Going Reserve and then to SMP Questions (AROTC)

[Egad1170]

Hello all, ive been a reader for some time, its nice to finally meet you all . I was considering joining the reserves and then going to school and being a part of ROTC, and eventually joining the SMP program. However I have some questions and I was hoping you guys could help me.

Some things to note:
I was planning on joining PSYOPS in the reserves. I have heard this is a demanding MOS (correct me if im wrong).
I have 16 credit hours already.

My Questions:
I have heard that going to BMT and AIT counts as the first 2 years of ROTC is this true?
I have heard that pursuing a degree and keeping up with ROTC obligations in PSYOPS is next to impossible due to the OPTEMPO, could someone elaborate on this for me?
How competitive is getting into SMP?

I cannot seem to get straight answers from anyone and I would appreciate any answers you can provide. I would also like to hear your suggestions on the matter, if you think I should go another route than I would love to hear it! My goal is ultimately to commission and its a long road to it, I just need some guidance. Thanks ahead of time!

 

[kinnem]

I have heard that going to BMT and AIT counts as the first 2 years of ROTC is this true?

No. I'll oversimplify to make this easier to understand. BMT and AIT teach you a lot but they do not teach you to lead as an officer. ROTC, from day 1, begins this aspect of your training. You might learn a lot at BMT and AIT that gives you a leg up in some areas in ROTC but it is definitely not a replacement for the first 2 years of ROTC.

I can't answer the other questions.

Going reserves before joining the SMP program makes you deployable and could interrupt your education. Most ROTC students join SMP their sophomore year. I'm pretty sure once you're in SMP then your MOS is one that points you on the officer path and any other MOS becomes irrelevant. I don't claim to be an expert on this though and would advise speaking to the ROO at a college you hope to attend and get their input on this. They are expert on this, can provide useful input, and I'm sure can answer all your questions. SMP is a bit complicated and you want to make sure you go in with your eyes wide open.