You may be able to take advantage of a program that allows you to participate in ROTC and enlist in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve at the same time, provided a vacancy exists in either a Guard or Reserve unit. It's called the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), and it means that while you're still in college, you can be gaining valuable experience and earning extra income. In the SMP, you will be paid at the rate of at least a Sergeant E-5 for your Guard or Reserve service. In addition, you'll receive the ROTC Advanced Course allowance as well. You'll serve as an officer trainee in a Guard or Reserve unit and perform duties commensurate with the grade of second lieutenant. Once you graduate and receive your commission, you may continue your military service with your Reserve or National Guard unit or go on active duty. The ROTC Contract that is agreed upon will determine a cadet status. You are considered Non-Deployable during your time as an SMP Cadet!
The intent of the SMP Program is to increase officer accessions into the Reserve Components (RC) by increasing ROTC enrollment from enlisted RC members who are attending college. In addition, contracted non-scholarship cadets and RFD scholarship cadets can join a RC unit and the SMP. Advanced Course ROTC SMP students are paid for their Guard/Reserve training and receive the ROTC allowance of $450.00 per month as a junior and $500.00 per month as a senior as well as $900.00 per year for books. Upon completing the ROTC program, the United States Army Officer agrees to an eight-year obligation, which can be served in the Reserve Forces, on Active Duty or a combination of the two.
What's in it for you?
- An opportunity to gain a commission while going to college and serve in a Reserve Component Unit
- Hands-on management/leadership training
- $450-500/month ROTC stipend plus
- Annual training and Advanced Camp pay
- Montgomery GI Bill and tuition waiver
- An opportunity to win a two-year or three-year GRFD scholarship
- A future as an officer on Active or Reserve Duty
- An opportunity for volunteer training in Airborne, Air Assault, Northern or Mountain Warfare Training
Eligibility Requirements
- Completion of Basic Training or equivalent
- Junior standing at school
- Meet physical requirements
- 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale to be competitive for a scholarship
- 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale to be considered to be non-scholarship
- Four years left on current military obligation
- Full-time student status
- U.S. citizenship
How to Enroll
- Enlist with Army Reserve or Army National Guard if not already a member
- Discuss interest with your unit commander
- Interview with the ROTC detachment