Title 37 — Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed ServicesRelease 119-73
§308h Special pay: bonus for reenlistment, enlistment, or voluntary extension of enlistment in elements of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve
Title 37 › Chapter CHAPTER 5— - SPECIAL AND INCENTIVE PAYS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - EXISTING SPECIAL PAY, INCENTIVE PAY, AND BONUS AUTHORITIES › § 308h
Summary
The service secretary can pay a reenlistment or enlistment bonus to someone who signs up or extends enlistment into a Ready Reserve unit that is not the Selected Reserve for an extra 3 or 6 years beyond their current obligation. To get the bonus, a person must have served before, finished their original enlistment satisfactorily, and have a skill the secretary labels a "critically short wartime" skill. The secretary can decide what skills qualify if they are needed for war and there are not enough people with them. The skill rule can be waived for members who reenlist or extend while on active duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Regulations set final rules and payments. The most a person can get is $3,000 for a six-year sign-up and $1,500 for a three-year sign-up. For six years, $500 is paid at reenlistment and the rest in equal yearly amounts; three-year bonuses are paid in equal yearly amounts. If called to active duty, any payments that become due while on duty must be paid. If someone does not finish the required time, they must repay under section 303a(e). The Defense Department makes the rules for the services and Homeland Security does so for the Coast Guard. No bonuses are payable for reenlistments, enlistments, or extensions after December 31, 2018.
Full Legal Text
Title 37, §308h
Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)(1)The Secretary concerned may pay a bonus as provided in subsection (b) to an eligible person who reenlists, enlists, or voluntarily extends an enlistment in a reserve component of an armed force for assignment to an element (other than the Selected Reserve) of the Ready Reserve of that armed force if the reenlistment, enlistment, or extension is for a period of three years, or for a period of six years, beyond any other period the person is obligated to serve.
(2)A person is eligible for a bonus under this section if the person—
(A)is or has been a member of an armed force;
(B)is qualified in a skill or specialty designated by the Secretary concerned as a critically short wartime skill or critically short wartime specialty; and
(C)has not failed to complete satisfactorily any original term of enlistment in the armed forces.
(3)For the purposes of this section, the Secretary concerned may designate a skill or specialty as a critically short wartime skill or critically short wartime specialty for an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary if the Secretary determines that—
(A)the skill or specialty is critical to meet wartime requirements of the armed force; and
(B)there is a critical shortage of personnel in that armed force who are qualified in that skill or specialty.
(4)The Secretary concerned may waive the eligibility requirement in paragraph (2)(B) in the case of a reenlistment or voluntary extension of enlistment by a member of the armed forces that is entered into as described in this subsection while the member is serving on active duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(b)(1)Eligibility for and the amount and method of payment of a bonus under this section shall be determined under regulations to be prescribed under subsection (f).
(2)The amount of a bonus under this section—
(A)may not exceed $3,000, in the case of a person who enlists for a period of six years; and
(B)may not exceed $1,500 in the case of a person who enlists for a period of three years.
(3)A bonus paid under this section shall be paid as follows:
(A)In the case of a bonus under paragraph (2)(A)—
(i)$500 shall be paid at the time of the reenlistment, enlistment, or extension of enlistment for which the bonus is paid; and
(ii)the remainder shall be paid in equal annual increments.
(B)In the case of a bonus under paragraph (2)(B), the amount of the bonus shall be paid in equal annual increments.
(4)A person entitled to a bonus under this section who is called or ordered to active duty shall be paid, during that period of active duty, any amount of the bonus that becomes payable to the member during that period of active duty.
(c)A person who does not complete the period of enlistment or extension of enlistment for which the bonus was paid under this section shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of this title.
(d)(1)This section shall be administered under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for the armed forces under his jurisdiction and by the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.
(2)Regulations under this section may require that as a condition of receiving a bonus under this section the person receiving the bonus agree to participate in an annual muster of the Reserves, or in active duty for training, as may be required by the Secretary concerned.
