Army Benefits

There are many excellent benefits to joining the Army, which we discuss in detail below:

  • Career Enhancement
    Military service is an excellent way to gain valuable work experience and travel around the world.
  • Army Education Benefits
    The Army provides many excellent education benefits. View the complete listing in the Army Education Benefits section.
    • Army College Fund - ACF
      The Army College Fund is an enlistment incentive that adds to the monthly payout for the GI Bill.
    • College Loan Repayment Program - CLRP
      The College Loan Repayment Program is an enlistment incentive that pays up to $65,000 of student loans.
    • Army Training to College Credits
      Many of the training courses in the Army translate into college credit, such as basic training. Learn how to capitalize on your military experience and get closer towards a degree.
    • GI Bill
      The GI Bill is a wonderful opportunity to obtain your college degree, technical certificate, or apprenticeship/on-the-job training.
      • Montgomery GI Bill - MGIB
        The Montgomery GI Bill was largely supplanted by the Post 9/11 GI Bill although there are situations in which it proves more beneficial.
      • Post 9/11 GI Bill
        The Post 9/11 GI Bill was passed by Congress in 2008, substantially improving upon the shortfalls of the Montgomery GI Bill.
        • Post 9/11 GI Bill Cuts Looming!
          Protect your new GI Bill from cuts. Legislation in Congress is threatening to reduce payments for tuition and fees, among other cuts to the newly established Post 9/11 GI Bill.
        • Maximum Tuition and Fees Payout by State
          The new gi bill pays up to the most expensive undergraduate tuition and fees charged by a public university or college in a given state. View the payout rate table here.
        • Yellow Ribbon Program
          The Yellow Ribbon Program allows schools to provide additional tuition reimbursement which is matched by the department of Veterans Affairs.
    • Army Tuition Assistance
      The Army Tuition Assistance Program covers tuition costs for soldiers on active duty up to a maximum of $4,500 each fiscal year.
  • Enlistment Bonuses by MOS for 2011
    Some Army jobs are identified as critical fill and offer cash bonuses simply for joining the Army with that MOS. See the current MOSs offering bonuses here.
  • Army Laser Eye Surgery Program
    The Army provides free laser eye surgery (PRK and/or LASIK) for many soldiers under the Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program (WRESP).
  • Leave and Passes (Paid Days Off)
    Army personnel accrue 30 days of paid leave each year and can request pass privileges.
  • Military Retirement Pay System
    The military retirement system allows you to draw retirement pay after 20 years of service.
  • Thrift Savings Plan - TSP
    The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a government sponsored retirement plan similar to a 401K, allowing soldiers to easily put money away for retirement.
  • TRICARE Health Care Program
    TRICARE provides extensive health care coverage for soldiers and their families.
  • Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance - SGLI
    Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides life insurance coverage up to a maximum of $400,000.