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Originally Posted by greenberetTFS
Yes it's not about the money, but you do owe it to yourselves to ensure you are getting everything you deserve./quote/Scimitar
Excuse this old man's response, but I just struggle to understand in today’s army why the motivation to go SF is associated with a bonus........  When I earned my Green Beret that was the proudest moment of my life......  The Beret was all that was needed, not $$$...........  I'm sorry, I just don't get it...................
Big Teddy  |
TFS,
Thanks for the question. I don’t even want to say "you're right", cos what do I know I am still far from being a BTDT.
But to answer your question, I posted this simply out of the desire to ensure that 18X aspirants approach the enlistment process fully informed.
Today’s Army is offering a number of benefits that as far as I understand weren't available in yester-year; or at least are now more complicated.
The recruiter isn't obliged to educate the 18X aspirant on these benefits; if he educates himself it is likely he will receive everything that the Army is willing to give him. If he chooses to go in blind, chances are he’s going to miss out of something that could have been his.
As an illustration, when I bought my first new motorcycle, I honestly didn’t care how much it cost, I was going to buy that thing no mater what, but I didn’t let the sales guy know that. I haggled, bargained, and got a good deal.
My first enlistment had a $36k bonus, if my second enlistment goes thru, it will likely be near zero. Believe me when I say, I couldn’t care less. However I was planning on the September class, when I discovered the seasonal bonus I figured
"Hey why not delay for 5 wks to the October Class and get an extra $5k..."
It sure aint the reason I'm signing up, but I ain't gonna look a gift horse in the mouth either.
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...why the motivation to go SF is associated with a bonus...
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I have seen it in the business world often enough and I imagine it also applies to SFAS (others can lend better advice here then I can). "Money is not a robust Point of Energy"....in english....that bonus WILL NOT motivate you through that tough Selection!
In fact reports I hear is that upwards of 40% of 18X recruits reneg the 18X portion of their contract IN BASIC TRAINING. Why?
21 Year old Jonny walks in off the street; Sgt recruiter advises him that he qualifies for the 18X program; that SF is high speed low dragg and look there's a bonus....Not knocking recruiters or USAREC, just an observation from talking with literally hundreds of 18X aspirants.
Now don't get me wrong, if I may quote a great man*
"There is a fine line between planning and chorography".
Don't get anal about it! However, having been 'involved' with recruiting, I have seen far too many individuals either have their enlistment messed-up or not receive the best outcome they could simple because they were under informed.
With just a little forethought and preparation you can ensure that your enlistment goes smoothly and that you indeed obtain the best outcome available to you.
The way I see it you're enlisting to become a professional, so why not act like one now, get your situational awareness on and learn a bit about the recruitment / enlistment process. Chances are it’ll pay dividends.
HTH?
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*Colonel Moroney - RIP