As a non-scholarship ROTC cadet, should I pursue an ROTC scholarship or join the Guard (and pursue SMP)?

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/united-states-marine-corps-platoon-leaders-course-3332801

I don't know if this would be for you, however, I merely suggest it, as, typically, most generally know of ROTCs and OCS programs, though not OIS types, nor this...purely FYI, honest...there's a school by us that has it, which was how I'd originally learned of it some time back....

http://www.ocsfoundation.org

You'll find this a useful site, it's not all-inclusive, it doesn't list Army WOCS, nor does it have direct-commission indoc OIS programs, however, it does have the five main OCS programs, plus, the forum pages are actually quite good, I've sent it in here several times before, as have others....

http://www.sgaus.org

Depending on what state and/or territory you're in, SGAUS is the main professional body for the state defense forces (SDFs), the supplements to the Natl Guards, both ARNG (Army), as well as ANG (Air)...they're real militaries, that let you be a supplement to ARNG/ANG where you are...where we are, in NY, there's the NY Guard (NYG), which isn't Federally recognized, however, it does a lot of supplement stuff for the ARNG/ANG in NY...there's also the NY Naval Militia (NYNM), which IS Federally recognized, however, only because the bulk, 95%+ of its members, are drilling USNR, USMCR, and/or USCGR members, who drill with NYS through NYNM, NYNM also has a program to compete for scholarship funding at SUNY schools, I don't know how other states/territories handle such things. Now, the specific reasons I suggest it are these: First, many don't even know SDFs exist at all. Second, they let you test the waters, going through state/territory-run boot camps and/or OCS programs, "generally" without needing to deploy out of state...understand, NYG and NYNM got called up in NY during both 9/11 as well as Hurricane Sandy, so, once you're activated, you're in, typically paid, though in NYG I was told one can waive pay if one wishes, till a given emergency is over, whatever it might be, hurricanes, fires, flooding, what have you...I couldn't do NYG as I'm total perm disabled, which totally bollixed up my wish to be involved, though I did actually yak with NYG guys a few times, if only to try, as I'd been doctoral-level allied health, we shut my license several years ago due to the whole disability thing, I'd just been eager for something to do. Further, had I known that such SDFs existed BEFORE I'd gone Army ROTC and then USAF OTS (which I also totally bollixed up, due to not knowing what I was doing, or how to do it right back then), I'd certainly have VERY strongly considered it...typically, my understanding is that an SDF member, if the get into a Federal service, can "generally", I "think" be released to accept Federal, since Federal typically supercedes SDFs in such instances...so, that being said, at least just check to see if your state/territory has an SDF, there are generally Wikipedia pages on all of them, they also generally have websites of their own, with phone listings, lemme send this, then I'll send you more also, OK? I'm just suggesting it, as that way, you get to test drive the Audi, if you will, without necessarily needing to dive in head first, so as to see if you're even suited to the life, that's all I'm suggesting...I'm not saying to not go Federal, certainly, I merely suggest SDFs as a useful possible waystation alternative you might at least care to consider initially, that's my only point, honest, OK?

It'd really help to know what major you are, whether you're STEM, clinical, or non-STEM...I can suggest a variety of other things you can submit for, I just often get told I tend to send far too much on occasion, which tends to overwhelm...that being said, if you're not on scholarship yet, nor are you Guard, Reserve, or SMP, lemme suggest a few things you might care to look at, if only to just think about, OK? Meanwhile, do a much more thorough, detailed biosketch, incl. hobbies, interests, reading, sports, esp. martial arts, if any (I favor aikido and iaido)...also, are you running regularly now? Can you do 2 mi. in 18 mins. max, in fatigues and combat boots, which is what I'd had to do while I'd been in 3 yrs. of Army ROTC before going USAF OTS? While I'd been at USAF OTS at Lackland, before it got moved to Maxwell where it is now, I had to do 1.5 mi. in 12 mins. max in shorts and sneakers...upper body strength is a totally different matter, of course. Next, would you want grad level, which I'd VERY strongly suggest, BEFORE going in, as, regardless of what ANYONE tells you, the moment you'd go warrant or commission, you'd be expected, quite literally from day one, to get, MINIMUM, a masters, trust me, regardless of svc or component, been there, done that (BTDT). If you want doctoral-level clinical at all, or, if you're a STEM major, trust me, there's no substitute for being at the top of the intellectual food chain BEFORE you go in, you're less distracted, plus, your GPA is decent enough that you "might" actually stand a chance at a grad, research, and/or teaching assistantship (GA/RA/TA) in a masters program to start, esp. if you can do a masters at whatever school you're at now. Then, too, there are always the regular OCS programs, or direct-commission indoc OIS programs as well...further, you could also go warrant, I'll suggest stuff for you, esp. if you're IT or comp sci (CS) at all...lemme send this, then I'll send you some more stuff, if I send too much, just lemme know, I'll try to ratchet down the volume, OK?

Joe,

If you have submitted a completed scholarship packet to the ROO and have been told you are Good by your Cadre stay the course.

If you have not put in application in you are less than 50% for a potential scholarship for your MSIII year. Your Cadre should be able to tell you now at the end of this semester if you have a shot and if they can’t you should not expect it.

If you need the $€ for college, and can go to Basic and AIt this summer-do it. But slots are filling up now and you need to get on the stick! You can go Guard and then when you completebTraining you get the benefits due for the state but not the federal benefits since you have to serve a minimum time before contracting.

But no worries! You can enlist now, go to the guard unit you will serve in (in some states it’s a holding company at the State Guard Camp) and start the paperwork for a release to ROTC (TAG approval) or a release for ROTC Guard (CO Cdr and Officer Strength manager) so when you return you can immediately process into ROTC, even if it takes some time, the HRA can code you “B” pending contract and when it happens you will get the retrograde benefits from the Conditional contracting code entry.

Drawbacks-you Lee your Guard contract if you don’t commission active duty, if you get Non select for Active you can ask to go USAR or stay in Guard if non-scholarship GRFD.

Pros-Your low PT score will be much better after basic for your two record MSIII and one camp test, you will be more ready for camp than ever, you will get some money and benefits from going to basic/AIT.

Not sure what school you are in but your SMI and APMS should be able to help you make the right decision moving forward and work with them along the way. Your PT score needs to jump 40-60 pits and GPA .1-3 to be very competitive for Active Duty, along with high OML score at school, good camp performance and some extra curricular stuff on campus (PMS can explain all the points available)

If you are getting no traction just PM me and I can help you navigate if you need help.

Good Luck Warrior!

I'd always recommend the SMP Program, one thing to consider even if you don't start off in the guard, if you don't get selected for AD you're in the guard anyway... If you sign up first you at least got to use your GI Bill. (everyone gets a contract for Army ROTC, so I don't understand why a top rated MS3 would get declined a contract perhaps declined a scholarship or declined an Active position???)

Just focused on your academics. Everything else will fall in place for you. St the end of the day when it comes to commissioning -either AD or Reserve component and branch selection - that’s what counts; not if you are SMP.

Well if I was you I would join the guard or reserve now that way you can start you career and be ahead on the game! Why wait to join if you plan on joining anyway