SMP
- Thread starter acllupin3
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I won't attempt to even answer this as it is so complex. I did want to point out there have been excellent threads on this in the past. A search might be in order. Read through the entire threads because folks often post incorrect information on this topic. You'll know who the knowledgeable people are after you read through the entire threads.
payitforward
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I would trust posts on this topic by ClarksonArmy.
Duhhh. Your post reminded me of ClarksonArmy's blog. He has an article on SMP here: http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/smp-another-option/
It may not answer all OP's questions but I've no doubt it will answer many of them.
Freedom125
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I am an SMP cadet. I made the mistake of enlisting in the National Guard and then contracting with Army ROTC at my school. It was a complicated and annoying process. Lots of miscommunication between the National Guard office and the ROTC office. If you want to go SMP I recommend contracting first then jumping to National Guard.
As a SMP cadet you DON'T get an ROTC Scholarship because the National Guard will cover school. I heard you can't go SMP if you have a ROTC scholarship (ask your cadre). Benefits include you do get your drill pay (E-5 pay grade!) and your ROTC stipend. You also can get other things if you go to BCT/AIT (which I didn't). There are also other National Guard scholarships you can pursue (GRFD and such).
http://www.nationalguard.com/eligibility/simultaneous-membership-program
It is a great option despite the complications that can happen. As a SMP cadet you get extra training and exposure (week drills) and if you are lucky you can drill with the type of branch you want to commission into. I drill with MP and I want to commission into MP. I was lucky a MP slot was open. I have heard from some enlisted soldiers that drill with me that they tend to prefer officers who did SMP rather than just ROTC because SMP exposes you to the enlisted side of the Army.
Ultimately, go talk with a National Guard recruiter or with the cadre at the ROTC office at your school. They would be the most knowledgable. Just be prepared for possible miscommunication between the National Guard office and ROTC office. You will have to do a lot of relaying information between both offices. Also don't be afraid to be assertive about what job you want in the National Guard. Good luck!
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Have to be careful speaking in absolutes...You can get a scholarship and be SMP, but it will be a GRFD scholarship, and will preclude you from active duty. National Guard may cover school based on cost. It is a complicated subject. Remember there are Guard and Reserve SMP options, and they will be different. Also remember that the ROTC enrollment officer and the Guard/Reserve recruiter may not have the same priority, so be sure to talk to both (preferably the enrollment officer first).
And finally remember that if you start down this path and then don't contract for some reason you still have a Guard/Reserve commitment. Be very careful about making sure you are getting what you are asking for.
Where I'm located, SMP cadets don't receive tuition assistance anymore. The changes within the Army stated that they have to go to BCT/AIT and then be in good standing afterwards for one year within their unit. Therefore the cadets that didn't go to the required training only receive drill pay now...
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Our Guard Cadets are still getting TA (I assume from the state) but the Reservist have to adhere to the standards readme is talking about (AIT and one year). You've got to be talking to the ROO to get that latest scoop.