Students can earn additional money in the SMP, a volunteer officer training program that allows Army National Guard and Army Reserve enlisted members to participate in the Advanced ROTC Program.
Upon completion of Basic Training, a Reserve Component (RC) soldier who is an academic junior can join the Advanced ROTC Program and earn a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army upon completing their college degree. In addition, contracted non-scholarship cadets and Reserve Forces Duty (RFD) scholarship cadets can join an RC unit and the SMP.
Advanced Course ROTC SMP students are paid for their Guard/Reserve training and receive the ROTC allowance of up to $2000 for each of their two years in the Advanced Course. Upon completing the ROTC program, the officer has an eight-year obligation, which can be served in the Reserve Forces, on Active Duty or a combination of the two.
SMP Benefits
- Hands-on management/leadership experience and training
- $400-$450/month ROTC stipend plus $208 per month while at drill
- Annual training and Advanced Camp pay
- Montgomery GI Bill and tuition waiver
- An opportunity to win a two- or three-year GRFD scholarship
- An opportunity to volunteer for adventure training (Airborne, Air Assault, Northern Warfare, etc.)
SMP Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible to join the Simultaneous Membership Program?
A.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be enrolled in Army ROTC as an MSII or above.
- Be a non-scholarship cadet, a recipient of the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) 2-year scholarship, or recipient of a dedicated Army National Guard scholarship.
- Be an academic sophomore (60 or more hours).
- Be physically qualified.
- Be under 30 years of age when commissioned (waiverable through age 34).
- Have at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 grade scale.
- Be a full time student.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
Q. I'm already in the Guard or Reserves, how do I enroll in SMP?
A. This is how to enroll in SMP if you are currently enlisted in the Guard or Reserves:
- Enroll in a ROTC upper division course (MS-III or MS-IV, if currently a cadet).
- ROTC will send the appropriate paperwork to your unit (your pay grade will automatically become E-5 unless you are drilling in a higher pay grade already).
- Continue drilling with your current unit or change to another unit of choice.
Q. I'm not currently in a Guard/Reserve unit, how do I enroll in SMP?
A. This is how to enroll in SMP if you are not currently enlisted in the Guard or Reserves:
- Register for Advanced ROTC classes (MS-III or MS-IV).
- Interview with the ROTC cadre concerning SMP job selection.
- Meet with Guard/Reserve Recruiter.
- Take an aptitude test and physical examination.
- Sign the Guard/Reserve enlistment contract.
- Begin drilling with your selected unit.
*Note: If you have successfully completed the MS I and MS II years (Basic Course), you are not required to complete Basic Training as an SMP cadet. |
ARMY ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION ASSISTANCE 
Be between the ages of 17 and 27
Possess a high school diploma, or equivalent
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above
Be medically qualified through the Department of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board (DODMERB) 
Be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test
Have no moral obligations or personal conviction 
that will prevent you from supporting and defending the
Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign 
and domestic, and conscientiously bearing arms.
Must make a commitment of 8 years military service (4 years active/4 years active or reserve) upon college graduation.
A Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD)
option is available.
Must attend the 4-week Leadership
Development and Assessment Course 
(LDAC) usually between junior and 
senior year of college.