I am currently a MS1 on scholarship and am very interested in the SMP program. I tried talking to guard recruiters, but did not get a definite answer on what the eligibility was to join. I do not want the GRFD money because I hope to go active duty when I commission, but I really want hands-on experience by training with a unit to make me more competitive as a cadet and as best prepared as possible for camp. Also, is it at all possible to study abroad while in the SMP program? I am planning on going abroad next fall which is allowed in ROTC, but that means I would miss half a year of training with the guard on weekends. I was hoping to get some feedback on here since cadre and myself are on winter break.