Thousands of captains take cash incentive

[unhappycamper]

Thousands of captains take cash incentive
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 23, 2007 18:57:22 EDT

More than 7,500 active-duty captains have taken advantage of a new Army incentive program designed to keep more young officers in uniform, according to Human Resources Command.

To date, HRC has paid more than $200 million to these captains and processed more than 7,500 contracts. On average, 150 applications arrive at HRC each day.

Rolled out Sept. 13, the incentives include up to $35,000 in cash, assignment options, graduate school assistance and other education opportunities.

More than 18,000 captains are eligible for these bonuses. Of the 7,500 who responded, 95 percent have chosen the cash option, HRC said. Depending on the branch into which the officer was initially accessed, he or she can qualify for $25,000, $30,000 or $35,000 in exchange for three more years of service.

If a contract is submitted without errors, the cash option typically is approved within 48 hours, and payments are received in an average of seven days, according to HRC. Some officers were paid within 96 hours.

Other incentives depend on factors such as the orders process and duty station availability.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/10/army_incentives_071023w/



uhc comment: So the Army can cough up $25K~$35K within 96 hours, and veterans trying to get VA assistance wait an average of 177 days to see someone at the VA?