AROTC Scholarship and SMP as a Transfer Student

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wk05

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2012
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Hello everybody, I've searched through the threads and haven't been able to find an easy answer to my questions, and my ROO is extremely difficult to get in contact with (tried many times). Here's my situation -

I am currently attending a 4yr university about 20 minutes away from the rotc battalion I would like to join. I am a freshman, who after this semester will have 20 credit hours, and by the end of the first summer session in 2013, 40 credit hours. I have already been accepted to the school, but for a few reasons, cannot attend full time there until next fall. Because I would be a transfer student, would I be eligible to participate in smp even though it is my first semester of rotc? Also, is there anyway I can apply for a scholarship now? If I can't get the scholarships, I should be able to cover my tuition and academic fees through state sponsored scholarships, and use the SMP stipend for my housing putting me in a financially stable position.

If you could provide some insight into my situation, I would really appreciate it!
 
First off, you are going to have to talk to the ROO...keep trying.

You should think about Basic training this summer and showing up on campus as a drilling Guard/Reserve member. If you are a sophomore they can have you enroll in MS II class even though you didn't have MS I, and they could potentially contract you if you meet all the other requirements. If you show up on campus next fall and decide to start the SMP process at that time don't count on SMP stipend. The Battalion may, or may not contract you. You have to talk to the ROO or PMS and make sure they are good with your plan. They may not have contract room or they may want to try you out first.
 
Is it possible to do SMP without contracting? If so, that sounds like a very attractive alternative. I am in a constant debate on how much I should call/email without coming across negatively, but still showing my dedication/interest.
 
Anybody have insight into this? Couldn't get a hold of the ROO today again. I will keep trying!
 
Are you already a Nationa Guard or Reserve member? As Clarkson mentioned, you would need to talk with the ROO and/or PMS about contracting issues.

The Guard in many states will cover in state tuition to a public university, but this varies and can often times have limits placed on it so check with the state you'd be involved with. IF you have no contract you technically aren't SMP, you are an active guard/reserve member who attends BCT and AIT(10 weeks and AIT depends on your MOS for how long it takes) which will typically require missing a semester or two of college. Drill pay and scholarships are available to guard/reserve members, SMP contracted cadets receive higher drill pay and stipend.

I hope this helps. Remember, most universities are in finals week and leaving for break so you may find this ROO/PMS unavailable until mid-January when school resumes.
 
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