I am in the US Army under contract which specifically states I am to receive a bonus for entering into a military contract and I would get the duty station of my choice and would stay in the Continental US only and I would receive this bonus within 3 years.

I have yet to see the bonus paid correctly and DFAS says they have a regulation and they don't care what the Army contract states, they are not paying it for the 3 years promised but for 5 years for the contract duration. This is NOT what my contract states and it clearly states 3 years.

I am at an overseas location and have tried to get help from my chain of command (about 7 people) and have been told by my chain of command for a year and a half now 'too bad' and 'oh well, you are stuck'.

So I went to JAG for help. Yeah, a lot of help they were, I had to all of the work myself but they did type a DD form I had already filled out. Then through emails from the Captain at JAG I was told too bad if nothing happens and they can't do anything else about the breach of contract and I don't have anything else to do with it. I have been denied the bonus correction again by Finance Dept and DFAS because they just don't want to mess with it. The Captain and SGT First Class of Finance both said no.

I was reprimanded with extra work from my chain of command for several days along with the rash of screaming for going over their head to JAG to help myself since they would not. The Army is basically saying we don't care what your contract says, we will do what we want to and you can't do anything about it. At this time we are in the process of hiring a civilian attorney and collecting damages for the wrong doing of the Army.

If you enter into a contract with the US Army you should make sure you do not get screwed by them. Watch your contract and don't wait for someone else to help you, that was my mistake and I am being told I waited too long except they don't know what my chain of command would not let me do or not do for me!!!

I am sorry I ever trusted the recruiter which everyone knows (after entering into the Army) that the recruiter lies more than anyone in the military.

Kline

Fort, District of Columbia
U.S.A.

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8 Updates & Rebuttals

Robin

Tacoma,
Washington,
U.S.A.

In a similar situation

#2Consumer Comment

Fri, July 31, 2009

I am in the process of fighting to get my bonus paid out on the correct day. DFAS it possibly breaking the contracts of soildiers who came in under the Active First Program. I am hoping to find others, and a good lawyer, who would like to file a class action lawsuit.

Bill_in_mich

Novi,
Michigan,
U.S.A.

Same Problem

#3Consumer Suggestion

Thu, April 23, 2009

I have the same problem. The Army finance personnel at my Division made an accounting error regarding my enlistment bonus, And I was a No Pay Due for my last 9 months in the service. DFAS was not only not responsive to the obvious error, they were and still are arrogant and insulting. My advice to you is get it solved before you outprocess. Once you're out, they won't even pretend to take you seriously. I've been fighting them for 17 years. They don't care about mistakes, all they care about is whether or not they look good. Do Not under any circumstances allow your local unit to let you leave the service. Once you do leave, you have no leverage at all.

Bill_in_mich

Novi,
Michigan,
U.S.A.

Same Problem

#4Consumer Suggestion

Thu, April 23, 2009

Bill_in_mich

Novi,
Michigan,
U.S.A.

Same Problem

#5Consumer Suggestion

Thu, April 23, 2009

Bill_in_mich

Novi,
Michigan,
U.S.A.

Same Problem

#6Consumer Suggestion

Thu, April 23, 2009

David

Ft Bliss,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Check with the Reception BN

#7UPDATE Employee

Thu, November 25, 2004

I had the same problem when I graduated from AIT, all of the guys who graduated with me had their money, but somehow they messed up my paperwork. All I can say is go to the Reception Station you reported when you reported to your first duty station and make sure they didnt f*ck things up like they almost always do. In my case the NCO who was in charge that day simply didnt file my paperwork correctly. I hope your problem has been solved by now, because I know how much that money means to you. At least they didnt mess your MOS school date!

Brad

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Had the same experience, but hang in there....

#8UPDATE EX-employee responds

Wed, October 01, 2003

I had a similar experience when I was in the Navy. As an E4, I threw temper tantrums regarding my situation in front of E8's and luckily they did not report me. I was counseled for "instigating dissention in the ranks", etc. but nothing was ever put in my record as far as I know. This is one battle that you absolutely cannot win, but if you use THEIR system and keep filing requests it could land on someone's desk who understands your situation. This is your only hope. As you know, you have the right to continue escalating "chits" even though they will try to talk you out of them by saying, "What are you doing this for, you know it is going to be rejected, etc." I have been out 10 years and I am glad that I didn't do anything stupid which would result in anything other than an honorable RE1 discharge. I hated it the whole time I was in, but at the same time, I am proud to have served my country. It will be worth it when you walk off base for the last time with those discharge papers in your hand.

Bob D

Lakewood,
Ohio,
U.S.A.

Phone Numbers for DFAS In Indianapolis

#9UPDATE Employee

Wed, October 01, 2003

Here are some phone number for DFAS in Indy: Military Pay: 1-888-729-2769 (Toll Free) Director, Military Pay: 317-510-2135 or DSN 699-2135. Sorry you are having problems with your enlistment bonus, but Indy should be able to help you if your local DFAS folks can't. Your pay comes out of Indy so they can help, I am sure. I lived in Alaska for three years and was stationed at Elmendorf (also Anchorage). I enjoyed my tour there as I learned to DownHill ski, fish for salmon and hunt moose...... An enlistment bonus would probably be greatly appreciated as I can imagine what the prices are up there now. I know it was expensive when I lived there but I did enjoy the beauty of Alaska. I hope the phone number info helps out. best regards,

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