First-term Marines who re-enlist in one of 55 military occupational specialties in jobs up for re-enlistment next fiscal year still can still aim for a bonus in 2016, but they’re likely to pocket less cash than they in most cases less than they would have received this year.
Among Marines in other jobs, the outlook is grimmer. The total number amount of MOSs occupational specialties eligible for bonuses will be slashed in half as halved between this in fiscal year 2016 and next, down from 106 in 2015, according to details in the as described in the Fiscal Year 2016 Selective Re-enlistment Bonus Program. And of those MOSs still eligible for bonuses next year, 40 will see smaller payouts compared to this year’s totals, And comparing the occupational specialties up for bonuses in the coming fiscal year with this year’s, 40 saw drops in payouts, according to Marine administrative message 296/15 states.
An information security technician, for example, could have competed for a bonus of up to $46,000 in fiscal 2015. This coming year, that same Marine could expect a maximum of $25,500.
Likewise, a tiltrotor crew chief for an MV-22B Osprey once might have seen a $30,750 bonus within reach, but can only shoot for an upper limit of $20,500 next year. The largest drop hit those in the geographic intelligence specialist field, which saw a $39,000 reduction in a maximum bonus.
Four specialties saw a little less than $5,000 bump, though, in potential bonuses: scout snipers, infantry assaultmen, mortarmen and machine gunners.
“Retaining our combat experienced Marines, and their combat experienced leaders, remains one of the commandant’s highest priorities and is vitally important in shaping and sustaining the Marine Corps,” the MARADMIN states.
Still, Marines Those in a select few occupational specialties, though, can expect a hefty payout for staying in the Corps. as described in the Fiscal Year 2016 Selective Re-enlistment Bonus Program. Among “Zone A” Marines, with between 17 months and 6 years in uniform, the largest bonuses will go to those in fields historically considered high-demand/low-density, like intelligence, critical skills operator and cyber security communities.
Marines in those fields can expect a $5,000 bump in their bonus figures in 2016, up to $56,000. That figure rose from this fiscal year, going from a maximum of $51,000 to $56,000 next year. Two other high demand, but undermanned fields — reconnaissance and explosive ordinance disposal — will hold steady with bonuses topping out at $51,000.
These jobs routinely top the list. They are crucial to the Corps, but chronically under-strength for a variety of reasons, including the allure of the private sector.
Re-enlisting Marines hoping to take advantage of the bonuses need to act. The payouts are available only as long as boat space in a given MOS military occupational specialty remains. Some Marines can begin the process as early as July 1, according to the MARADMIN.
At that point, a Marine might still re-enlist, but would forgo the extra payout.
Marines could face tough competition in trying to land a re-up bonus. Tier 1 Marines — top performers when it comes to fitness reports, marksmanship, and Combat and Physical Fitness Tests — can typically submit for re-enlistments and bonuses immediately.
That can give them an advantage over Marines in Tiers 2 and 3, but Corps officials encourage all Marines to submit for re-enlistment despite perceived competitiveness.
Marines looking for specific information on bonus opportunities for all zones, ranks and eligible occupational specialties should refer to MARADMIN 296/15.
