AROTC SMP

G

guayb15

Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
97
Hello everyone.
I'm a current MS1 contracted on 4-year scholarship. My SSG (who is also a recruiter) in our battalion was giving me information regarding the SMP program with the Guard/Res. He was explaining it like I can keep my ROTC scholarship because I used it to cover R&B instead of Tuition, and that if I "enlist" SMP as well they have 100% tuition assistance, along with drill pay and so on.

So basically my main question is if I become SMP can I keep my 4-year AD scholarship going or do I have to give that up. I've read that you do and some places say you don't. Just looking for a solid answer.

Thanks
 
Unless something has changed, then no, you cannot be on scholarship and an SMP cadet at the same time. The only exception is if your scholarship was designated as a GRFD scholarship, in which case you'd be required to be SMP but also are prohibited from competing for active duty upon commissioning.

If you have a 4yr scholarship, why would you want to go SMP? If you need additional money, get a part-time job. The small additional exposure to the military is not worth giving up your scholarship and your contract.
 
^What he said. Keep your 4-year scholarship (Congratulations btw). SMP will not be worth your time.
 
Guayb15,

Many battalions have a cadre member that also happens to be a NG Recruiter. They often do a great job of getting new MS1 cadets excited about the SMP Program, neatest thing since sliced bread. The program can be a good option for non contracted and non scholarship cadets but they also try and get scholarship cadets to give up their scholarships and switch to SMP. I got the same phone call from my older son when he was a MS1.

I agree with the previous posters, you will be required to give up your scholarship if you switch to SMP, you would also no longer be contracted your MS1 year, as a SMP you would contract your MS2 year. If you are offered a scholarship as SMP it would be a GRFD which would prevent you from going Active Duty when you commission.

Right now you have a contract and a scholarship, you will be able to apply for CULP as a contracted cadet plus any other training program. As long as you stay within the requirements of your contract you will commission. This is like having a bird in the hand, my advice is that you stay with your scholarship and keep your contract, that is unless you are not concerned about going Active Duty.

The recruiters can make it all sound wonderful and rosey, just remember there is a reason 4 year scholarships are so competitive, once a cadet receives one they rarely give it up. Being away from school one weekend every month may not seem like a lot now, but why drop the scholarship you already have that allows you to be at school all the time. Remember that you will at times have ROTC training on a weekend, add that to another weekend away and you will need to learn to juggle your time. It is doable and many here have done it, but most will tell you if they would have had the scholarship they would not have gone SMP.

Think hard before you make any quick decisions based on a recruiters sales pitch.
 
I posed the same question a while back on behalf of my DS, the overwhelming consensus from the forum members was " a 4 year scholarship is the golden ticket, it does not get better that that". In my research there is no reason to give up your 4 year scholarship to go SMP.
 
Thanks a lot everyone!!! Sticking with my 4 year for sure. I want to go AD once I commission so the info really helped.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top