APPLICANT REQUESTS:  That he be given a reenlistment bonus.

APPLICANT STATES:  When he reenlisted he was told that although both his unit and his skill were on the list of those approved to receive bonuses, the Army did not have the money to pay bonuses at that time, but he would be paid a bonus if and when money became available.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant's military records show:

He enlisted in the USAR in pay grade E-1 with no prior service on 25 August 1986.  At that time he completed an addenda to his enlistment contract for a $2000.00 cash bonus.

He completed that enlistment, being awarded the military occupational specialty (MOS) of material storage and handling specialist, and was promoted to pay grade E-5.

On 12 June 1994 he reenlisted for 6 years in pay grade E-5 with no bonus addendum included in his contract.

Army Regulation l35-7 only authorizes bonuses for nonprior service USAR enlistees and for reservists who are in an active status who either enlist or reenlist, as appropriate, in either a critical MOS or a critical unit, as designated and published by the Department of the Army, for at least 6 years.

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record and applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:

1.  The applicant has not submitted any documentation which would substantiate his contention that either his unit or his MOS was on the list of those approved for a bonus.

2.  Regardless of whether or not the applicant was given erroneous information, a bonus is an incentive to reenlist, not an entitlement, and need not be offered.  Obviously, the applicant did not need any incentive to reenlist.

3.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant’s request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT          

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




						Karl F. Schneider
						Acting Director