My question is... Before, while i was being processed into the United States Navy, during the processing and job placement, they offered me an enlistment bonus for an extra year which would make my contract 5 years. Well i have been in three years now and am rather tired of the service and military in general, i am rather anxious to get out and to attend college. My question is can i pay the Navy back the enlistment bonus amount for the cancellation of the fifth year. i have heard of several individuals doing this, but when i talk to personnel management on board my ship they play dumb. If i can pay this back would you happen to have form numbers or directions on how i could go about doing this? I want my freedom back
The rumors you hear are just that. Rumors. As a 2nd class petty officer years back I have heard my share of them...I believe we used to refer to the folks spreading them as sea lawyers. I suspect some things do not change. Your contract will determine your rights, so that is the place to start. I would read this very carefully. When you signed the contract that allowed for the enlistment bonus, that contract required some action from you...in your case, and additional year to your standard 4-year enlistment. As an all volunteer service, the Navy, as well as the other services, has to make sure that there are no "loopholes" in the contract. Legally, the contract is the only way that the Navy can require you to serve and to abide by the UCMJ. Unless your specific contract allows for a repayment of funds in return for a reduction of contract length, you will need to serve your entire contract length. Sorry to bear bad news. Please let me know if you have further questions; if so I will do my best to answer them. If not please hit the accept button, its the only way I get paid.