Marines Offer Retention Bonuses

Marines in certain military occupational specialties (MOS) soon will have added incentive to remain in uniform. The service is allocating $136 million to pay reenlistment bonuses and other incentives to these specialists. Each eligible Marine could receive a $10,000 lump sum, in addition to any bonuses associated with their MOS, if they put their reenlistment package in before the end of fiscal year 2018 on Sept. 30. Marines who move laterally into high-demand jobs such as infantry, special operations, or other volunteer special-duty assignments also could receive the bonuses. Some specialties could warrant higher bonuses. For air traffic controllers, the bonus would be $20,000. Infantry squad leaders could get $30,000, while counter-intelligence and human intelligence specialists could get $40,000. Security guards, drill instructors, recruiters, detachment commanders for security guards, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists also could be in line for bonuses.