Considering military enlisting after the new fiscal year?

I'm thinking about enlisting in the military, but I've heard it's better to do it after the new fiscal year. Is there any advantage to waiting until then to enlist? Would timing impact my benefits or opportunities?

Enlisting after the start of the new fiscal year won't necessarily grant any benefits, but it can influence the availability of certain opportunities within the military. The fiscal year for the U.S. Government starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year. At the start of a new fiscal year, military branches often have a fresh budget, which can mean more funding for job training programs, bonuses, or other specialty enlistment programs.

For instance, the availability of MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) jobs can fluctuate based on the time of year. At the beginning of the fiscal year, more slots for specific jobs might be open as the military branch looks to fill its needs across different areas for the upcoming year. If you have a specific job in mind, your recruiter might be more likely to secure it for you if you enlist in October when those slots open up, rather than later in the year when allocations might be filled.

Furthermore, it can also affect bonuses. The military frequently offers enlistment bonuses as an incentive to attract individuals into specific jobs. If a job has not been filled at the speed needed, bonuses might be offered at the beginning of the fiscal year. However, it's essential to remember that enlistment bonuses vary by job, branch, and year.

In sum, while waiting until the start of a new fiscal year can influence the availability of certain opportunities, it's more important to focus on what you want to get out of your military service. You should make the decision that best aligns with your career goals and timeline, not solely based on timing. Be sure to consult with a military recruiter about these factors to get a fuller understanding of the best time to enlist for you.