Recruiting bonuses grow by 25 percent

[unhappycamper]

Recruiting bonuses grow by 25 percent
By Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Oct 3, 2008 5:53:25 EDT

WASHINGTON — The Army and Marine Corps doled out nearly $640 million in the past year in bonuses to entice recruits to join the military, as the two services continue to bear the brunt of the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Buoyed by incentives that can be as high as $40,000 each and coupled with the promise of thousands more for education or down payments for homes, the annual cost grew by 25 percent over last year’s totals for the two services, the Associated Press has learned.

The money — particularly in these shaky economic times — has proven to be a strong recruiting tool, even as the U.S. death toll in Iraq surpasses 4,100 and violence in Afghanistan escalates.

As a result, the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force all met their recruiting goals for the fiscal year that ended Tuesday. The Air Force did not provide bonus data.

“This money helps create excitement for the all-volunteer force,” said Army spokesman Paul Boyce. “We recruit not only the soldier but his or her family, and this money is important to them.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_recruiting_100208/%2e