Posted on May 10, 2021
SPC Dental Specialist
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Become an US Army officer and serve our country is always my dream.
I enlisted and plan to join the ROTC as a third year cadet (I saved my first 2 years by going to basic training) and going to do SMP while I'm in ROTC. However, the process to become an cadets was a headache with multiple paper works.
I started my packaged in February, documents went back and forth. I need to ask for my age waiver and it took 9 months to get result from the brigade. Finally, I signed a DA Form 597 (Non scholarship contract ) and I've told that I was "conditional contracted" in November last year. Since I'm an enlisted, I also want to do SMP with my reserve unit.

I've not receive any stipend from cadet command. It has been almost 6 months and my Enrollment Eligibility Officer told me that I have to finish my SMP package in order to receive the stipend.
What does "conditional contracted" mean ? Does cadet suppose to get stipend during this time ?
I'm not sure it the cadet's contract status related to the SMP options. Can someone explain me for this situation ? Should I've been contracted first, and the SMP would be a different package ?

I read in this forum that retrograde would not apply for stipend. Would it apply for the
Posted in these groups: Thcapm08l9 ROTC
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Responses: 3
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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I'm really having a hard time reading what you're trying to say here, so I'm going to recommend what I recommend for any ESL speaker becoming an officer, that you work on your writing. That's not an insult to you, officers need to be able to communicate clearly in writing, and your writing is not.

It sounds like you're being told you have to complete your SMP application before your stipend can be processed. Non scholarship cadets receive one stipend and SMP cadets receive a different stipend. Usually people enlist into an SMP contract first, you're going about it in a different manner. I'm not a reserve/NG expert but I don't think there's anything that will stop you from entering into an SMP contract once you've already enlisted. I don't know if you can retroactively draw the stipend. If it's the stipend for an SMP cadet I would expect that it's effective the day of your SMP contract
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COL Jon Thompson
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Any cadet in the MSIII year is supposed to be on a contract. This prevents just anyone from taking that class like they can for MSI and MSII years. A conditional contract allows you to take the class but also means you have not met all the requirements. It sounds like the age waiver was the initial hold up. Now it sounds like you are saying your SMP paperwork is the hold up. I would talk to the ROO and get someone from the program involved in tracking that down. Until you get the SMP LOA signed by your commander, you cannot do a full contract and will not get any stipend until that is fully complete. The SMP paperwork is a contracting requirement. Again, get the ROO or even the PMS involved.

I will add one more comment that SFC Jason Boyd mentioned. You need to work on your writing. As an officer, you will be assessed on your ability to communicate clearly whether in writing or verbally. Before you post something like this or turn in any written document, proof read what you wrote. Your questions here are unclear. Also, learn the Army writing style which includes your bottom line up front (BLUF).
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SGM Bill Frazer
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No- and it isn't that hard, thousands and are doing it. You don't actually draw pay. You can receive a stipend or scholarship to help pay for books and such. Back in the 70's it was about $100/mo. At a point in time you will have to do a MEPS type physical.
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