What options are available for reserve enlisted soldiers to become an officer?

2019-04-09T14:40:27-04:00

I was looking at GTG, but I was curious if something was also available for the reserve. I'm currently active duty, but I would like to switch to reserves and finish my two year degree. Is there something similar to the GTG program?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 2:59 PM

2019-04-09T14:59:14-04:00

There is the SMP...Simultaneous Membership Program. You attend college ROTC and be a member of a Reserve or Guard unit. You wear the DOT of the Cadet during BTAs.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 9 at 2019 6:53 PM

2019-04-09T18:53:00-04:00

As stated before, you have the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). You contract as a 3rd year cadet while participating in a Reserve status; I did that. But, always a but, given the opportunity I would go GTG; it didn’t existed back then. Hey, you still active duty with benefits since as a GTG cadet the Army PCS you to school and that becomes your day to day duty. Not a bad gig!!!!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 9:32 PM

2019-04-09T21:32:27-04:00

Finishing a two year degree does not help you with commissioning, but it does set you up for only needing two more years of college (with or without ROTC) to commission.
GTG is an active duty program where you attend your junior and senior year of college in a ROTC det while remaining on active duty with active duty pay.
In the Guard, you have the option of also being in a Guard unit while attending college and ROTC, SMP, (Simultaneous Membership Program). Whether you have a ROTC scholarship or not, you are also a member of a Guard unit and get drill pay for drills.
GTG is a much better option, getting E4 or E5 active duty pay with BAH when your only obligation is to attend college is much better than working your way through college on minimum wage and scheduling work around midterms and finals.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 7:43 AM

2019-04-10T07:43:44-04:00

As I put in another post, there is a helpful guide I've linked below that you may find helpful.
https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/2lfhn2/green_to_gold_nonscholarship_guide/
I used it a few years ago and found that most of my questions regarding commissioning were answered. If you feel you are competitive for it, I would try for Active Duty Green to Gold. If you're not quite up to par or don't make it on AD G2G, consider the non-scholarship option. Your GI Bill, if you're eligible, will take care of the rest.

r/army - Green to Gold Non-scholarship Guide

13 votes and 31 comments so far on Reddit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 9:23 AM

2019-04-10T09:23:43-04:00

Green to Gold is just a fancy way of saying "leaving active duty to go to college"
If you take the non scholarship option you can join the reserves as well under the SMP that everyone is talking about. But the way to get to that is through G2G. Also, not available for associates degree, you need to pursue a bachelor.