Through the Army Advantage Fund enlistment option, qualified non-prior service recruits who enlist for three or more years can receive up to $40,000 to buy a home or start a small business upon completion of their initial term of service.

This is currently a pilot (test) program which was authorized by Congress in the 2008 Defense Authorization Act. The Army is currently the only branch of service allowed to offer this bonus, during the two year test.

The pilot program began in February 2008.

This bonus is only available to active duty and reserve recruits who enlist in five areas: Albany, N.Y.; Cleveland; Montgomery, Ala.; San Antonio, TX, and Seattle, WA. To be eligible, applicants in these areas must score at least a 50 on the the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and must agree to enlist in an MOS (Army job) that is eligible for this specific bonus, according to the Army recruiting computer system.

Recruits who choose this incentive must wait until they finish their initial term of service before they can receive payment.

Bonus Amounts (Active Duty)

• 3 Year Enlistment: $25,000
• 4 Year Enlistment: $35,000
• 5 Year Enlistment: $40,000

Bonus Amounts (Reserve)

• 3 Year Enlistment: $10,000
• 4 Year Enlistment: $15,000
• 5 Year Enlistment: $20,000

Want to learn more about Army enlistment incentives? See our Army Enlistment Incentives Menu.