SMP/other commisioning

[sg1fan93]

I have some questions about the other ways to attend college and commision as well. I am asking on here instead of my recruiter because last time I talked to my local recruiter, the Marine one flat out lied to me and the Army one was convinced there was no such thing as a 4 year scholarship Anyway, if I do not get an AROTC scholarship I still intend to pursue the path of becoming an officer in the Army. But I am not very clear on what all the different paths are.

SMP- From what I understand, you enlist in either the reserves or National Guard, and you attend ROTC at a college of your choice? I have also been told that if you take this route you cannot commision into Active Duty.

I have heard something called the Split Option Program thrown around; what is this?

If someone can clarify on these things, and advise me of any other paths as well, it will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hashiriya]

You absolutely can commission Active Duty with SMP!
The SMP program is open to people with 2 years remaining in Army ROTC from my knowledge though.

 

[gojack]

There are several programs that get lumped together as "Army SMP"
If you are interested in ROTC/SMP, you need to do a little reading and sort out the various options:
4, 3, 2 yr Army ROTC scholarships
3 yr AD Army ROTC scholarships
3, 2 year SMP
2 year Dedicated GRFD ROTC
2 year Dedicated NG ROTC
Nursing and graduate student ROTC programs...
SMP Split Option- Basic training one summer, AIT the following summer, report monthly for NG/AR training in between.
(probably some other options I missed also)

Major Toth (clarksonarmy)has a great blog on SMP Here

And to make it even more fun, the benefits vary state to state;
ie, Texas offers in-state tuition if you join the TX NG,
Ohio offers free tuition to resident NG members at state universities or the equivalent for out-of-state/private universities etc.,

See Link Here click on "money for college" tab on Right and pick your state to see what NG has to offer. Or HERE for a list (dated)

Lots'O'Reading at these links
SMP LINK1
SMP LINK2
SMP LINK3

 

[clarksonarmy]

Gojack...couldn't have said it better myself. Great set of links, and thanks for the plug. Just had a young man in my office today who missed the 4 year scholarship deadline (High School counselor never told him about the process). Spent a lot of time explaining SMP, because that's about the best option for him at this point. Would have loved to have told him to look at your post.