Recruitment bonus for army?

the recruiter said if i can get someone to sign up i get a 2000 bonus, is that a straight forward deal or more of an incentive that if i join the army they'll give it to me in installments or something? im just wondering cuz i just lost my job and a friend of mine wants to join the army and i refered him, and im not gold digging or anything, trust me the money from that would go to good use (gas, food, car repairs, bills)