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 as well as $1200.00 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.

Benefits:

• ROTC monthly stipend of $350-$500 a month
• SMP kicker $350 a month
• GI Bill® (amount varies depending on previous military service status)
• Drill pay of E-5 (at least $274.84)
• An opportunity to volunteer for training in CPDT & CPFT Programs

Selection Process

Selection of winners is based on academic record, school officials' evaluations, extracurricular involvement, leadership and athletics. A great academic record and a high score on the physical aptitude exam are looked at favorably.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be enrolled in college and have completed at least 30 credits.
• Have completed Basic and/or Advanced Individual Training.
• Be under 30 years of age by graduation. Waivers can be granted if you are under 39 years of age by graduation.
• You pursue an Army-approved academic major.
• 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• You meet required physical standards.

Obligation

Participating in the SMP program requires you to take ROTC classes, which demand a few hours of your time each week. Upon graduation, you have an obligation to accept a commission and serve full-time in the Active Army, or part-time in either the Army National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve.