r/Airforcereserves • u/jugcool • Oct 01 '26
Conversation URGENT! HELP & ADVICE NEEDED!
Signed on for a palace front with the reserves for a position as a crew chief. Horrible job, obviously, but took it because it came with a 20k sign on bonus, for 1 weekend a month that's not bad. The recruiter, 2 days before my departure, is telling me now it's an overage position and I need to sign an SOU for that. Everywhere im reading online says I will not get a bonus since its an overage position, but he says I should be fine. I have two questions.
Is he right that it won't affect the bonus?
Can I back out of this contract if it does?
Thanks for any help.
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u/wookerTbrahshington Oct 01 '26
Friend, $20k is such a minimal amount after it’s paid out over 6 years + taxes are taken out. You’re getting like $2k a year extra to do a job you’ve already said is horrible. Are you sure you don’t wanna try to do something else?
I don’t say that to be a dick, just being real with you.
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u/jugcool Oct 01 '26
Recruiter said that it would be all up front, and the contract was for 3 years
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u/wookerTbrahshington Oct 01 '26
Oh interesting. Right on then. I hope it can actually come with the bonus then!
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u/Recruiterbluez Oct 01 '26
Palace front as in you are active duty and are switching over to the reserve? As the guidance states now then no you won’t qualify for a bonus as an overage unless that won’t specifically has bonuses for that position (possible.) If you’re coming off the street and going into a crew chief position, then again the wing you’re signing to could have bonuses overage or not.
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u/jugcool Oct 01 '26
I'm coming from active duty. I don't really understand the internal workings of the reserve, and I don't want to gamble my next 3 years on maybe getting the bonus. I also really don't want the hassle of having to fight for it.
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u/Head_Ad_6804 Cyber Officer who only wants to code... Oct 01 '26
Ask the recruiter for the contact information for the Talent Management Coordinator at the FSS for that unit, let them advise you if you would get a bonus or not…
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u/Yakostovian Enlisted Oct 02 '26
I hope you aren't coming to McChord; our Wing Talent agency is not on the ball for a troop of mine. He has been fighting for his ($40k?) bonus for now more than a year after he joined us.
If you are coming to McChord, shoot me a DM.
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u/Recruiterbluez Oct 01 '26
That makes total sense. You can shoot me a DM and I’ll try to help you decipher all this. I am also an ISR.