Corps offering $4,000 for captains to extend one year
Story by Cpl. M. Daniel Sanchez, Desert Warrior Staff
The Corps is offering $4,000 for Marine captains in the combat arms, combat support and aviation fields who sign on for an additional year of service by Sept. 15, 2009.
The retention bonus, detailed in Marine Administrative Message 611/08, aims to keep active duty captains, as well as first lieutenants selected for promotion to captain prior to Oct. 27, within more than 50 critical job fields.
Fields offering this bonus include many found here, including aircraft maintenance, aviation supply, communication and logistics officers.
The bonus also applies to AV-8B Harrier, EA-6B Prowler, CH-46, CH-53 A, D and E, UH-1N, AH-1 and KC-130J pilots.
Marine captains deploy frequently, so this is a good incentive for staying in one more year, said Capt. Michael Mckenney, Marine Attack Squadron 211 Harrier pilot.
Officers cannot be selected for, or passed over for, promotion to major. Those in zone for selection to major must extend prior to the release of the official promotion list.
Although these Marine officers have until next year to make their choice, Manpower and Reserve Affairs is encouraging officers to submit their paperwork to the servicing finance and disbursing officer by Dec. 3, to receive their incentive payment by Dec. 15.
This is a good option for Marines, especially those choosing to make a career out of the Corps, said Capt. Steven Bost, station judge advocate, whose field is among those to receive the incentive.
For a complete list of eligible job fields and submissions requirements, see MarAdmin 611/08.