1. This MILPER message is effective on 25 February 2026 and will expire no later than 24 February 2027. Reference A is rescinded on the effective date of this message. As a temporary exception to the QTI program stratification phase, All Soldiers eligible for a bonus will be quality step 4 until 30 April 2026. Beginning on 1 May 2026, bonuses will be paid from Soldiers Quality Step stratification only. As an exception, 18 CMF will always be paid under quality step 4.
2. This MILPER message announces changes to the Regular Army Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) program. This message is subject to change without notice as announced in a subsequent MILPER message in consultation with Headquarters, Department of the Army, Deputy Chief of Staff G-1. This message will be brought to the immediate attention of all commanders, retention offices, recruiters, and Army Military Pay Offices (AMPO). To avoid future claims of erroneous or unfulfilled commitments, commanders will ensure AMPO and retention personnel are advised of the contents of this message.