Those are the games the government plays when you're getting "free" money.  I know, I know.  You worked for it.  Well, this way you have to work to get what they promised and more than likely they won't have to pay out the full amount they promised.\n\nPlus there's no guarantee that the program will last the whole time it takes for you to get everything promised to you.  If congress decides they want to cut the benefits to save money, they can and will do that too.  So don't waste too much time getting what is owed to you.\n\nJust like everywhere else in life, you have to read the fine print.\n\nThe one time I got a nice chunk o' money from them was when they were short in my career field my first reinlistment and they offered me a nice bonus not to get out.  I took them up on the offer.  A bit over $6000 after taxes.  Got me a used car and a nice 30% down payment on a mobile home.  Poof!  All gone!