Simultaneous Membership Program
Another way to get a head start on your future is through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), a volunteer officer training program that allows Army National Guard (AZNG) and Army Reserve enlisted members to participate in the Advanced ROTC Program. The intent of the SMP is to increase officer accessions into the Reserve Components (RC) by increasing ROTC enrollment from enlisted RC members who are attending college. Upon completion of Basic Training, an RC soldier who is an academic junior can join the Advanced ROTC Program and earn a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army upon completing their college degree. In addition, contracted non-scholarship cadets and RFD scholarship cadets can join an RC or AZNG unit and the SMP. Advanced Course ROTC SMP students are paid for their Guard/Reserve training and receive the ROTC allowance of up to $2000 for each of their two years in the Advanced Course. Upon completing the ROTC program, the officer has 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
- $200/month ROTC stipend plus $184 per month while at drill
- Annual training and Advanced Camp pay
- Montgomery GI Bill and tuition waiver
- An opportunity to win a two-year RFD 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
- 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Four years left on current military obligation
- Full-time student status
- U.S. citizenship
How to Enroll
- Enlist in Army Reserve or Army National Guard if you are not already a member
- Discuss interest with your unit commander
- Interview with the ROTC detachment
Frequently Asked Questions
Would I still receive the ROTC monthly stipend on top of the Unit pay (I realize that if I do it this way I lose the book stipend)?
Yes.
Does this cover all tuition costs?
Yes and Mandatory fees.
What about summer school costs?
Yes by the Guard but not for scholarship cadets.
Does this allow me to switch to another unit after I commission?
Yes, Certainly. You just need to have an acceptance letter from the Unit's Commander and they need to have a slot ready for you. Remember, You need a National Guard 'GRFD' Control Number if you want to GUARANTEED National Guard Duty after Commissioning.
Does next summer's Warrior Forge cover the required 2 weeks drill or is that separate?
Yes, as long as we coordinate with your unit.
Are the hours that I would work in the month flexible or scheduled, and if scheduled, are they last minute or will I know plenty of time in advance of when I have to work?
The Unit schedules the Drill weekends months in advance and ROTC weekends have priority over the Unit. We usually can get you paid for the weekend you were with us if you had to miss a Drill weekend so long as you tell us in advance. We just need to do a DA Form 1379 with your Instructor's signature stating that you did the equivalent Army Training.
Am I deployable before I Commission?
No, No, No! Contracted Cadets are always NON-deployable. Even when you Commission, you will need to attend additional training like BOLC II and Branch specific training. It will probably be around 2.5 to 3 years before you will become deployable.
Would I be eligible for signing bonuses that are offered to regular enlistees?
Yes, to educational bonuses. No, to Monetary bonuses. You need to confirm with your recruiter and read the fine print if you sign any contract.
Do all SMP Cadets have to do Basic Training?
Per Cadet Command Regulation 145-11, you are exempt if you have at least year of ROTC.