2011. Some one told me that you are not able to deploy if you have you wisdom teeth coming in(already poking through gums). The E-4(which has been deployed in the past) says it makes you a "Class 3"? why is this if it's true?

Answer
Dear Jimmy --

Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing dental problems.  Usually when you in-process through dental, if you have wisdom teeth growing in, you will be given an appointment to have them pulled.  If you have emerging teeth, that cannot yet be pulled, you will be deferred from deployment until they can be pulled.  This is because wisdom teeth rarely grow in cleanly; they usually hurt or become impacted and get infected.  In the US that is not a big issue, but in a medically austere environment, you could be come quite sick if an issue with your wisdom teeth is not addressed immediately.

Good luck to you.