SMP description
SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM (SMP)
The SMP program enables students who possess a minimum of 30 credit hours and a minimum 2.0 CGPA, to be a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserves and an ROTC cadet simultaneously. Contracted cadets hold the pay-grade of a Sergeant (E-5) in their Guard or Reserve unit and serve as Officer trainees under the supervision and guidance of a Commissioned Officer. Pay is approximately $274.00 per monthly drill (2010 pay rate; <2 years of service). Additionally, contracted SMP cadets receive the ROTC subsistence allowance depending on academic year: $350-Sophomores, $450-Juniors, $500-Seniors.
Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) can be completed in one summer and in time to start the Fall semester, or BCT and AIT can be taken over two consecutive summers, depending on the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) chosen. Upon successful completion of BCT, students are eligible to receive Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) which is $4,500/Yr, Also, upon successful completion of AIT, students are eligible for the Army GI Bill which pays $333/month directly into your bank account, while enrolled as a full-time college student. Some MOS's qualify for bonuses (called "kickers") which add an additional $350/mo upon joining Army ROTC (some conditions apply; ask your ROO). But, the type of MOS is not a critical factor when joining/contracting as an SMP cadet. The reason is because when you are a contracted cadet, your monthly drill training will be under the supervision and mentorship of an Army Officer. The MOS kicker simply adds a financial benefit during college in route to achieving your degree and commission as a 2LT. All together, an SMP cadet could receive over $1,400/month while attending college full time, while federal TA and state TA (if in ARNG) pays for college tuition.
NOTE: To retain TA benefits, the student must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA per semester.
As an alternate means of joining the SMP program, and without having to attend Basic and/or AIT, certain qualified applicants who do not have adequate time remaining to complete the four ROTC MIL 100/200 classes before their junior year (or first year of Masters degree), or have enough time to complete BCT/AIT in one summer, may be eligible to attend the Leaders Training Course (LTC). The Leader's Training Course is an all expenses paid, four week course conducted at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and is designed to fulfill the MIL 100-level and 200-level class requirements for entry into the ROTC Advanced Course. Graduates of LTC who contract with ROTC may be eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus. Successful completion of LTC can qualify the student to join the SMP program, which enables them to receive Tuition Assistance, Drill pay and the ROTC stipend, but not the GI Bill or GI Bill Kicker. Also, as an LTC graduate, the student can choose to pursue the "Non-Scholarship," "Non-SMP" route, which means he/she is fully qualified to join ROTC, but would rather pay his/her own way without serving as an SMP in the ARNG or Reserves. The only financial benefits of this route is the $5,000 signing bonus and the monthly tax-free ROTC stipend.
NOTE: Only students who have two years remaining until degree completion, and who have not attended all four MIL 100/200 level courses, are eligible to attend LTC. Allocations are limited, and they are based on a "best-qualified" basis (CGPA, APFT, etc.).
Contracted SMP ROTC cadets are non-deployable with their unit, and by regulation, are to complete and obtain their degree and commission. Assignment as an SMP cadet in a Guard or Reserve unit is dependent on cadet choice and unit approval.
SMP is a administrated at the State level, so the SMP benefits in every state are different. Talk to the Recruiting Officer (ROO) at your University, he/she will walk you through your options, this is a complicated program, with many options and moving parts - be very cautious, if you fail to complete ROTC and commission - you will serve in the National Guard as an enlisted solider.
Note; ‘Regular’ National Guard Recruiters are not trained in SMP, ask your ROTC ROO who to deal with.
Expert opinion Here:
http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/smp-another-option/