As of May 1st the only CTs that are going to get any kind of SRB are 9216 and 9209 CTIs (Arabic and Farsi). The amounts aren't nearly what they used to be either. For Arabic they dropped from a 6.0 multiple in Zone A to a 2.0 multiple. It will be interesting to see if reenlistment rates plummet in the next few years because of this, but with the civilian job market how it is now I imagine people are going to be wary of jumping ship (pun intended) to the civilian world. I'm undecided myself. I've got 2 years before I have to make the decision to reenlist or not and this new change in SRB will definitely play a role in my decision.
I'm a little surprised the SRB for 9211 (Chinese) went to zero....the Navy always seemed to have a chronic shortage of Chilings back in my day.
Although I seriously thought about re-enlisting (and actually started the process), the SRB never factored into it. There are a lot of other reasons to re-enlist...the NDIC Master's Degree Program (for those already with a BA), other cryptologic training, instructor duty, etc that are probably more important to a lot of people than the money. Remember that Uncle Sam giveth and taketh it right back....SRBs are taxed at a very high rate, and they are paid out incrementally. Sour grapes, I know...but needs of the Navy
I was around for the Dot-Com crash, and SRBs went down back then too (but nothing like this). From friends of mine that work in recruiting, the armed forces have so many applicants these days that they don't need the recruiting or retention tools they needed 1992-2007.
Yeah, Chinese and Arabic were both at 6.0 before this. Now Arabic is 2.0 and Chinese is 0. I totally understand why they're doing it though. If they have enough of certain rates and people are reenlisting in droves then why pay people extra to do it? I wonder if all the services are doing something similar right now. I would imagine so. People can't find jobs so the military is looking like a great place to get one right now.
Well, the Air Force is actually offering lump-sum cash incentives to get people to leave before retirement, so we are still actively trying to do a RIF--reduction in force....
You can always do what I did...OTEP-overseas tour extension program, if you are stationed in Kunia or another overseas tour as a CT. Its a good program--sign on for an additional year, get your choice of 30 ADDITIONAL days of leave, 15 days extra leave + plane ticket home, or a cash bonus. I'm really glad I took that option, as it gave me additional time to figure out what I wanted to do with my career. Something to consider for anybody who isn't sure they want to re-enlist.
