Can one do SMP while also being a contracted ROTC Cadet?

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 13:31:36 -0400

I am wondering about this since I will be an MS1 next year and am interested in doing SMP as well.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 1:33 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 13:33:56 -0400

The short answer is yes. Talk to your ROO and National Guard liaison for more information.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 1 at 2020 1:36 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 13:36:26 -0400

I am a former Reserve and contractor cadre with college ROTC. SMP technically required one to already be contracted. You should talk to recruiting officer at your desired school along with National Guard recruiter. While there are numerous SMP cadets in college Army ROTC, there are certain requirements for both elements.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 2:30 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:30:02 -0400

You can do SMP, but not if you are a Schilarship Cadet. You must be contracted as a Cadet, and also be accepted and sign a contract to our you into the USAR or NG as a Cadet. If you don’t complete your ROTC you will revert back to a soldier in the COMPO you choose to serve in as an SMP and will usually have a six to eight year commitment as a Soldier. Only question is, can you go active duty if SMP, that I am not sure about. I believe if you SMP you are accepting that you will be in that COMPO when you graduate. Your ROO, HRA or Cadre can set you on the path to Victory

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jul 1 at 2020 2:50 PM

CPT Brad Wilson — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:50:09 -0400

Yes In fact to be an SMP you must be contracted

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Jul 1 at 2020 3:46 PM

1LT Kevin Chapman — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:46:25 -0400

I was an SMP cadet. All you have to do is meet the requirements (prior enlisted, minimum 2.0 GPA , should be 30 credit hours, pass a pt test, medical) and you should be good to go.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 5:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:33:46 -0400

Yes but only on a specific 2 year program

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 2 at 2020 8:31 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 08:31:16 -0400

If you want to take full advantage of the SMP Program, enlist in the Guard or Reserve, go to Basic and AIT and get a MOS. That will do a number of things for you. First, you will qualify for GI Bill, most States offer some kind of tuition assistance for their Guard members, you get paid to drill and it allows you to skip the first two years of ROTC and join as Junior. At that point you join the SMP program. Then you get paid to drill as an E5 and you will have a lot more real military experience than your fellow cadets. Then on the completely mercenary side of things, you will commission as an O1 with 4 years time in Service, which makes a significant difference in pay. If your desire is Active Duty after you commission, don't take a GRFD (Guaranteed Reserve Force Duty) Scholarship and compete with the rest of your class.