09 Romeo Program vs. SMP

ZAROTCZ33

5-Year Member
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Oct 9, 2012
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I talked on the phone to a national guard recruiter about joining the national guard and going to college at the same time. He recommended since i wanted to go into ROTC at a college that I become a drilling member of the national guard avoid Basic and AIT by going into the 09 Romeo Program. My question is what is the difference between the 09 Romeo program vs. enlisting in the National Guard with the intent of eventually being contracted through SMP? Is your status nondeployable in the 09 Romeo Program? Would this effect educational benefits if I decided to go this route? The first time i heard of this program is 10 minutes ago. All information is greatly appreciated!!
 
I talked on the phone to a national guard recruiter about joining the national guard and going to college at the same time. He recommended since i wanted to go into ROTC at a college that I become a drilling member of the national guard avoid Basic and AIT by going into the 09 Romeo Program. My question is what is the difference between the 09 Romeo program vs. enlisting in the National Guard with the intent of eventually being contracted through SMP? Is your status nondeployable in the 09 Romeo Program? Would this effect educational benefits if I decided to go this route? The first time i heard of this program is 10 minutes ago. All information is greatly appreciated!!

The recruiter actually gave you some good information, not all recruiters are up on the ROTC/SMP Process.

As the recruiter said, you can skip both BCT and AIT. You would still be able to be a SMP cadet and contract as early as the start of your sophomore year. You would still go to drill once a month and be paid for your drill time. Once you are contracted you would also receive the ROTC Stipend.

The only thing not going to BCT and AIT effects is the money aspect. If you do not go to BCT/AIT you would not be eligible for the GI Bill or the Kicker which would give you some extra money each month.

Being a 09R would allow you the same SMP status in ROTC, you could contract the same as any SMP cadet. You would be eligible to compete for Active Duty along with every other cadet unless you took the GRFD Scholarship which binds them to the NG/Reserves.
 
That sounds pretty good. I was told by the recruiter in Louisiana I would still qualify for 100 percent tuition paid for as 09R. Based off that I don't think it effects state benefits or the federal tuition assistance of either full tuition or a maximum of 4500 per year. In essence you would be losing monthly stipends from the GI Bill and save all the time needed to attend Basic and AIT? correct me if I'm wrong.
 
I talked on the phone to a national guard recruiter about joining the national guard and going to college at the same time. He recommended since i wanted to go into ROTC at a college that I become a drilling member of the national guard avoid Basic and AIT by going into the 09 Romeo Program. My question is what is the difference between the 09 Romeo program vs. enlisting in the National Guard with the intent of eventually being contracted through SMP? Is your status nondeployable in the 09 Romeo Program? Would this effect educational benefits if I decided to go this route? The first time i heard of this program is 10 minutes ago. All information is greatly appreciated!!

I'm sorry but I feel compelled to ask this question. Why didn't you ask the recruiter while you had him right there? Why wait to bring the question here? Now, if you did ask and he didn't know, then my apologies; but you need to take advantage of the opportunities you have to ask direct questions. Are you shy or something? Get on it soldier! :thumb:

Please take this in the kick in the butt supportive spirit with which it is intended. :smile:
 
That sounds pretty good. I was told by the recruiter in Louisiana I would still qualify for 100 percent tuition paid for as 09R. Based off that I don't think it effects state benefits or the federal tuition assistance of either full tuition or a maximum of 4500 per year. In essence you would be losing monthly stipends from the GI Bill and save all the time needed to attend Basic and AIT? correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes, that is correct. Just make sure you understand the amount you would be recieving if you had the GI Bill and Kicker. It could be a factor for you, if extra money is desired.

It's interesting how the recruiter is presenting this program to you, because 09R is the MOS that cadets get when they contract with the SMP program and from the way you described it, it sounds exactly like the SMP program. Did you ask the recruiter for the difference between the two programs?

ETA: Yes, in this "09R Program" you would be non-deployable. You are non-deployable until you complete basic and AIT.
 
It was on the phone so he wasn't right their. I believe it was his cell phone. I think he was done working for the day. I'm a potential recruit 6-7 months down the road I didn't want to be a huge thorn in his side and just go on for 25 minutes with questions. I described my situation got the most important questions answered and made a decision to give him a call back tomorrow for a few more nit gritty detailed questions. Sorry if my abundance of post have been bothering you. This has been a very helpful resource in getting a straight forward answer from people who have gone through the process and have no quota's to meet. I apologize again if I have offended you in any way.
Trust me I'm very outspoken to much for my own good .:thumb:
 
Yes, that is correct. Just make sure you understand the amount you would be recieving if you had the GI Bill and Kicker. It could be a factor for you, if extra money is desired.

It's interesting how the recruiter is presenting this program to you, because 09R is the MOS that cadets get when they contract with the SMP program and from the way you described it, it sounds exactly like the SMP program. Did you ask the recruiter for the difference between the two programs?

ETA: Yes, in this "09R Program" you would be non-deployable. You are non-deployable until you complete basic and AIT.

