EB for College Credit has been Paused; New EB Established.
The following has been superceded by the May 2024 EB update. The information contained on this page was effective from April 21, 2024 to April 30, 2024.
On, April 19, 2024, Navy Recruiting Command released its second enlistment bonus (EB) update for Fiscal Year 2024. The new EB guidance is effective April 21, 2024, and it supersedes the one released in December 2023.
The latest message introduces for the first time, the Enlistment Bonus for Armed Forces Qualification Test (EBAFQT). EBAFQT is authorized for Active Component recruits who have an accession AFQT Score between 10 and 30 points and attend the Future Sailor Preparatory Course (further details are under the EBAFQT heading below).
Future Sailors with Tier 3 education credentials are NOT authorized an Enlistment Bonus.
Added to the "Not Authorized", list according to the message (DTG: R 192144Z APR 24), is the popular Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC). As you may imagine, it is a costly incentive so this isn't really a surprise. Additionally, Enlistment Bonus for High School (EBHS) is no longer available for active component applicants.
The total enlistment bonus cap for the Nuclear Power Program remains at $75,000. The AIRR-ATF, EOD-ATF, HM-ATF, ITS-ATF, SB-ATF, and SECF-5YO ratings and programs enlistment bonus cap remains at $60,000. All other Navy enlisted programs and ratings remained capped at $50,000.
Enlistment Bonus and Student Loan Repayment Examples:
- For the AIRR-ATF, EOD-ATF, HM-ATF, ITS-ATF, SB-ATF, and SECF-5YO ratings and programs: the maximum enlistment bonus one can receive in combination is $60,000. For example, if a person joins the Navy during the effective dates of this message and ships to boot-camp during the period April 2024 through September 2024 in those ratings and programs, minimally, they would be entitled to Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR) AND Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP). The individual EBSR and EBSHP amounts for the listed ratings and programs may vary, but when EBSR and EBSHP are added up, they hit the maximum $60,000 limit. Additionally, if the same person was also eligible for the Navy Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP), the total combined maximum amount that can be realized is $125,000 ($60K max for EB and $65K max for LRP).
- For the Nuclear Power Program Only: the maximum enlistment bonus one can receive in combination is $75,000. For example, if a person joins the Navy during the effective dates of this message and ships to boot-camp during the period April 2024 through September 2024 in the Navy nuclear power program (Nuke), minimally, they would be entitled to Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR) AND Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP). The EBSR amount for Nukes who join and ship during this time frame are authorized $50,000, and an EBSHP of $25,000. The total amount authorized for payment would be $75,000. Additionally, if the same Nuke was also eligible for the Navy Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP), the total combined maximum amount that can be realized is $140,000 ($75K max for EB and $65K max for LRP).
- Yes, enlistment bonus and student loan repayment funds are taxed as income!
Current Enlistment Bonus Status
- Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR): Authorized (see chart below).
- Enlistment Bonus for Physical Screening Test (EBPST): Not currently authorized.
- Enlistment Bonus for Physical Fitness Assessment (EBPFA): Not currently authorized.
- Enlistment Bonus for High School (EBHS): Authorized (see Reserve chart below).
- Enlistment Bonus for Armed Forces Qualification Test (EBAFQT): Authorized (see chart below).
- Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC): Not currently authorized.
- Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP): Authorized (see Active Duty and Reserve charts below).
- Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Policy: Authorized (see chart below).
Prior Service members, either Navy or Other Services (must have an eligible RE-Code for reenlistment), re-enlisting into 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. Additionally, Navy Prior Service Members must have been separated from active duty for at least 12 months prior to shipping to be eligible for bonuses.
The Navy's Current Enlistment Bonuses
If a Sailor is reclassified while attending training, the Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR) is determined by the effective enlistment bonus message at the time of reclassification.
If Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP), Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC), and/or Enlistment Bonus for High School (EBHS) are listed in the old contract, they are transferred to the new contract with the same amount(s) listed in the original enlistment bonus message.
Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR)
For any Active Duty Component Future Sailors initially classified or reclassified on or after April 21, 2024 into the following ratings would be eligible for the Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR).
| Rating | Ship Month | FY | EB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIRR-ATF | October-September | Any | $35,000 | 3,6 |
| CTI-ATF | October-September | Any | $15,000 | 5 |
| CWT-ATF | October-September | Any | $5,000 | 2,7 |
| EOD-ATF | October-September | Any | $35,000 | 5,6 |
| HM-ATF | October-September | Any | $35,000 | 2 |
| ITS-ATF | October-September | Any | $35,000 | 2 |
| MMS-5YO | October-September | Any | $10,000 | 2 |
| MT-AEF | October-September | Any | $5,000 | 2 |
| ND-ATF | October-September | Any | $15,000 | 5,6 |
| Nuke | October-September | Any | $50,000 | 1 |
| SB-ATF | October-September | Any | $35,000 | 4,6 |
| SO-ATF | October-September | Any | $15,000 | 5,6 |
| SECF-5YO | October-September | Any | $35,000 | 2 |
If a Service Member is reclassified while attending training (boot-camp or “A” school), the Enlistment Bonus for Source Rate (EBSR) bonus amount is determined by the current effective message at the time the reclassification is completed.
EBSR Notes:
- See OPNAVINST 1160.9A, The Enlistment Bonus Program instruction, for payment guidance.
- EBSR earned and payable upon graduation from “A” or “C” school.
- For Navy aviation rescue swimmer (AIRR) advance technical field (ATF), payment occurs after graduation from Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS), “A” school, Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training, and after arrival at first permanent duty station.
- For Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) ATF, the payment occurs following graduation from the Charlie Phase of Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) Training.
- For Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) ATF, payment occurs following EOD "A" school. For Navy Diver (ND) ATF, payment occurs following Dive "A" school. For Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) ATF, payment occurs following Language "A" school and first duty station qualification training in the designated language. For Special Warfare Operator (SO) ATF, payment occurs following graduation from SEAL Qualification Training (SQT).
- Must have earned the rating Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) and have a security clearance.
- On June 28, 2023, the CTN rating was disestablished, and its duties and responsibilities moved to the newly established rating, Navy Cyber Warfare Technician (CWT).
Enlistment Bonus High School (EBHS)
Effective April 21, 2024, any School Year-2024 high school senior contracted and scheduled to ship in May through July 2024 for an Reserve Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) Program rating is authorized Enlistment Bonus High School (EBHS). The applicant must be enrolled and attending a Tier 1 traditional high school at the time of the initial contracting date.
To remain eligible, they must graduate high school, and receive a Department of Defense Civilian Education code of 12L (High School Graduate with 12 years of education), prior to shipping to boot-camp. To be eligible, the high school senior must have a 31QT or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
EBHS is not currently available for the active component.
| Component | Program | Ship Months | FY | EBHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve | TAR | May through July | 2024 | $10,000 |
Eligibility for EBHS only exists while the Future Sailor is in the Delayed Entry Program. EBHS is earned and payable upon graduation of boot-camp and may not be recouped due to reclassification or separation.
Enlistment Bonus for Armed Forces Qualification Test (EBAFQT)
Active Component recruits who have an accession Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Score between a 10 and 30QT and who attend the Future Sailor Preparatory Course - Academic (FSPC-A) are eligible to receive $2,000 in EB for every ten (10) points they improve their AFQT score. EBAFQT is limited to a maximum of $6,000.
Future Sailors who are scheduled to ship between April 2024 to September 2024 are authorized EBAFQT according to the following table.
| Score Improvement | Ship Months | FY | EBSHP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-19 points | April-September | 2024 | $2,000 | (1,2,3) |
| 20-29 points | April-September | 2024 | $4,000 | (1,2,3) |
| 30 or more points | April-September | 2024 | $6,000 | (1,2,3) |
EBAFQT Notes:
- EBAFQT is earned and payable upon graduation from Recruit Training Command and may not be recouped due to separation.
- The intent of EBAFQT is to encourage Sailors attending FSPC-A to improve their AFQT scores and qualify for additional ratings.
- Sailors that reclassify at RTC after improving their scores are eligible for any EBSR that is applicable for their chosen rating at the time of reclassification, in addition to EBAFQT.
Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC)
Not currently authorized.
Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP -- Active Duty)
Any newly classified or reclassified, on or after April 21, 2024, active duty applicant who ships to boot-camp in one of the ratings and months listed in the chart are authorized a minimum of $5,000 EBSHP. Select ratings listed in the chart can receive up to $25,000.
| Program | Ship Month | FY | EBSHP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC-5YO | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AECF-AEF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AIRR-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AV-5YO | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CSS-5YO | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTI-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTM-AEF | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CWT-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3,5) |
| CTT-AEF | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTT-SG | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| EOD-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| HM-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| HMDH-SG | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IS-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IT-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IT-SG | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| ITS-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MA-SG | April-September | 2024 | $10,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MMS-5YO | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MN-SG | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MT-AEF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| ND-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| NUKE | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| RP-SG | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SB-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SECF-5YO | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SO-ATF | April-September | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| STG-5YO | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| STG-AEF | April-September | 2024 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
Active Duty EBSHP Notes:
Note 1: Eligibility for Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP-Active Duty) only exists while the Future Sailor is in Delayed Entry Program. EBSHP is earned and payable upon graduation of Recruit Training Command and may not be recouped due to reclassification or separation.
Note 2: The intent of this EBSHP is to fill shipping gaps in the months April 2024 through September 2024.
Note 3: Future Sailors must have an Armed Forces
Qualification Test (AFQT) Score greater than or equal to 31 to be
eligible for EBSHP.
Note 4: Nuclear Field Future Sailors classified into shipping dates outside of the authorized time period to wait for security clearance adjudication are eligible for the listed EBSHP.
Note: 5: On June 28, 2023, the CTN rating was disestablished, and its duties and responsibilities moved to the new rating, Navy Cyber Warfare Technician (CWT).
Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (Reserve)
The Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) Program are members of the Navy Reserve who serve in a full time capacity with the responsibility to train and administer the Navy Reserve. Enlisted TAR personnel serve in many diverse and demanding billets both on ship and ashore.
For TAR, only those newly contracted on or after December 3, 2023 are eligible for Enlistment Bonus for Shipping.
| Rating | Program | Ship Months | FY | EBSHP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any | TAR | April-July | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
Reserve EBSHP Notes:
Note 1: Eligibility for Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP-Reserve) only exists while the Future Sailor (FS) is in Delayed Entry Program (DEP). EBSHP-Reserve is earned and payable upon graduation of Recruit Training Command and may not be recouped due to reclassification or separation.
Note 2: Future Sailors must have an Armed Forces
Qualification Test (AFQT) Score greater than or equal to 31 to be
eligible for EBSHP.
Note 3: The intent of this Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) EBSHP-Reserve is to fill shipping gaps in April 2024 through July 2024.
Note 4: Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) previously known as Full Time Support (FTS).
Navy Student Loan Repayment Program
The Navy maintained the Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP) for any Future Sailor initially classified or reclassified on or after April 21, 2024.
Active Component Enlisted Loan Repayment Eligibility:
Participants are eligible for Loan Repayment Program (LRP) if they ship in any month of any Fiscal Year (FY). Participants in rates listed below are eligible (for specific loan debt eligibility, see your Navy recruiter).
| Program | Ship Months | FY | EBSHP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any | October-September | Any | $65,000 |
Future Sailors must access to Active Component and have the Loan Repayment Program (LRP) listed as a guarantee in their current Annex to DD Form 4 (Enlistment Guarantee/NAVCRUIT 1133/52) in order to maintain eligibility. LRP can be combined with all other Enlistment Bonus types.
The LRP Manager oversees the application and payment process. Additional good to know information concerning the Loan Repayment Program:
- Applicants must have an ASVAB score of 50 AFQT or above.
- Approximately 25% of the payment will be withheld for tax purposes.
- Applicants must submit a DD Form 2475, "DOD EDUCATIONAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (LRP) ANNUAL APPLICATION", for each payment.
- Applicants will receive an Approval Letter with instructions.
- Applicant will receive a W-2 to calculate taxes withheld.
For post-accession inquiries, the LRP Manager is responsible for determining LRP eligibility. Sailors that accessed without LRP in their contract are ineligible to receive LRP as a result of reclassification.
With the real life changing amounts offered by the enlistment bonuses alone combined with the allowances (if eligible — Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Family Separation Allowance (FSA), etc.), and the military basic pay for 2024 and duty pay (Navy Sea Pay, Sub Pay, Hazardous Duty, Flight Pay, etc.), 30 days paid vacation, Tuition Assistance, medical and dental benefits for the entire family (spouse/children), etc., there has never been a better time to contact your local Navy Recruiter!
Page written and maintained by NCCM Thomas Goering, USN (Retired).
