EB Cap Raised to $60K for Six Ratings/Programs
The following has been superceded by the April 2024 EB update. The information contained on this page was effective from December 3, 2023 to April 20, 2024.
On, December 1, 2023, Navy Recruiting Command released its first enlistment bonus (EB) update for Fiscal Year 2024. The new EB guidance is effective December 3, 2023, and it supersedes the one released in August 2023.
Starting today and until superseded, the window eligible for shipping to boot-camp for the Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP) for all active duty ratings and programs is now December 2023 through February 2024. Additionally, the total enlistment bonus cap for the AIRR-ATF, EOD-ATF, HM-ATF, ITS-ATF, SB-ATF, and SECF-5YO ratings and programs has been raised from $50,000 to $60,000. All other Navy enlisted programs and ratings remained capped at $50,000.
Newly contracted Reserve Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) Future Sailors are authorized to receive EBSHP for initially contracting and shipping to boot-camp from December 2023 through February 2024, and may be eligible for Enlistment Bonus High School (EBHS) if newly contracted with a ship date in May through July 2024.
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 December 2023 and February 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 December 2023 and February 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 Active Duty and Reserve charts below).
- Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC): Authorized (see chart below).
- 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 December 3, 2023 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 | $25,000 | 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 | $25,000 | 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 new rating, Navy Cyber Warfare Technician (CWT).
Enlistment Bonus High School (EBHS)
Effective December 3, 2023, any School Year-2024 high school senior contracted and scheduled to ship in May through July 2024 for an Active Duty or 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).
| Component | Program | Ship Months | FY | EBHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty | Any | May through July | 2024 | $10,000 |
| 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 College Credit (EBCC)
Active Component recruits enlisting on or after December 3, 2023 in any rate/program with college credit from a postsecondary accredited institution can receive Enlistment Bonus for College Credit (EBCC). EBCC is payable and earned upon graduation from Navy boot-camp.
EBCC can be combined with EBSR, EBSHP, and EBHS.
| Program | Ship Months | FY | EBCC | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any | October-September | Any | $5000 | (1,2) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $8000 | (1,3) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $3000 | (1,4) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $5000 | (1,5) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $2000 | (1,6) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $3000 | (1,7) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $4000 | (1,8) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $6000 | (1,9) |
| Any | October-September | Any | $7000 | (1,10) |
Enlistment Bonus College Credit (EBCC) Notes:
- Eligibility for EBCC only exists while the Future Sailor is in the Delayed Entry Program. EBCC is earned and payable upon graduation of Recruit Training Command (boot-camp) and may not be recouped due to reclassification or separation.
- For Associates Degree.
- For Bachelor Degree or greater.
- For 1yr vocation.
- For 2yr vocation.
- For 12-23 semester hours.
- For 24-47 semester hours.
- For 48-71 semester hours.
- For 72-95 semester hours.
- For 96 or greater semester hours.
Enlistment Bonus for Shipping (EBSHP -- Active Duty)
Any newly classified or reclassified, on or after December 3, 2023, active duty applicant who ships to boot-camp in the months listed in the chart is authorized a minimum of $10,000 EBSHP. Select ratings listed in the chart can receive up to $35,000.
| Program | Ship Month | FY | EBSHP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC-5YO | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AECF-AEF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AIRR-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AV-5YO | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CSS-5YO | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTI-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTM-AEF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CWT-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,5) |
| CTR-SG | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTT-AEF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTT-SG | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| EOD-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| HM-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| HMDH-SG | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IS-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IT-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IT-SG | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| ITS-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $35,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MA-SG | December-February | 2024 | $15,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MMS-5YO | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MN-SG | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MT-AEF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| ND-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| NUKE | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| RP-SG | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SB-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SECF-5YO | December-February | 2024 | $35,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SO-ATF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| STG-5YO | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| STG-AEF | December-February | 2024 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| Any | December-February | 2024 | $10,000 | (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 December 2023 through February 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 | December-February | 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 December 2023 through February 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 December 3, 2023.
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 2024 military basic pay 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 recruiter.
Funding for the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023, signed into law on December 23, 2022, authorizes contracts to be entered into with certain Enlistment Bonuses (EB) through December 31, 2023. The availability of bonuses under this policy is subject to congressional reauthorization of Section 332 of Title 37 U.S. Code. If funds are not available, classifiers may include EB in contracts. However, payments for earned EB will not be made until/unless appropriations are restored to the program.
Page written and maintained by NCCM Thomas Goering, USN (Retired).
