SrfNFly227

I have heard from two of my friends that at least the Navy is offering a substantial signing bonus. Is this true??? What about the Air Force???

I have just over 2000 hours and am considering going into the service. I just got all my application stuff for Navy and the aviation recruiter I talked to could not really answer any of my questions. Obviously a signing bonus would not be the reason I am signing up, but it would make the decision a lot easier if I knew I could pay off the rest of my student loans.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

bunk22

I have yet to hear of a signing bonus for the Navy. They have a re-sign bonus of $125K for five years but of course. Used to be 8 years after wings was the contract, might be 10 years after contract now. So you're looking at 10-12 years before you're eligible for it. I took the 5 years signing bonus at the 10 year mark.

rickair7777

The only bonus I ever heard of was they give you a cool leather jacket. Never been a shortage of applicants since 'Nam.

Better go read the fine print again...sounds like they might have signed you up for nuclear submarines. Plenty of bonuses there, and for very good reason

Hacker15e

Never heard of a signing bonus.

Retention of trained and experienced pilots, yes. Bonus to get you to walk through the door, no.

__________________
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Sputnik

They let you fly jets

Cooperd0g

The Navy does have a signing bonus. To be eligible for the bonus you must already be on active duty and be qualified as a naval aviator in an aircraft that the Navy flies. Basically when your initial 8 year commitment after getting winged is up, you can get this bonus so long as you meet the above criteria AND have been selected for a department head position within a squadron. Don't meet any of that criteria and no dice on the bonus so you are out of luck if you are coming from the civilian world. Initial commitment for Navy is still 8 years after wings, for fighters at least. I think it is 7 for helos and big wing.

FlyBoyd

Aviation Career Continuation Pay (Aviation Continuation Pay - Military Benefits - Military.com) is a retention bonus for qualified aviators. I wouldn't call it a signing bonus (although you "sign" for more years). The OP wants money coming in the door, which I am pretty sure doesn't exist. OBTW, helo and maritime wingers have an 8 year commitment now. In most cases, this will take away the option to get out and force a senior lieutenant into a disassociated sea tour.

papyco

Big Navy sharing the love.

bunk22

Or you could avoid it like I did then later not make O-5 because of it..."supposedly" ...boards don't so much like staying in the cockpit like I have managed to do. Oh well, I've had fun

FlyBoyd

thus my decision to go FTS