The PMS at the college referred us to a Reserves recruiter for questions on SMP. I'll list what he told us, and if anyone knows differently, please let us know.
- Will need to do Basic Training this summer (9-10 weeks).
- Can do Split Op so the job training portion is done the following summer.
- Basic is in MO or SC
- The Army is really backed up, so if we wait until May (when we'll know for sure the scholarship isn't coming through) to sign-up for Reserves, he wouldn't get a Basic Training date until Sept or Oct (which will mess up starting college.)
- Need to sign-up in the next month to get a June date for Basic.
- Can opt-out of 1st semester of ROTC because Basic covers it. However, need to be in ROTC so you're not deployable.
- Can sign-up for Reserves and have a Basic Training date all set... and if the scholarship comes through in April or May, ROTC voids out the Reserves contract.
- Also, if you do Reserves and ROTC, then apply for a 2 or 3-year scholarship and get it, ROTC voids the Reserves contract.
- $4,500 year towards tuition
- GI Bill is $12,000 total paid over 4 years
- GI Kicker - wasn't sure about this (do you need AIT before it's paid?)
- Drill pay $500-800/month
- 6 years Reserves commitment starts right when you sign.
- Time in college counts as part of the 6 year commitment. When done with school, can be an officer in the Reserves to finish time, or apply for Active Duty officer.