Hi guys. Quick question. Can someone explain to me how the early commissioning program works? I know you do 2 years at a school and are commissioned but do you have to do 2 more years or can you just stop with your associates? Also, what are the schools that actually have the early commissioning program? Thank you
I don't know a lot - but pretty easy to find info on line. What I noted in one article is that with the draw down in the military - the program may be limited in the future, so be careful. Here is some info found on line:
"Throughout the 1980s, the Early Commissioning Program played a major role in officer production. In some years, ECP officers constituted over 60 percent of all ROTC second lieutenants. The program is a major financial incentive for students who could receive their commissions early and serve as officers while still attending college. In 1984, the California Guard received 95 percent (74 of 78) of its ROTC lieutenants from the ECP program.[
The Army Reserve had a similar experience.
In 1991, the downsizing of the Army reduced officer production requirements, leading to the reduction of the Early Commission Program to the Military junior colleges affiliated with the Army ROTC program. However, with the United States’ involvement in continuing military action in
Iraq and
Afghanistan, the number of ECP slots is again being increased.
As of 2014 the option for contracted ECP cadets to compete for active duty is potentially being revoked.
In the
United States, the
Early Commissioning Program allows graduates of one of the country's five
military junior colleges to become
commissioned officers in the
armed forces reserve in two years, instead of the usual four. The students must still go on to complete a
bachelor's degree before serving as regular officers on
active duty. The program is a major financial incentive for students to receive their commissions early and serve as officers while still attending college and gaining service time for promotions and retirement.
Early Commissioning Program Requirements[
edit]
Program benefits (subject to change)[
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• Commissioned as a
Second Lieutenant in two years.
• Begin earning service time toward promotions and
retirement following
sophomore year in college.
• Paid $450 per month during first year, $500 per month during the second year while enrolled
• Paid as a Cadet/E-5 in the Reserves or
National Guard if enrolled in SMP ($241.88 per month)
• Uniform allowance of $2,724
• Book allowance of $1200 (payable $600 per semester)
Program obligations[
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• Complete undergraduate degree within 36 months of graduation
• Serve a total of eight years in Reserves or National Guard or a combination of active duty and reserves equal to eight years, beginning on the day you are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.