Changes are being implemented regarding when an enlisted member can reenlist for a selective reenlistment bonus (SRB).
Starting this year, any member eligible for a SRB will be allowed to reenlist beginning Oct. 1, 2020 (FY21) or anytime within the fiscal year their enlistment expires. Additionally, the pro-rated calculation for current obligated service is no longer applied. Members who reenlisted for an SRB will be entitled to the full bonus amount. Members will no longer be constrained by the three month reenlistment policy, and is now expanded to the entire fiscal year in which your enlistment expires.
For example, if you are a second class petty officer in the operations specialist rating, and your enlistment expires Sept. 21, 2021, and you are eligible for a Zone A SRB, you can reenlist today or any time after Oct. 1, 2020.
The transition between “within three months” and “within fiscal year” for reenlistments will have an exception to policy for FY21 SRBs only. The three month window will remain in effect for those who have an enlistment expiration from Oct. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021, as long as that member reenlists prior Sep. 30, 2021. If your enlistment expires prior to Dec. 31, 2021, you are eligible to reenlist now for SRB purposes.
Just as there are quarterly revised cuts to the Service Wide Eligibility List, the Workforce Planning Team will evaluate the effectiveness of SRBs and make quarterly adjustments (increase, decrease or cancel SRBs).
Members should be aware of language policy change that will be included in the Military Bonus Programs, COMDTINST 7220.2 (series):
- Reenlisting Prior to Their End of Enlistment. Members are authorized to reenlist any time within the fiscal year (FY) of their end of enlistment (EOE) year if the member is eligible for an SRB. Under no circumstances will an individual be permitted to reenlist any earlier than the applicable FY of their EOE for SRB purposes alone. However, a member who must obligate service for some other reason (e.g., transfer, training, advancement, tuition assistance, or other obligations as required) may reenlist for a period greater than the minimum required for the purpose of gaining entitlement to an SRB.
- Reenlisting Prior to 6th, 10th, or 14th Year of Active Service. Commanding officers are authorized to effect early discharge and reenlist members within the FY of their sixth, 10th, or 14th year active service anniversary dates (not to be confused with the normal expiration of enlistment), for the purpose of qualifying for a Zone A, B, or C SRB. In such cases, SRB payments will be reduced by any portion of unserved service obligation. Commanding officers must ensure that such members are fully qualified to receive an SRB and advise them that all periods of unserved obligated service will be deducted from their bonus entitlement. Any such discharges must be under authority of REF (F), Military Separations, COMDTINST M1000.4 (series), indicating discharge for the purpose of immediate reenlistment at the Convenience of the Government.
Changes to Enlistments, Evaluations, and Advancements, COMDTINST M1000.2 (series):
- Selective Reenlistment Bonus: To receive a Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB), a member must reenlist within the Fiscal Year (FY) of the date of discharge and meet the eligibility requirements contained in REF (F), Military Bonus Programs, COMDTINST M7220.2 (series).
References:
- Changes to reenlistment eligibility for bonuses and service obligation for intelligence specialist (IS) Class "A" School ACN 124-20