(e)A bonus may not be paid under this section to any person for a reenlistment, enlistment, or voluntary extension of an enlistment after December 31, 2018.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted “
December 31, 2018” for “
December 31, 2017”. 2016—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328 substituted “
December 31, 2017” for “
December 31, 2016”. 2015—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–92 substituted “
December 31, 2016” for “
December 31, 2015”. 2014—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted “
December 31, 2015” for “
December 31, 2014”. 2013—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted “
December 31, 2014” for “
December 31, 2013”. Pub. L. 112–239 substituted “
December 31, 2013” for “
December 31, 2012”. 2011—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–81 substituted “
December 31, 2012” for “
December 31, 2011”. Pub. L. 111–383 substituted “
December 31, 2011” for “
December 31, 2010”. 2009—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 111–84 substituted “
December 31, 2010” for “
December 31, 2009”. 2008—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–417 substituted “
December 31, 2009” for “
December 31, 2008”. Pub. L. 110–181 substituted “
December 31, 2008” for “
December 31, 2007”. 2006—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–163, § 687(b)(18)(A), added subsec. (c) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (c). Text read as follows: “A person who receives a bonus payment under this section and who fails during the period for which the bonus was paid to serve satisfactorily in the Ready Reserve shall refund to the United States an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount of the bonus paid to such person as the period which such person failed to serve satisfactorily bears to the total period for which the bonus was paid.” Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–163, § 687(b)(18)(B), (C), redesignated subsec. (f) as (d) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (d). Text read as follows: “An obligation to reimburse the United States imposed under subsection (c) is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States.” Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–364 substituted “
December 31, 2007” for “
December 31, 2006”. Pub. L. 109–163, § 687(b)(18)(B), (C), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (e). Text read as follows: “A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 that is entered less than five years after the termination of a reenlistment, enlistment, or extension for which a bonus was paid under this section does not discharge the person receiving such bonus payment from the debt arising under subsection (c). This subsection applies to any case commenced under title 11 after
September 24, 1983.” Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–163, § 687(b)(18)(C), redesignated subsec. (f) as (d). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–163, § 687(b)(18)(C), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e). Pub. L. 109–163, § 621(d), substituted “
December 31, 2006” for “
December 31, 2005”. 2004—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–375, § 618(e)(1), substituted “$3,000” for “$1,500”. Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 108–375, § 618(e)(2), substituted “$1,500” for “$750”. Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–375, § 618(e)(3), added par. (4). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 108–375, § 611(e), substituted “
December 31, 2005” for “
December 31, 2004”. 2003—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 108–136, § 626(c), added par. (4). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 108–136, § 611(e), substituted “
December 31, 2004” for “
December 31, 2003”. 2002—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted “of Homeland Security” for “of Transportation”. Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 107–314 substituted “
December 31, 2003” for “
December 31, 2002”. 2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, § 619(a), inserted heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “(a)(1) An eligible person who is or has been a member of an armed force and who reenlists, enlists, or voluntarily extends an enlistment in a combat or combat support skill of an element (other than the Selected Reserve) of the Ready Reserve of an armed force for a period of three years, or for a period of six years, beyond any other period the person is obligated to serve may be paid a bonus as provided in subsection (b). “(2) A bonus may not be paid under this section to a person who has failed to complete satisfactorily any original term of enlistment in the armed forces.” Subsecs. (b) to (f). Pub. L. 107–107, § 619(b)(1)–(5), inserted headings. Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 107–107, § 619(b)(6), inserted heading. Pub. L. 107–107, § 611(f), substituted “
December 31, 2002” for “
December 31, 2001”. 2000—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted “
December 31, 2001” for “
December 31, 2000”. 1999—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted “
December 31, 2000” for “
December 31, 1999”. 1998—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–261 substituted “
December 31, 1999” for “
September 30, 1999”. 1997—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted “
September 30, 1999” for “
September 30, 1998”. 1996—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–201 substituted “
September 30, 1998” for “
September 30, 1997”. Pub. L. 104–106 substituted “
September 30, 1997” for “
September 30, 1996”. 1994—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted “
September 30, 1996” for “
September 30, 1995”. 1993—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted “
September 30, 1995” for “
September 30, 1993”. 1992—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–484 substituted “
September 30, 1993” for “
