It's been around for a long time, maybe for decades.

A buddy of mine in the 82nd did this enlistment in 2000 and was out before me in 2002. Was shocking to hear that he was allowed a 2 yr enlistment with an airborne contract. Many tried this with their recruiters only to be denied because it was supposedly impossible. By the time this guy arrived to the unit he was already 1/4 through his enlistment time. He left for the National Guard once his term expired. That being said, the money invested in him was not entirely lost. I think this is the fear of the 2yr contract with the Army. All this time and money is invested in you only to have you bounce in a few months. I remember him getting benefits that were very similar to mine on a 4yr term. I remember being a tad upset and jealous. Wish I had his recruiter.

Anyway, I saw a commercial on Comedy Central today that's actually pushing the contract. Personally, I don't think there's ever been a better time to join the Army.

You can milk the recruiter for the max benefits allowed on a 2yr contract, you can get your combat experience or at least set foot in the theatre with little risk, and you only have to dedicate a sliver of your life. I say combat experience because if you were to join just after this war, you'd be the only guy without a CIB or equivalent badge, etc. That 2yr enlistment would be toughest ever as the scapegoat if you were of legal joining age during the early stages of the GWOT. That, and your chance of getting a great contract is decreased.

Let's face it, given the amount of those currently in and the number of men and women that have rotated in the GWOT theatre throughout the years, your odds of dying are like winning the lottery.

I say if you're planning on joining this is the time. Test the waters with maximum benefit of a 2yr contract. If you don’t like it then don’t reenlist.

 

What are some of these said benefits? Or where can we find a list of them?

 

interesting that the military would even give out a 2 year option.

 

It always seemed to be on the down low for obvious reasons. The main reason for the Army was that the time and money invested in you would be gone shortly if you decided against reenlistment in a year and a half.

I'm sure MOS options are great decreased as some require months to learn. But I was told infantry was one of these MOSs. it was obviously a lie considering my buddy got the option with the additional training of Airborne school. You’d still need to do your homework on real max benefits and qualifying MOSs, schools, etc.

 

Good question. Maybe gpatmac can give us some good resources?

 

Thank you. This is actually very interesting and 2 years after college would be much less painful to give up than 4.

 

When I was still in they had actually had an 18 month option.

 

This has been a PSA by Salty .

 

that's like summer camp.

are people still joining to be "career" military people?

 

I didn't mean to post it in the SRIC.

And I have nothing to gain here.

 

Yes.

But at least this way you can get your feet wet just in case you don't like what you've gotten yourself into. I used to laugh at the poor SOBs that enlisted for 6years starting just to get another 5-10k bonus.

 

So I just looked at your avatar for a few seconds and realized what it REALLY is...

Chuck Norris. haha

 

damn. i was unaware there was even a 2 year option offered. the military has just become a more inviting option for me. thanx for the heads up.

 

I thought you were dead ...

 

I knew very few people who enlisted with the intent to stick around. Most people just decide that the sure-fire career path is better than sinking or swimming in the "real world."