Navy Active Duty EB Update, Sep 2020

Effective, September 24, 2020, the following enlistment bonus (EB) opportunities have been continued, adjusted, or eliminated by the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command.

The Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP) continues with the current payout of $4,000 for all ratings that ship before Sep 30, 2020. Eligibility for EBSHP only exists while the Future Sailor is in DEP.

The Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC) is no longer authorized. Current future sailors in DEP that do not change their program, rate, or ship date will maintain eligibility on their contracts.

The Enlistment Bonus for Physical Screening Test (EBPST) continues, but Physical Fitness Assessment (EBPFA) is no longer authorized except for Future Sailors who already have it in their contract.

The Enlistment Bonus for Source Ratings (EBSR) has added a couple of additional eligible ratings. Additionally, many of the Warrior Challenge rating bonus amounts have decreased.

The Enlistment Bonus for High School has been updated for the Class of 2021.

Multiple enlistment bonuses can be earned simultaneously, however, the maximum combined enlistment bonus, capped by law, is $40,000.

The Navy Student Loan Repayment Program has seen a significant increase in eligible ratings and programs. Prior to this update, only the Musician rating was authorized; now, there are 21 new programs and ratings that can receive up to $65,000 in loan repayment monies. See your local recruiter for program requirements.

For those whose shipping date may have been affected by COVID 19, please read the message at the end of the this article.

Prior Service members, either Navy or Other Services, re-enlisting onto active duty are eligible for bonuses. They must enter active duty in pay grade E-4 or below, meet specific bonus eligibility and did not receive a bonus in their first enlistment. They must sign a Prior Service Enlistment Guarantees Annex. Prior Service members access directly onto active duty and report directly to Great Lakes for processing. FSC Great Lakes Officer Processing Division will process any bonuses they have in their contract.

Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR)

For any Future Sailors initially classified or reclassified on or after September 24, 2020 into the following ratings would be eligible for the Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR).

Note: Your recruiter would be able to give you specifics as to when the bonus would be paid.

Enlistment Bonus for Physical Screening Test (EBPST)

Members in the Warrior Challenge program who achieve standards for passing the Recruit Training Command Initial PST at an elevated PST, in accordance with the EB Statement of Understanding (1133/102), will be eligible to receive a $2,000 EBPST. For bonus eligibility, the PST MUST be passed on the first attempt. The member must remain in the Warrior Challenge program and graduate from RTC to continue eligibility.

EBPST is payable upon graduation of Recruit Training Command. EBPST can be combined with EBPFA, EBCC, EBHS and EBSR.

Enlistment Bonus for Physical Fitness Assessment (EBPFA)

As of, September 24, 2020, Enlistment Bonus for Physical Fitness Assessment (EBPFA) is no longer authorized. Current Future Sailors in DEP that do not change their program, rate, or ship date will maintain eligibility on their contracts.

Enlistment Bonus for High School (EBHS)

Active Component recruits are eligible if they graduate high school in academic year 2020-2021 and initially entered the Navy Delayed Entry Program between July 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020.

Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC)

As of September 24, 2020, the Enlistment Bonus for College Credit is not authorized. Current Future Sailors in the Delayed Entry Program that do not change their program, rate, or ship date will maintain eligibility on their contracts.

Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP)

Active Component recruits enlisting in any rating or program and ships to boot-camp during the months listed in the chart below will receive the following (payment earned after graduation from boot-camp):

Eligibility for Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP) only exists while the Future Sailor is in DEP. EBSHP is earned and payable upon graduation of boot-camp. A Future Sailor who contracted with EBSHP with a shipping date before 1 October, 2020 and whose ship date was delayed beyond September 30, 2020, at the convenience of the Navy, will remain eligible; that notwithstanding, only previously contracted Future Sailors who agree to a ship date adjustment requested by Navy Recruiting Command to ship in June through September or Future Sailors who were not previously contracted to ship to RTC and who enter into a contract and ship in June through September are eligible for EBSHP.

*Valid until superseded. The maximum enlistment bonus that can be afforded a new recruit is capped by law at $40,000. For enlistment bonus payment terms and specifics, updates, and changes to policy please see your recruiter.

With basic pay (See the 2020 military pay chart for specifics), and the possible allowances (if eligible — BAH, etc.), billet pay (Sea Pay, Sub Pay, Hazardous Duty, Flight Pay, etc.), 30 days leave, Tuition Assistance, medical and dental benefits for the entire family, etc., your first few years of service could net a greater level of compensation never before experienced for those serving. This should be at least enough incentive to call your local recruiter for more information!

Student Loan Repayment

The Loan Repayment Program MUST be included in your contract when shipping. LRP participants are eligible to combine any Enlistment Bonus with an approved LRP. All Sailors with LRP in their contract, regardless of DEP date or ADSD, are eligible. The Sailor must access to Active Component and have LRP listed as a guarantee in their current Annex to DD Form 4 (Enlistment Guarantee/NAVCRUIT 1133/52) in order to maintain eligibility. For post-accession inquiries, the LRP Manager is responsible for determining LRP eligibility.

For LRP members to be eligible for 100 percent of the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit, a minimum of six years active service must be completed either through extension or reenlistment if your initial contract is not already a six year program. Any service less than six years will reduce the percentage of GI Bill benefit earned.

See your recrutier for details!