Special Pay-Army (Active/Reserves)

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So my AOC is considered a wartime shortage as of now and is elligible for a 25k bonus a year for up to 3 years. Has anyone ever added on to their service obligation for special pay? Was it worth it? I am currently a drilling reservist.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I did for AD and it was worth it. If I was going back into the reserves I would do the reserve ISP also. I

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I did for AD and it was worth it. If I was going back into the reserves I would do the reserve ISP also. I

Did you have to complete your service obligation before you qualified for special pay? Or are the years just added onto your contract? The memo makes it seem like a grey area to be honest. It says other incentives need to be fulfilled before special pay can be contracted. Currently, I am still on my ROTC service obligation.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I came in with the special pay, it was $20K/year x 4 years. Getting it approved after I got to my unit/MEDDAC added a few months to my ADSO, but it was worth it. I almost took the $30K accession bonus, but my branch manager was like no, don't ... $80K > $30K. Thank goodness for that guy!

Which AOCs are short now? Just 8A or whatever it is now?

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I came in with the special pay, it was $20K/year x 4 years. Getting it approved after I got to my unit/MEDDAC added a few months to my ADSO, but it was worth it. I almost took the $30K accession bonus, but my branch manager was like no, don't ... $80K > $30K. Thank goodness for that guy!

Which AOCs are short now? Just 8A or whatever it is now?

PM you! I wish I had a recruiter like that haha.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Because of my years of service when I came back in the ADSO I had was one year for my PCS. I had to wait 2 years to get my certificate because I switched from the ED to the OR.

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Specializes in CEN.

Was it worth it is only a question you can answer for yourself. I just took the 66S 25k x 3yrs option and I'd do it again in a heartbeat because I love serving....22 years and counting to include 7 active, 8 Army Nat'l Guard, all NCO/enlisted combat arms service. After a 7 year break in service, I put the uniform back on as a 1LT and as a 66HM5/8A and I haven't looked backwards. Combat tours to Afghanistan and all, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. To recap, don't ever ask other people what only you could possibly know. You either love serving, for whatever your reasons, or you do not. Anyone in it for the money is already a lost cause. The Army needs individuals committed to excellence so figure out what you want and drive on with your life. I wish you the best of luck whatever you may choose.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
After a 7 year break in service, I put the uniform back on as a 1LT and as a 66HM5/8A and I haven't looked backwards.

Did you really hold both the M5 and 8A designations, or did you have one primary and just worked in both areas? I was a M5 (came in as a M5 with civilian experience), but I never knew anyone who had both — just one or the other. :) I did a lot of ICU work while deployed as a M5 with an FST, though. Anyway, just curious!

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

Danger. I'd love to talk with you about army reserve nursing. I'd PM now, but it's late and my box I'd usually full.

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