Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the ARNG ESAR bonus program?

The ARNG ESAR referral bonus is an additional market expander and combat multiplier, which allows select Soldiers and retirees the opportunity to assist with recruiting efforts for the Army National Guard.

Who is eligible to participate?

ARNG ESAR is open to individuals in the ARNG (SELRES), including AGR Soldiers on Active Duty, Military Technicians (MILTECHs), Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) personnel, Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program (HRAP) and Special Recruiter Assistance Program (SRAP) are eligible to provide referrals under this program and receive the bonus on persons that have not conducted an appointment with a recruiter. ESAR is also open to members of the USAR, Active Army and retired members of the U.S. Army.

Who is NOT eligible to participate?

Any member of the ARNG, USAR or Army serving in a Recruiting or Retention Assignment, receiving Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP) at any level for Recruiting and Retention duties or assigned to duties regarding which eligibility for a bonus could, as determined by the Director of the ARNG, be perceived as creating a conflict of interest or their immediate family members are not eligible to receive a referral bonus.

This includes Recruiting and Retention NCOs (RRNCOs), G-WOT Recruiters, ADSW Recruiting personnel, Recruiting and Retention Commanders (RRC), Recruiting and Retention SGMs (RRSGM), Area Non-Commissioned Officers In Charge (Area NCOICs) and NGB-ASM Staff. Exceptions are staff members that are not directly involved with the processing of applicants for enlistment (staff refers to those Soldiers who cannot process or enlist anyone into the ARNG.)

Those Soldiers identified as ineligible above may not receive a referral bonus for three (3) months following a reassignment outside their Recruiting and Retention duties. Soldiers who are performing ADSW in Recruiting and Retention duties are not eligible and cannot provide referrals under this program until completion of their tour.

Which referrals qualify for the bonus?

Soldiers and retirees may receive a referral bonus for referring anyone interested in the ARNG with no prior military service, except for cases in which the referral is a member of their immediate family. Immediate family member is defined as a spouse, parent (including step parent), child (natural, adopted or step child), brother or sister. The person referred may not currently be in any stage of processing for enlistment. The person referred may not be a prior service applicant or a no military experience applicant.

The referral must ship to Basic Training and complete AIT for the referring Soldier or retiree to be eligible for the referral bonus.

Can I combine the ESAR $2,000 bonus with G-RAP?

No. The ESAR program may not be combined with any other contracted recruiting program.

How much is the bonus?

The bonus amount will not be more than $2,000.00 per referral.

When and how will the bonus be paid for ARNG referrals?

This bonus will be paid in two lump sums to the referring Soldier or retiree once the qualified applicant ships to Basic Training and completes AIT. There are no retroactive provisions to this pilot program, to include the new $2,000 bonus.

For Referrals made prior to November 13, 2006 - the $1,000 bonus will be paid in a lump sum to the referring Soldier or retiree once the qualified applicant completes Basic and AIT.

For Referrals made on or after November 13, 2006 - the total bonus will be paid in two lump sum installments as follows: $1,000 after the Referral ships to Basic Combat Training, and $1,000 after the Referral graduates from Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and the Soldier or retiree who made the referral will be notified by NGB-ASM when the person referred has shipped to BCT and completes AIT. Payments will be made to the referrer's military pay account within 60 days after the person who was referred ships to Basic and 60 days after the person referred completes AIT. If the Soldier or retiree has not received the bonus within 60 days, he or she may contact ESAR Web Help to file an inquiry for their pay.

This action will not be handled by the referrer's local finance office. Questions should be directed to ESAR Web Help, at esarwebhelp@docupak.com, or by calling (866) 566-2472.

Note: Specific information about bonus payments for referrals to The USAR/Army ESAR program, Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting Team (SMART), may be found online at http://www.usarec.army.mil/smart, or by calling the USAREC 1-800 line (1-800-223-3735 extension 6-0473).

How are referrals made?

Referrals to the Army National Guard must be submitted either online at or by phone to (866) 566-2472.

To receive a bonus for an ARNG referral, the sponsor (person making the referral) must provide the name, address, social security number, and contact phone number of the referral prior to the referral meeting with a Recruiting representative, i.e. RRNCO, RRM, etc. Under no circumstances will payments be authorized for referral nominations entered on or after the enlistment date. The sponsor will be required to provide their own social security number and email address to facilitate payment via DFAS. All information provided by the sponsor will be authenticated by NGB-ASM to determine the referral's eligibility.

What if I've input an applicant for referral, but the Recruiter information is not the Recruiter I want to receive the lead?

While we appreciate all referrals into the system, the number one priority of the Congressionally mandated ESAR Program is building ARNG end-strength from within. ESAR referrals are assigned to Recruiters solely based upon the zip code of both the applicant and the Recruiter. Thus, ESAR is not a program to ensure specific Recruiters attain their leads.

Will the status of the referral be communicated to the sponsor?

Once contact has been made with the person who was referred, the sponsor will be notified of current status by mail or email. If the referral is found to be not qualified or does not enlist, the sponsor will be notified; however, due to privacy requirements, the exact reasons for disqualification or failure to complete training will not be disclosed.

Who's in charge of the ARNG ESAR bonus program?

The ARNG ESAR program is managed at NGB-ASM, Arlington, VA. Questions regarding any aspect of this program, including the referral process should be directed to ESAR Web Help, at esarwebhelp@docupak.com, or you may call (866) 566-2472.

Download the ESAR FAQ for a complete overview of the program.

If your duty status is M-DAY, a traditional part-time drilling Soldier, and you want to help the Guard meet its end-strength goals, you may want to consider the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program.

To find out more, click here.

If you'd like to make a referral in the ESAR program, click here.

Contact your local recruiter for more information.