NAM6768
11-10-2009, 10:54 PM
SSG Daviage wrote a letter complaining about his reenlistment bonus being only $3,000.00 vs the bonues of soldiers that haven't served as long. He also wanted to know if the Army just stops supporting career soldiers after a certain period of time due to their longivity. I can only speak for the old Army. I spent over 22 years on active duty and during the entire career, my reenlistment bonus could not exceed $2,000.00 over that entire period. I'm sure older retirees have similar stories. The Army will always continue to improve to retain certain career eligible soldiers. Note that I said 'certain'. If you are in an overage MOS, you have to consider reclassification into a shortage MOS if you want to reap the benefits. Same with rank. I'm sure that hasn't changed. The rank goes to the MOS' that are short, especially combat arms. Sitting behind a desk will not get you promoted very fast, unless of course you can be spared to attend on duty classes to improve on your education and leading to a degree. It doesn't stop with active duty. Us retirees have been fodder for cuts for many years now and some of us even have to pay for our own VA compensation out of our retirement checks. And just when you purchased a retirement home in an area that looked pretty good as far as entitlements like the PX and Commmissary, they decide to close the post and the facilities, thus leaving you to shop elsewhere on the economy. The only real benefit is the Commissary. I've noticed PX prices higher than some places on the economy. The old Army PX always had cheaper pricing, no question about it. I suppose it's all about money and screw the troop and retiree. So SSG Daviage, if you are planning to retire, get ready for more inequities. In answer to your question if the Army takes care of it's own..... I'll leave that for you to figure out on your own. For this retiree, I cannot say the Army has done much to support me at all. Once you are used up, you are thrown out to rot and they hope you don't live very long so they can save on your retirement pay.