Army adds new bonus for recruits

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- In the face of missed recruiting goals, the U.S. Army has implemented a new bonus for recruits who sign up by the end of the fiscal year.

Army officials are working to recruit more than 34,000 soldiers. The Recruiting Command has announced a $20,000 quick-ship bonus for recruits with no prior military service. To receive the incentive recruits must enlist for at least two years of active duty and report to basic training within 30 days of enlistment, the American Forces Press reported.

The new bonus initiative was highlighted by the Department of Defense and Army officials in testimony before the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday.

At issue are Army recruiting and retention deficiencies. Army officials say they have missed active-duty recruiting goals in June for the second month in a row.

"Despite the challenges we face and will continue to face in the future, the Army continues to be successful overall in growing and maintaining the all-volunteer Army," Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, deputy chief of staff for personnel, said in a statement to the committee.

Despite the missed goals officials say nearly 70,000 people have joined the Army in 2007.

The program ends Sept. 30.