$5,000 minimum Shipping Bonus Continues!
Today, November 26, 2024, Navy Recruiting Command released its second enlistment bonus (EB) message in Fiscal Year 2025. The new EB guidance becomes effective, December 1, 2024, and it will supersede the message which became effective on November 10, 2024.
The new message continues the allowance of a $5,000 shipping bonus minimum for anyone (must have an ASVAB score of a 31QT or higher) newly contracted on or after the effective date of December 1, 2024 and ships to boot-camp in December 2024 or January 2025. The $5,000 is also available to Future Sailors currently in the Delayed Entry Program with a shipping date after February 1, 2025 who roll-in and ship in either December 2024 or January 2025 (see notes associated with the chart and discuss the options with your recruiter).
Active or Reserve Component Future Sailors with a DoD Tier 3 education are NOT authorized an Enlistment Bonus.
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, ND-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 December 2024 or January 2025 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 2024 through March 2025 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* ($30,000 if meets the EBSHP additional $5K requirement for shipping in December 2024 or January 2025). 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 bonuses 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 charts 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 a minimum of 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 1, 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 | $30,000 | 3,6 |
| CTI-ATF | October-September | Any | $15,000 | 5 |
| CWT-ATF | October-September | Any | $5,000 | 2 |
| EOD-ATF | October-September | Any | $30,000 | 5,6 |
| HM-ATF | October-September | Any | $30,000 | 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 | $30,000 | 5,6 |
| Nuke | October-September | Any | $50,000 | 1 |
| SB-ATF | October-September | Any | $30,000 | 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.
Active Component Enlistment Bonus High School (EBHS)
An Active Component school year 2025 high school senior contracted and scheduled to ship in the months of June or July 2025 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).
The amount of EBHS is based on the ASVAB score achieved:
| ASVAB Score | Program | Ship Month | FY | EBHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-99 | Active Duty | June-July | 2025 | $10,000 |
| 31-49 | Active Duty | June-July | 2025 | $5,000 |
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.
Reserve Component Enlistment Bonus High School (EBHS)
A Reserve Component School Year-2025 high school senior contracted and scheduled to ship in June or July 2025 for a 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).
The amount of EBHS is based on the ASVAB score achieved:
| ASVAB Score | Program | Ship Month | FY | EBHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-99 | TAR | June-July | 2025 | $10,000 |
| 31-49 | TAR | June-July | 2025 | $5,000 |
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 below a 31QT 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 ASVAB AFQT score. EBAFQT is limited to a maximum of $6,000.
Future Sailors who are scheduled to ship in December Fiscal Year-2025 are authorized EBAFQT according to the following table.
| Score Improvement | Ship Months | FY | EBSHP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-19 points | December | 2025 | $2,000 | (1,2,3) |
| 20-29 points | December | 2025 | $4,000 | (1,2,3) |
| 30 or more points | December | 2025 | $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 active duty Future Sailor newly classified or reclassified, on or after December 1, 2024, who ships to boot-camp in one of the ratings and months listed in the chart are authorized a minimum of $5,000 EBSHP. All individual ratings identified in the chart can receive up to $25,000 plus a $5,000 kicker for shipping in December 2024 or January 2025, or as far out as March for those entering the Nuclear Power Program. (see EBSHP Note 5 for details).
| Program | Ship Month | Fiscal Year | EBSHP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC-5YO | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AECF-AEF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| AIRR-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,6) |
| AV-5YO | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CSS-5YO | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTI-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTM-AEF | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CWT-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTT-AEF | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| CTT-SG | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| EOD-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,6) |
| HM-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,6) |
| HMDH-SG | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IS-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IT-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| IT-SG | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| ITS-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MA-SG | December-January | 2025 | $10,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MMS-5YO | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MN-SG | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| MT-AEF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| ND-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,6) |
| NUKE | December-March | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4,6) |
| RP-SG | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SB-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,6) |
| SECF-5YO | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3) |
| SO-ATF | December-January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,6) |
| STG-5YO | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| STG-AEF | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3) |
| All | December-January | 2025 | $5,000 | (1,2,3,5,6) |
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 and January Fiscal Year 2025, and out as far as March 2025 for the select ratings listed in the chart.
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: Future Sailors currently scheduled to ship on or after February 1, 2025 who roll into December 2024 or January 2025 are also eligible. This EBSHP may be combined with any rating-based EBSHP for which the Future Sailor may be qualified.
Note 6: Future Sailors in the Delayed Entry Program scheduled to ship in Fiscal Year 2025 on the effective date of this message are eligible for the listed EBSHP amounts if they are in an eligible rating and ship month.
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 or reclassified or after December 1, 2024 are eligible for Enlistment Bonus for Shipping as listed in the chart.
| Rating | Program | Ship Months | Fiscal Year | EBSHP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AD | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| AECF | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| AIRC | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| AM | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| AME | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| AO | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $15,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| AS | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| AV | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $25,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| HM | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $15,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| LS | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $10,000 | (1,2,3,4) |
| PR | TAR | December--January | 2025 | $10,000 | (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 2024 and January 2025.
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 1, 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 2025 and duty pay (if eligible: 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!
If a defective contract is observed after graduation from Recruit Training Command, to remedy, the Service Member must use the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) procedures.
Page written and maintained by NCCM Thomas Goering, USN (Retired).
