SMP Questions.

[RalfyG]

I have a couple questions regarding SMP program so i can properly relay information to a hardheaded Sargeant Major aka my dad.

-If you SMP through NG does that fully commit you to NG meaning you won't be able to go AD after graduating?
-Is it possible to contract your freshmen year if you're doing SMP?
-If you're not able to contract your freshmen yr does that mean you ARE deployable with your unit?
-Do you have to attend basic to do SMP or are you totally exempt from it if you're at the start of freshmen yr?

*regarding basic before anyone assumes anything. no i'm not afraid of going to basic. i actually enjoy the thought of it. but i have relatives coming from Puerto Rico for my graduation that i seldomly see (once every 5 or so years) and it would be a real bummer if i couldn't spend time with them because i had to go to basic.

Thank you in advance for any answers.

[sember5]

RalfyG..
I believe, ROTC kicks in after grad. You don't contract freshman year because... you will be going to basic for the summer and you should double check, but depending on when you leave, may not make it back to start the fall semester. This is the case for me and have deferred my admission to the spring semester. Since I won't be back in time anyways, I am doing AIT also.
I don't ship out until July 18, so I have a month after HS Grad to say my goodbyes and get some stuff done. Technically, you are deployable before you begin ROTC but as others have stated, it is highly unlikely. Talk to your NG contact to confirm and also get in touch with PMS at your college and talk to them about getting registered early if skipping the fall semester. It seems like there are a lot of differing opinions on going this route, but for me, financially this is the only way to get a college education paid for without leaving school with a ton of debt. To be honest, not getting the scholarship is a good thing as more money seems to be available doing the NG SMP route.
Good luck

[clarksonarmy]

No, No, technically, and No

You shouldn't feel any shame in not wanting to go to Basic (or just not attending) In my opinion there is very little to gain from the experience. The only thing you will be missing out by not going to Basic and AIT is GI Bill and kicker. You'll still be eligible for tuition assistance, drill pay, and stipend when you contract Sophomore year.

http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpre...nother-option/

[RalfyG]

@sember5 thanks for the insight. I was thinking about doing the same since i've already finished basically half of my freshmen year because of dual enrollment.
But i already applied for fall semesters and housing for my #1 school so i'm not sure how that would work out.
@clarkson so would you recommend waiting until the end of freshmen yr to go NG?

[sember5]

Ralfy....
Everyone's situation is different. The GI bill, kicker and NG pay is definitely a plus that I was looking for. I was accepted to my school of choice and rec'd financial aid package. I simply contacted admissions and financial aid offices and got everything deffered to second semester. I have a college course completed in HS and basic will also count as a PE class. So I will only have 9 credit to make up over 3 1/2 years in order to graduate with my incoming fall class. I respect ClarksonArmy's input and have made note of his advice.

[RalfyG]

I know exactly what you mean. The GI bill and the kicker is something i really have to consider.

[Jcleppe]

Originally Posted by sember5

Ralfy....
Everyone's situation is different. The GI bill, kicker and NG pay is definitely a plus that I was looking for. I was accepted to my school of choice and rec'd financial aid package. I simply contacted admissions and financial aid offices and got everything deffered to second semester. I have a college course completed in HS and basic will also count as a PE class. So I will only have 9 credit to make up over 3 1/2 years in order to graduate with my incoming fall class. I respect ClarksonArmy's input and have made note of his advice.

Clarkson is a ROO from Clarkson University and has some very good advise regarding SMP.

One thing to consider by going to BCT and missing your first Semester of college is that you will be behind your fellow cadets not only in class but in the social aspect. It won;t be a big problem but think hard about it. Close ties are made in the first semester of school, don't miss out on that just to go to BCT unless you really need the extra GI Bill, remember you won't get the kicker unless you go to AIT the next summer, in which case you could miss the oppertunity for a summer school.

Find out all the facts.

[clarksonarmy]

You can start with the guard or reserves as early as the summer. The only thing I recommend is not to let them cause you to miss a semester. The sooner you can graduate and become an officer, the better. If you have to forgo your GI Bill and Kicker, the loan you take out will quickly be paid back once you are making Second Lieutenant pay, if you are smart. The short term view may make that GI Bill and kicker look sweet, but the return on investment of getting that commission in 4 years will offset the cost. Can you tell I'm taking a corporate finance course this semester?

Either way, SMP and ROTC are good options.

[Ohio2015Parent]

Originally Posted by clarksonarmy

You can start with the guard or reserves as early as the summer. The only thing I recommend is not to let them cause you to miss a semester. The sooner you can graduate and become an officer, the better. If you have to forgo your GI Bill and Kicker, the loan you take out will quickly be paid back once you are making Second Lieutenant pay, if you are smart. The short term view may make that GI Bill and kicker look sweet, but the return on investment of getting that commission in 4 years will offset the cost. Can you tell I'm taking a corporate finance course this semester?

Either way, SMP and ROTC are good options.

Thank you for continuing to post on the SMP threads. DS is leaning strongly this way and the recruiter at his school seems very like minded to you. No one is encouraging him to start a semster late, pushing Basic or AIT at him. Good to know no one is feeding him bs.

[Just_A_Mom]

One issue I see in attending Basic and AIT is that you are deployable until you contract wth ROTC. Even if you are contracted with ROTC you can CHOOSE to deploy if you wish.
Yes, Guard units are still deploying. Cadets may say they don't want to deploy but would rather finish their degree but some will still feel the pull, take a semester (or two) off and deploy with their unit.

IMO - if you are a hs student or parent who wants to finish the degree in 4 years and commission then think twice about joining the Guard out of HS.
You can go to college, join ROTC (non scholarship) and in the sophomore year enlist in the Guard. Then there is no time (without taking time off) to attend Basic/AIT and become deployable.
You will still drill, when you contract with ROTC you will still get e-5 pay and still earn time in service. You can still get Federal TA and also the ROTC stipend.