It could be a huge factor, but I think a part time job during the school year and a full time job during the summer could suplement that until contracting. He said that it would set me up to be contracted through SMP. What I have taken out of it is that I can do this my first year of college onwards not necessarily contracted through SMP. I believe the benefit is that the army will have a vested interest in me becoming an officer not just being enlisted in the National Guard. Vested interest meaning they want me to succeed, but clearly that is on me to do.
 
It was on the phone so he wasn't right their. I believe it was his cell phone. I think he was done working for the day. I'm a potential recruit 6-7 months down the road I didn't want to be a huge thorn in his side and just go on for 25 minutes with questions. I described my situation got the most important questions answered and made a decision to give him a call back tomorrow for a few more nit gritty detailed questions. Sorry if my abundance of post have been bothering you. This has been a very helpful resource in getting a straight forward answer from people who have gone through the process and have no quota's to meet. I apologize again if I have offended you in any way.
Trust me I'm very outspoken to much for my own good .:thumb:

Oh I'm not offended and your posts aren't bothering me. I'm glad your asking the questions. Just wanted to understand why you didn't ask the recruiter. That's a reasonable explanation. Just want to make sure you're bringing the right level of "drive" to get your answers as the recruiter would certainly be a more authoritative source (generally speaking). Good Luck. I AM glad to see you're doing all the right research and asking all the right questions regardless of where you ask them.
 
It could be a huge factor, but I think a part time job during the school year and a full time job during the summer could suplement that until contracting. He said that it would set me up to be contracted through SMP. What I have taken out of it is that I can do this my first year of college onwards not necessarily contracted through SMP. I believe the benefit is that the army will have a vested interest in me becoming an officer not just being enlisted in the National Guard. Vested interest meaning they want me to succeed, but clearly that is on me to do.

If its a huge factor, I would take advantage of it. 1 semester worth of BCT and AIT for GI Bill and Kicker for the rest of college vs. a part time job sounds appealing to me. Then you contract and get that on top.

After your "he said it would set me up to contract..." sentence, it made sense. He's not telling you of a new program. Hes just telling you one way to go about SMP. You won't be 09R when you enlist, you'll pick your MOS but will probably drill with the MOS of 09B or just be listed as the mos you chose but really won't hold the mos since you would be unqualified.

From what I can tell, he's telling you some of the right things. If you talk to him again ask him the difference between SMP and this "09R Program". Other than that, get in contact with the ROO at the school you're interested in.
 
Zarot,

Please keep in mind that different ways of SMP processing(such as 09R in place of another MOS) may only be available with certain states - each NG is different. I believe in other posts your have also mentioned a school in KY, so don't simply assume that the recruiter in Ky will offer this way around BCT/AIT. The only situation I'm very familar with is my DS's, but each SMP potential enlisted NG may not be offered the same "plan". When he met his MS1 year friends many of them were not offered summer BCT and had to miss school to attend BCT/AIT(if they truly needed/wanted Kicker funds). His situation and "offer" was based on the support from his ROO to his recruiter to make it work for him. This is one reason I encourage all thinking of using SMP as a plan B-Z to communicate with their ROO. If he/she is impressed with you and has a good working relationship with the NG/Reserves they can help you out a lot:thumb:

I agree with your decision to not hit the recruiter will all of your questions at once. Do keep in touch with him/her - probably once every 4-6 weeks while you work your way thru the AROTC boards and college admission/selection process.
 
I'm not assuming i will be offered this but if i inquire about it wouldn't most NG recruiters give me the details in how to pursue it in their state. I don't believe its a competitive mos to be put in. I think the main issue is in states with very minimal state benefits its worth while to go thru Basic and AIT. If i were to go to school in a state that is willing to waive all tuition as a guardsmen regardless of completion of AIT or Basic it almost makes no sense to pursue this route. The only reason I am considering the route of Basic and AIT is for the pure fact of expierience. The money is a nice factor to, but for the same amount of time spent in Basic and AIT their are jobs that would pay substantially more. I'm not saying either route is right or wrong I'm just trying to explain my point of view. The 09 Romeo in certain states almost seems to be a backdoor ROTC scholarship with a contingent commitment on drilling once a month. Once again no way is right or wrong i just wanted to put this out their to help others who are waiting on AROTC for a national scholarship and want to create a backup plan. Possibly even make this their main plan. I am highly considering that idea as well.
 
I'm not assuming i will be offered this but if i inquire about it wouldn't most NG recruiters give me the details in how to pursue it in their state. I don't believe its a competitive mos to be put in. I think the main issue is in states with very minimal state benefits its worth while to go thru Basic and AIT. If i were to go to school in a state that is willing to waive all tuition as a guardsmen regardless of completion of AIT or Basic it almost makes no sense to pursue this route. The only reason I am considering the route of Basic and AIT is for the pure fact of expierience. The money is a nice factor to, but for the same amount of time spent in Basic and AIT their are jobs that would pay substantially more. I'm not saying either route is right or wrong I'm just trying to explain my point of view. The 09 Romeo in certain states almost seems to be a backdoor ROTC scholarship with a contingent commitment on drilling once a month. Once again no way is right or wrong i just wanted to put this out their to help others who are waiting on AROTC for a national scholarship and want to create a backup plan. Possibly even make this their main plan. I am highly considering that idea as well.

