Overseas Marines who extend their tours can earn cash, free trips and time off

A tempting bonus, no-strings time off or paid travel are available to Marines who extend tours they’re already serving outside the United States.

Those who agree to add another year to their assignment may collect $2,000 or up to 30 days of leave that does not count against their annual balance, according to a Sept. 28 Marine Corps administrative message.

The service published new guidance for its Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program, or OTEIP, on its official website.

Starting Nov. 1, Marines are eligible at every overseas, except Hawaii and countries under Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa. Those stationed in Japan, South Korea and Guam do qualify.

Marines who extend at least 12 months may choose one of three incentives. The first is a $2,000 bonus paid in 12 monthly installments of $166.66.

The second is up to 30 consecutive days of leave that is not charged against the 30 days Marines accrue each year.

The third is up to 15 consecutive days of that leave, plus a government-paid round trip ticket to the nearest port of entry in the Lower 48 states.

Marines who extend 13 months or longer and pick the travel option get 20 days leave instead of 15. The leave and the flight must be taken together, and using only one forfeits the other.

The incentives cover only the Marine, not family members, according to the message.

Marines do not have to choose an incentive until they’re ready to use it, but the choice is locked once the first payment, travel funding or leave is issued. The incentive must be used during the extension and can’t be combined with permanent change-of-station, separation or retirement orders.

Marines who never use an incentive during their extension can request the $2,000 payment up to three years after the extension ends.

To qualify, Marines must finish their initial tour and sign a single extension of at least 12 months, according to the message. Several shorter extensions that add up to a year do not count.

Extensions are added to the end of a Marine’s current rotation tour date.

Enlisted Marines can request an extension through their career counselor.

Officers may submit a written request to their primary military occupational specialty monitor, endorsed by the first lieutenant colonel in command in their administrative chain.