SMP/split option process

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s.b.s.b

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Oct 10, 2011
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Hello again, all. I have a few more questions.

Some of the options I've been considering is the SMP or split option program during ROTC. While I've found some information about it, there are a few things that have been left unclear to me.

For sake of clarity, let's say that I have 2 years (4 semesters) left for school.

When looking at SMP, I've found various sources claiming different initial training requirements. Some say you must attend Basic, while others say you can do LTC instead.

This is confusing-- in order to be in the Simultaneous Membership Program, I have to complete Basic/AIT training as an enlisted soldier in order to drill with them, correct?

Or can I complete LTC, contract into ROTC, then also sign an SMP contract? Does that SMP contract then require me to go and attend AIT as related to whatever MOS I signed under the enlistment contract? Again, from what I understand, I would be assigned to a unit that would match my MOS. Would I have to have an enlisted MOS, or would my MOS be O9r?

With the split option, isn't that fairly close to one of the routes of the SMP program, in that you must enlist first, go to Basic, and then become a cadet? With this, is there any guarantee you'll actually go back to college after Basic so that you can enroll in ROTC?

Thanks in advance. I've been finding information left right, and center, but I haven't been able to extrapolate how this process can go.
 
s.b.s.b said:
Hello again, all. I have a few more questions.

Some of the options I've been considering is the SMP or split option program during ROTC. While I've found some information about it, there are a few things that have been left unclear to me.

For sake of clarity, let's say that I have 2 years (4 semesters) left for school.

When looking at SMP, I've found various sources claiming different initial training requirements. Some say you must attend Basic, while others say you can do LTC instead.

This is confusing-- in order to be in the Simultaneous Membership Program, I have to complete Basic/AIT training as an enlisted soldier in order to drill with them, correct?

Or can I complete LTC, contract into ROTC, then also sign an SMP contract? Does that SMP contract then require me to go and attend AIT as related to whatever MOS I signed under the enlistment contract? Again, from what I understand, I would be assigned to a unit that would match my MOS. Would I have to have an enlisted MOS, or would my MOS be O9r?

With the split option, isn't that fairly close to one of the routes of the SMP program, in that you must enlist first, go to Basic, and then become a cadet? With this, is there any guarantee you'll actually go back to college after Basic so that you can enroll in ROTC?

Thanks in advance. I've been finding information left right, and center, but I haven't been able to extrapolate how this process can go.
Click to expand...


For SMP You don't not need basic or AIT to drill with the unit. If anything you maybe need the basic ROTC course or LTC to qualify. My roommate joined up MS III year w/o basic or LTC (but he did do MSI/II). The problem with split option is that if you don't get contracted with ROTC after going to basic you are then sent to AIT the next summer and possibly mobilized for deployment.

In my opinion go SMP if your recruiters/school can pretty much guarantee you a GFRD/active scholarship....or even a non-scholarship contract. Split-option leaves you to whims of the NG who deploy often if you aren't contracted. (as my state is getting ready to do).

If you did go to AIT after split ops you would assigned to your MOS not 09r because you are not technically contracted in ROTC yet. Your rank would most likely be E-3.....Bottom line is that there are no guarantees unless you contract with ROTC and basic/LTC would be needed to make up your first 2 years...
 
You do not need to go to basic or AIT. If you don't go to basic and AIT you won't be eligible for GI Bill and the kicker. You will still be eligible for TA though. Split opton is SMP in the end. Whether you go to basic first or join ROTC first really doesn't matter in many cases. It probably matters to that recruiter that is trying to fill his basic training seat (hence the "you must attend BT"), but you can join the reserves/guard after ROTC. As a sophomore with only two years left you probably want to attend LTC or BT. At this poiint my advice would be to avoid AIT. You will be missing out on GI bill, but you will stay on track to graduate and commission on time. When the recruiter you are working with starts talking AIT tell him you'll get back to him after you talk to the enrollment officer at your ROTC Battalion.

Does that help?
http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/smp-another-option/
 
Ask the ROO at your ROTC program if there is a recruiter he/she recommends you work with on split op/SMP with Guard or Reserves. DS's guard recruiter is on campus and has a very close working relationship with his ROO and batallion. It helped get DS thru the process and whenever there was a problem(yes, MEPS can be more fun than 3 AROTC scholarship boards:wink:) the ROO was amazing about stepping up for DS.
 
I'm dreading the day when my local reserve recruiter moves on. Recruiters with a working knowledge of ROTC are few and far between.
 
Thanks for the information, it's been very helpful.

About the GI Bill- would this mean that I would ineligible for it, period, if I didn't attend basic/AIT? Say if I wanted to get a grad degree later, would it be possible to have it paid for through the GI Bill?
 
s.b.s.b said:
Thanks for the information, it's been very helpful.

About the GI Bill- would this mean that I would ineligible for it, period, if I didn't attend basic/AIT? Say if I wanted to get a grad degree later, would it be possible to have it paid for through the GI Bill?
Click to expand...

Our son did Reserves split option and wasn't eligible for the GI Bill/Kicker until after AIT, so I think the answer is you have to have it, period. Unless there is some strange exception we're not aware of.

In the same subject, we're wondering if you can use the GI Bill/Kicker after the scholarship has run out? I know you can't use both the GI Bill/Kicker and scholarship together, but if college is going to take 5 years (or as stated above, for a grad degree later) and the scholarship is done after 3-4 years, can you then use the GI Bill?
 
Once you are MOS qualified (or commissioned) you will be eligible for GI Bill. You won't without AIT, until you commission. Make sense? once you commission you will be able to use GI Bill for advanced schooling if you meet the requirements.

Mom...your question about using it to finish paying is a tricky one. If you are on scholarship you will need to also have that scholarship be GRFD to be in the SMP program and on scholarship. If you do that you may be eligible for TA from the Guard or Reserves, but I'm not sure if GI Bill is possible. I'm pretty sure you can't use GI bill if you are on scholarship, and even though your scholarship will run out I still think you will be ineligible. If you are in a 5 year program you should have gotten a 5 year scholarship. If you are just taking extra long because you are trying to get a double major or something similar your going to need to suck up that last year.
 
Yes, our son's 3 yr scholarship was converted to GRFD. I think you're probably right that the GI Bill is off the table, but TA is a possibility. I just haven't been able to find anything definite on that. The ROO said the scholarship 'may' cover the 5th year since he's an engineering major and they recognize those often take longer. He has a long way to go, so we'll just see how it plays out. Thanks for the info.
 
clarksonarmy said:
Once you are MOS qualified (or commissioned) you will be eligible for GI Bill. You won't without AIT, until you commission. Make sense? once you commission you will be able to use GI Bill for advanced schooling if you meet the requirements.
Click to expand...

Yes, thanks very much.
 
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