September 30, 1992”. 1991—Pub. L. 102–25 struck out “of this section” and “of this subsection” wherever appearing. 1989—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–189 substituted “
September 30, 1992” for “
September 30, 1990”. 1987—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–180 substituted “
September 30, 1990” for “
September 30, 1987”. 1985—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–145, § 646(b)(1), substituted “for a period of three years, or for a period of six years,” for “for a period of not less than three years”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–145, § 646(b)(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), struck out “, except that the amount of such a bonus may not exceed $900 and shall be paid in equal annual increments”, and added pars. (2) and (3). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–145, § 1303(b)(3), substituted “
September 24, 1983” for “the date of the enactment of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1984”. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–145, § 646(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–145, § 646(a), substituted “
September 30, 1987” for “
September 30, 1985”. 1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–525 inserted provision for payment in equal annual increments.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 2008 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 110–181 effective as of Dec. 31, 2007, and subject to various special provisions, see section 610 of Pub. L. 110–181, set out as a Correction of Lapsed Authorities for Payment of Bonuses, Special Pays, and Similar Benefits for Members of the Uniformed Services note under section 2130a of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Effective Date
of 2003 AmendmentAmendment by section 626(c) of Pub. L. 108–136 effective Mar. 18, 2003, and applicable to reenlistments or voluntary extensions of enlistments entered into on or after that date, see section 626(d) of Pub. L. 108–136, set out as a note under section 308 of this title.
Effective Date
of 2002 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Effective Date
of 2001 Amendment Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, § 619(d), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1138, provided that: “Subsection (a) of section 308h of title 37, United States Code, as amended by this section, shall apply with respect to reserve component reenlistments, enlistments, and extensions of enlistments that are executed on or after the first day of the first month that begins more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001]. Subsection (a) of such section 308h, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply with respect to reserve component reenlistments, enlistments, and extensions of enlistments that are executed before the first day of that first month.”
Effective Date
of 1993 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 103–160 effective as of Sept. 30, 1993, and applicable with respect to an enlistment, reenlistment, or extension of an enlistment described in this section or section 308b, 308c, or 308i of this title occurring on or after that date, see section 612(f) of Pub. L. 103–160, set out as a note under section 308b of this title.
Effective Date
of 1985 Amendment Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, § 646(d), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 654, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by this section [amending this section and section 308g of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1985.”
Effective Date
Section effective Oct. 1, 1983, see section 1011(c) of Pub. L. 98–94, set out as a note under section 308g of this title.
Regulations
Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, § 619(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1138, provided that: “Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001], the Secretaries of the military departments shall prescribe such
Regulations
as may be necessary for administering subsection (a) of section 308h of title 37, United States Code, as amended by this section.”
Savings Provision
For
Savings Provision
relating to payment or repayment of any bonus, incentive pay, special pay, or similar pay obligated to be paid before Apr. 1, 2006, under a provision of this section amended by section 687(b) of Pub. L. 109–163, see section 687(f) of Pub. L. 109–163, set out as a note under section 510 of Title 10, Armed Forces. Coverage of Period of Lapsed AuthorityFor provisions relating to coverage of period of lapsed authority from Oct. 1, 1992, to Oct. 23, 1992, for payment of bonuses or other special pay under this section, see section 612(j)(2) of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 301b of this title. Individual Ready Reserve Reenlistment Bonuses Pub. L. 98–525, title V, § 552(f)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2531, provided that: “In order to encourage members of the Armed Forces whose military service obligation is expiring and who do not choose to reenlist or otherwise extend their service on active duty or in active elements of reserve components to remain in the Armed Forces as members of the Individual Ready Reserve, the Secretary of Defense shall consider making greater use of the authority provided under section 308h of title 37, United States Code, to pay bonuses to persons reenlisting for periods of not less than three years in the Individual Ready Reserve.” Coast Guard; Reserve Forces Readiness Provisions InapplicableReserve Forces Readiness provisions, including amendment of subsec. (b) of this section by Pub. L. 98–525 and Individual Ready Reserve Reenlistment Bonuses note above, inapplicable to Coast Guard, see section 552(g) of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as a Reserve Forces Readiness note under section 12001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
37 U.S.C. § 308h
Title 37 — Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73