I did not mean to imply that the information isn't valuable or better/worse than a straight SMP. Different states may not allow for the tuition scholarships without at least a BCT committment and a traditional MOS assignment. My DS's experience does lead me to believe the SMP process is competitive and that ROOs and recruiters can and will offer different prospects different plans. They also factor in who wants Kicker and must go to AIT.

Word of caution about working part time during the year...AROTC will begin to require more of your time each year. This is a good thing and really why the contracted cadets receive stipend. IF you need to work I hope you receive Federal Work Study on your finaid award, this is the best case for getting a job that must work around your school/academic requirements:smile: Working in the summer is an excellent idea - employers must let you off work to attend Guard/Reseve 2 week drill.

Just a reminder to all who are considering SMP as a backup, talk to the ROO at your schools, regulations for NG especially can change quickly. Ohio NG used to cover instate tutition for any guardsperson, as of 4/12 they will still cover your instate tuition, but if you accept active duty over a guard 2LT position the money must be paid back. Essentially, all Ohio NG's are now GRFD scholarships.....these are the types of things only a ROO involved with SMP programs will know. Recruiters who are not in high SMP areas may not understand the implication of this change(or those like it). Just a heads up on following this path:thumb:
 
I did not mean to imply that the information isn't valuable or better/worse than a straight SMP. Different states may not allow for the tuition scholarships without at least a BCT committment and a traditional MOS assignment. My DS's experience does lead me to believe the SMP process is competitive and that ROOs and recruiters can and will offer different prospects different plans. They also factor in who wants Kicker and must go to AIT.

Word of caution about working part time during the year...AROTC will begin to require more of your time each year. This is a good thing and really why the contracted cadets receive stipend. IF you need to work I hope you receive Federal Work Study on your finaid award, this is the best case for getting a job that must work around your school/academic requirements:smile: Working in the summer is an excellent idea - employers must let you off work to attend Guard/Reseve 2 week drill.

Just a reminder to all who are considering SMP as a backup, talk to the ROO at your schools, regulations for NG especially can change quickly. Ohio NG used to cover instate tutition for any guardsperson, as of 4/12 they will still cover your instate tuition, but if you accept active duty over a guard 2LT position the money must be paid back. Essentially, all Ohio NG's are now GRFD scholarships.....these are the types of things only a ROO involved with SMP programs will know. Recruiters who are not in high SMP areas may not understand the implication of this change(or those like it). Just a heads up on following this path:thumb:

It's a wary process the recruiter told me he can't do anything in contracting until after highschool graduation for the 09 Romeo program.Thats a long gap in time for something to go wrong. Tomorrow I'm going to get in Contact with ROO's who really have more of an influence on the SMP process. The SMP process I believe is competitive, but the process I'm being described has me ask a serious question. If you are not given a contract and have not gone through AIT or Basic then what happens? Would you just be forced to complete those programs over the upcoming summers? I guess I have to learn how to deal with a career where flexibility and patience is a key attribute. Nothing really seems to be cut and dry.
 
I guess I have to learn how to deal with a career where flexibility and patience is a key attribute. Nothing really seems to be cut and dry.

These are great statements! DS would absolutely agree. The four year scholarship is pretty straight forward - provided the cadet focuses appropriately on the requirements(ie PT) and stays out of trouble academically and with the law. A 3 yr AD scholarship has many of the same "guarantees" provided a cadet follows thru their end too. SMP with NG or Reserves just has a lot of other variables(less cut and dry!).

Keep on researching, here and all other sources, especially the ROOs at schools you are interested in attending. Visit in person if at all possible and make a good impression with PMS and ROO - they will always be the best source of information!! DS is at a school 3 hrs. from home and visited 4 times(including an overnight) to get to know this school, their AROTC program and let them get to know him:thumb: In the end, his determination to serve selflessly the needs of the Army has been rewarded by contracting.

The best answer to your question about not receiving a contract after joining NG/Reserves and still needing to attend BCT/AIT.... It would be at the discretion of the service when and how you'd complete these trainings. It may require taking a semester off college to attend. This is what most of Ds's friends in Ohio are encountering after they where denied contracts(most by no fault of their own - just not enough contracts to go around). They had all taken scholarships from the the NG(only 1 is a Reserve member) for their freshman year so at least by serving their original obligation they can continue to receive this benefit plus any other Kicker/GI bill benefits. A few may be impacted by deployments during this time, but once again, this is part of the possible outcomes. All of the variables in SMP is one of the main reasons I encourage every applicant thinking of this as a "Plan B" to really think hard about what they are potentially signing up for when they raise that right hand to swear in. DS could have been going to truck driving AIT this year had his contract fallen through....not exactly a bad skill to learn, but not anywhere on his radar for future careers:wink:
 
Thats all good information thank you so much!! The one issue I have is visiting the campuses are a long hall ones a 6 hour drive which is reasonable. The other is a flight or a 15 hour drive. I will probably visit these schools over winter break if i am admitted by then.
 
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