DS has already been offered several ROTC ops. So, just curious because I believe a friend of mine may be working it. I dont want to ask too many questions to reflect any doubt. I just have no idea what it is. I dont believe his DS received any ROTC offers. So, he was working SMP. Or he was talking about a 2 year program earning a commission then following up 2 years somewhere else. Im a bit clueless.
Please explain SMP
- Thread starter WienerDog
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2010
- Messages
- 15,994
Not sure I even understood your post WeinerDog. However, there are many threads in the past which have discussed SMP. I think Jcleppe had some recent and informative posts on it. I'm sure a simple search will turn them up. However, its also quite complex and you almost certainly will not find all the answers on the forum. Ultimately its best to talk to cadre at the ROTC unit the kid plans to attend to get the entire breakdown. Also the financial benefits and obligations can vary from state to state.
There are some recent threads that talk a lot about SMP.
The other program your friend is talking about is the ECP (Early Commissioning Program) This program is done at a few select 2 year Military Schools, Valley Forge is one of them, in a nut shell it goes like this:
1. The student gets accepred to one of these 2 year schools
2. Next they go to LTC the summer after they graduate from High School.
3. Start classes at the school including ROTC
4. At the end of the freshman year you attend LDAC
5. Come back and complete the following year.
6. At the end of the second year you commission a 2LT
7. You are then required to transfer to a 4 year school and complete your degree, during this time you serve as a 2TL at a Reserve or NG unit.
8. Before graduation you can then compete for an Active Duty slot
The best thing to do is to google the Army ECP Program, you can also look at the Valley Forge website, they have a lot of information about the program.
Just make sure whoever is thinking about it that they do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before signing up, You want to make sure you can get Active Duty if you want it an qualify.
EDelahanty
10-Year Member
- Joined
- May 7, 2010
- Messages
- 1,577
SMP means "Simultaneous Membership Program". In addition to current members of the Reserve Component (Army Reserve or National Guard), it is intended for non-scholarship ROTC Basic Course students who wish to receive financial assistance.
If your "ops" means scholarship offers, then the contrast you drew makes sense. Many ROTC battalions provide on their websites detailed descriptions of the SMP, including financial benefits and training. It's only a Google away.
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2011
- Messages
- 1,332
As Jcleppe said the other program is the ECP or Early Commissioning Program commonly completed at a Junior Military College. Essentially after two years with a stint at LDAC in between the cadets are commissioned as reserve/NG LTs with monthly drill and sent to finish their four year degree up. After their degree is complete they are then reassessed for AD or NG/reserves. While this sounds like a lucrative option I think it is much better for cadet to do their four years at a regular college and commission. While at LDAC a had a few ECP in my platoon and their age/maturity was easily visible and often showed negatively in certain evaluations. I mean most cadets at LDAC are 21-22+ and a bunch of 18 year old thrown into the mix was really a culture shock. Not to mention I think 19 years old in this day in age is quite young for an officer when we already get flak for being "green".
As for the convoluted and quagmire that is SMP there are various threads on here with good info but your best bet is to talk to a SMP liason officer or a ROO for up to date changes.
As for the convoluted and quagmire that is SMP there are various threads on here with good info but your best bet is to talk to a SMP liason officer or a ROO for up to date changes.
Jcleppe....thank you for clarifying it. You explained it perfectly. It is exactly what my buddy is doing with his son. I just didnt understand the process. As I googled it, I couldnt nail down any real specicfic info. in regards to his explanation. However, you laid it out for me. Thank you to all who chimed in.