Re-enlistment rates are up in many units, helped no doubt by tax-free bonuses of up to $10,000.
Employees get a tax-free bonus if they complete the savings plan.
Only re-enlistments aided by $15,000 tax-free bonuses managed to make up most of the shortfall.
Pensioners usually get a small tax-free bonus shortly before Christmas each year.
The rate of interest, in the shape of a tax-free bonus, is set by the Treasury.
When the three year or five year contract expires, they can receive their savings with a tax-free bonus.
Re-enlistment rates so far have held up, helped by tax-free bonuses, but there is concern about retaining troops as well.
Soldiers who re-enlist while deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan or Kuwait can earn up to $15,000 in tax-free bonuses.
Macari and two other club officials are accused of defrauding the Inland Revenue by paying illegal tax-free bonuses to players.
While Sorenson was in Iraq, his brother Jeff, 28, re-enlisted for six years to get the tax-free $15,000 bonus.
