In a move to get more (and better) recruits, the Pentagon may offer enlistment contracts shorter than two years. In most cases, an individual would complete basic training and individual skill training, then serve only 15 months (probably including an overseas deployment) before an honorable discharge with a $5,000 cash bonus. To get more college students, the soldier could take a credit of $18,000 against student loans, or 12 months of the GI Bill which would be worth $21,600. . --Stephen V Cole