USMC offers $100,000 to go back on Active Dut
 

My first thought was "it must be $100,000 per year bonus." They might need to increase this bonus.

I note the date of the article is 01/01/2020. Is that correct? Should it have been 01/01/2021?

It is clear to me that the date is correct.

“Going back on active duty could make pilots eligible for the Marine Corps Aviation Bonus Program for fiscal year 2021, which starts on Oct. 1.”

FY21 began Oct 1st 2020. Clearly the article was written prior to that date, ie, 01/01/2020, not 01/01/2021.

Yes, but this line adds to the confusion:

"...But the coronavirus pandemic has left some airlines struggling as travel declined, raising the possibility that military pilot retention will improve in coming years."

That's some clairvoyant stuff right there.

That is exactly what caused me to arrive at the conclusion the date it was written was 01/01/2021 not 2020. Perhaps they are confused how government FYs are numbered, as well.

Here is the source document issued in September, 2020. Submissions were due on November 6th, 2020:

Return to Active Duty

If I thought this would work for me I'd go back in a second!
Specifically back to be a FRS Instructor or try my hand at the Advanced VTs.

Hmmm...does not explain the comment about COVID-19.

While mil retention will clearly improve for at least a few years, that doesn't immediately fix the mid-grade shortage created by all of the pre-covid hiring.

Unlike airlines, one mil pilot is not interchangeable with another for most jobs. Need mid and senior leaders in squadrons, and also on staffs. An O2 or even O3 can't do most of those jobs.