GRFD minuteman ROTC, can I apply for HPSP?

[Laurlas]

I am a freshman ROTC student, but was enlisted (PFC) before signing my GRFD minuteman rotc contract for about 2 years. I went to basic training, not AIT (I was split option and was awarded the scholarship after basic but before AIT). After graduating and commissioning as a 2nd LT, I have a 6 year commitment to the Reserves. I want to attend medical school immediately following undergrad and it shouldn’t be a problem because the reserves is just one weekend a month and annual training. My question is if I am eligible to apply for the HPSP if I am already committed to serving 6 years as a reserve soldier? Would the 4 years active duty just be added to my time after medical school? I know this means 12+ years. I love the military and plan to be in for as long as possible so that is not a factor. I talked to a recruiter and they told me I was not eligible to apply until after my 6 years in the reserves is fulfilled. However, after doing more research and talking to others, it seems that is not true. Thank you for any help!

 

[AROTC Parent]

I am a freshman ROTC student, but was enlisted (PFC) before signing my GRFD minuteman rotc contract for about 2 years. I went to basic training, not AIT (I was split option and was awarded the scholarship after basic but before AIT). After graduating and commissioning as a 2nd LT, I have a 6 year commitment to the Reserves. I want to attend medical school immediately following undergrad and it shouldn’t be a problem because the reserves is just one weekend a month and annual training. My question is if I am eligible to apply for the HPSP if I am already committed to serving 6 years as a reserve soldier? Would the 4 years active duty just be added to my time after medical school? I know this means 12+ years. I love the military and plan to be in for as long as possible so that is not a factor. I talked to a recruiter and they told me I was not eligible to apply until after my 6 years in the reserves is fulfilled. However, after doing more research and talking to others, it seems that is not true. Thank you for any help!

You cannot be fulfilling your GRFD 6 year obligation and 'use' the HPSP scholarship simultaneously. It would be difficult to attend medical school and serve as a Reserve Officer unless you are officially in a medical student status in the reserves. Even more difficult would be medical residency with weekend reserve duty.

DD 368 Conditional Release to change components is required to accept the HPSP if you are GRFD - some Reserve Commanders are not supportive, some are. Check AR 601-25 (Educational Delay) and AR 145-1 (SROTC Regulation). Your commitment will be long as you indicate. 3.5 years UG remaining, 4 years med school, 3+ years residency, 4 year ROTC ADSO, and 4+ year HPSP ADSO. Minimum 18.5 years from now. All the publications are on armypubs.army.mil It is accessible publicly.

Concentrate on what you can control now - Good grades and Med School prerequisites. Don't talk to a regular recruiter regarding HPSP - Only an AMEDD recruiter. AMEDD recruiters exist for AD and Reserve components.