Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 10/3/2007

Question
I was wondering what I can do to try to finish college before I am able to be deployed. I am going to MEPS next week. I was told by my recruiter that the company that I will be going into is just forming and would not be deployed for a while until they are fully ready and have enough people. Also I am looking at having 24 credits by nov. 2, and by the time I go to basic I will have 33, what can I do about trying to make sure i can get into OCS? What are my options as to trying to finnish college, I would graduate the Nursing Program in 2010. Also, can I get my bonus made to where it is tax free? I am not asking because I am worried about being deployed, but I have a truck driver husband that would need to come off of the road for our 2 teens, and I want to be the best I can be both in and out of the military. The MOS I am going into is a 42A.

Answer
Dear Lequitta --

I recommend you review your enlistment paperwork, and take a delayed entry until you have finished college.  Once you are enlisted you could be called up as an individual, even if the unit you are in is still forming.  To ensure you can complete your school work, choose delayed entry (you can delay for up to a year).

If you want to go to OCS, that should also be in your enlistment document.  You should ensure there is a clause that states upon acceptable performance at basic training, you are automatically enrolled in the next OCS class.  You will have to do well in basic training to proceed to OCS, but if you are college capable and physically fit, you should do quite well.

My recommendation is to review your enlistment contract with your recruiter BEFORE you go to the MEPS station.  When you get to the MEPS station -- reread your contract very carefully to ensure it STILL says what you expect it to say.  Do not let them rush you.  If it does not have all the clauses you expected --  Do not sign it.  You can leave and come back another time.  You are not committed until you sign.  But once you sign your contract, you are bound by it, even if it is not what your recruiter verbally promised you.  I have heard of a significant number of broken promises by recruiters this summer.  Please take extra care and be sure you don't get fooled.

Your enlistment bonus is not tax free, and I do not know any way to get it tax free.  The only way I know how to reduce taxes on it is to take it in multiple portions over the years of your enlistment rather than in one lump sum.  However, it sounds like it would be best to take the lump sum and have it replace some of the income your husband would normally make.

Best of luck to you in both college and your military career.