Bonuses up to $75,000, prep courses, and new strategies: How the U.S. is fighting for every service member
Between 2022 and 2024, the United States spent over $6 billion to attract new recruits and retain existing personnel. The main drivers: a deep recruitment crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, declining trust in the military, and stiff competition from the civilian job market.
Eye-Catching Bonuses: Up to $75,000
All branches of the U.S. military significantly increased their enlistment and retention bonuses:
- The Army offered up to $50,000 in 2022 for six-year contracts, especially targeting specialists in artillery, armored units, and cybersecurity.
- The Navy raised the bar in 2023, offering up to $75,000 for submarine techs, nuclear specialists, and special operations forces. Tens of thousands of sailors also received $20,000–30,000 annually in reenlistment bonuses.
- The Air Force in 2023 offered bonuses up to $50,000 for roles in munitions, aircraft maintenance, and security forces.
- The Marine Corps, though spending less overall, dramatically increased its retention bonus pool in 2024—from $126 million in 2023 to $201 million, incentivizing over 7,000 Marines to reenlist a year early.
Additionally, some new recruits qualify for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), which offers up to $65,000 toward federal student loans. When combined with enlistment bonuses, total financial incentives can reach $140,000—but only for specific high-demand specialties. For example, in the Air Force, the SLRP is currently available only to legal officers (JAG Corps).
Retention Strategy: Training, Reform, and Flexibility
Beyond cash bonuses, the military implemented several new initiatives:
- The Future Soldier Prep Course, launched by the Army at Fort Jackson in 2022, offers up to 90 days of academic and fitness training to help otherwise ineligible recruits meet standards. Thousands have enlisted through the program.
- Relaxed enlistment requirements, including adjustments to age and education criteria, simplified paperwork, and more flexible service options (e.g., shorter contracts, weekend-only duty).
- An expanded recruiter force and the return of in-person recruitment after pandemic lockdowns.
Bottom Line
In 2024, all U.S. military branches, including the Navy, met or exceeded their recruitment goals. The Army, for example, recruited 55,150 new soldiers, surpassing its target of 55,000 (100.27%).
This success reflects not political shifts, but rather comprehensive reforms, aggressive financial incentives, and creative new programs like the Future Soldier Prep Course that helped turn the tide in America's ongoing recruiting battle.
