[Claim for Recoupment of Reenlistment Bonus]

GAO was asked whether the Marine Corps must recoup a portion of a former member's regular reenlistment bonus because he was discharged early to immediately reenlist and receive a selective reenlistment bonus payable for the new reenlistment. The selective bonus was computed so as to exclude a period equal to the unexpired term of the prior enlistment. GAO held that, since the regular reenlistment program has been phased out and replaced by a selective reenlistment bonus program under which only additional obligated service may be counted in the computation, it does not appear necessary to recoup a portion of the regular reenlistment bonus when the member is discharged early to reenlist and receive a selective reenlistment bonus. The purpose of the recoupment provision would not be present in such a case. Accordingly, the former member's reenlistment bonus covering the period in question should not be recouped.