Guard guys can get the bonus - they just have to be on active duty orders for at least a year from the date they are eligible. Happens quite frequently for activations, MPA tours and AGR (Active Guard and Reserve) jobs. I don't know how quickly it pays out though, but make sure you stay on your MPF and finance people. I had a buddy who had his bonus payment delayed for almost 6 months only to find out all MPF needed was a copy of his initial flight orders...