The Army is having an easier time retaining soldiers, largely because jobs in the civilian economy are harder to get because of the economic downturn, while job security and benefits have held steady or improved for soldiers. The higher retention rates could likely signal a decline in the reenlistment bonuses soldiers have come to expect since the onset of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. While soldiers in the most critical military occupational specialties will likely continue to receive bonuses, others may not, said Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Donna Schwann, a career counselor. The Army had set a goal of retaining 65,500 soldiers for fiscal year 2009, which began Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. To date, more than 40,000 soldiers have reenlisted.
