Download the Military Science ROTC Student Info Packet
The SMP program enables students who possess a minimum of 30 credit hours and a minimum 2.0 CGPA, to be a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserves and an ROTC cadet simultaneously. Contracted cadets hold the pay-grade of a Sergeant (E-5) in their Guard or Reserve unit and serve as Officer trainees under the supervision and guidance of a Commissioned Officer. Pay is approximately $274.00 per monthly drill (2010 pay rate; <2 years of service). Additionally, contracted SMP cadets receive the following ROTC subsistence allowance depending on academic year:
$350 - Sophomores
$450 - Juniors
Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) can be completed in one summer and in time to start the Fall semester, depending on the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) chosen. Upon successful completion of BCT, students are eligible to receive Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) which is $4,500/Yr, and up to an additional $4,500 for State TA (if in or joining the Missouri ARNG) - - for a max of $9,000/Yr. (Did we mention that full-time tuition at MSU is around $7k/Yr??) Also, upon successful completion of AIT, students are eligible for the Army GI Bill which pays $333/mo directly into your bank account, while enrolled as a full-time college student. Some MOS's qualify for bonuses (called "kickers") which add an additonal $350/mo upon joining Army ROTC (some conditions apply; contact MSU Army ROTC). But, the type of MOS is not a critical factor when joining/contracting as an SMP cadet. The reason is because when you are a contracted cadet, your monthly drill training will be under the supervision and mentorship of an Army Officer. The MOS kicker simply adds a financial benefit during college in route to achieving your degree and commission as a Second Lieutenant. Altogether, an SMP cadet could receive over $1,400/mo while attending college full time - -meanwhile, federal TA and state TA (if in ARNG) pays for your college. The benefits of this program are truly tremendous. NOTE: To retain TA benefits, the student must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA per semester.
As an alternate means of joining the SMP program, and without having to attend Basic and/or AIT, certain qualified applicants who do not have adequate time remaining to complete the four ROTC MIL 100/200 classes before their junior year (or first year of Masters degree), or have enough time to complete BCT/AIT in one summer, may be eligible to attend the Leaders Training Course (LTC). The Leader's Training Course is an all expenses paid, four week course conducted at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and is designed to fulfill the MIL 100-level and 200-level class requirements for entry into the ROTC Advanced Course. Graduates of LTC who contract with ROTC are eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus. Successful completion of LTC can qualify the student to join the SMP program, which enables them to receive Tuition Assistance, Drill pay and the ROTC stipend, but not the GI Bill or GI Bill Kicker. Also, as an LTC graduate, the student can choose to pursue the "Non-Scholarship," "Non-SMP" route, which means he/she is fully qualified to join ROTC, but would rather pay his/her own way without serving as an SMP in the ARNG or Reserves. The only financial benefits of this route is the $5,000 signing bonus and the monthly tax-free ROTC stipend. NOTE: Only students who have two years remaining until degree completion, and who have not attended all four MIL 100/200 level courses, are eligible to attend LTC. Allocations are limited, and they are based on a "best-qualified" basis (CGPA, APFT, etc.).
Here's an example of a full-time student/cadet, contracted with Missouri State Army ROTC as an MS III (Junior) SMP cadet and has completed BCT/AIT:
$274 - SMP Drill Pay (<2yrs service before taxes; 2010 pay rate)
$333 - G.I. Bill (Chapter 1606 Reserve/ARNG Rate) or
$1,368 - G.I. Bill (Chapter 30 if previously served 3+years on Active Duty)
$350 - G.I. Bill ROTC Kicker (If qualified)
Contracted SMP ROTC cadets are non-deployable with their unit, and by regulation, are to complete and obtain their degree and commission.
This tremendous program enables a cadet to reap the benefits of service in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves while training to become a Commissioned Officer through the Army ROTC program.
But, make no mistake. Becoming a U.S. Army Officer is a challenging journey that requires dedication, commitment and a willingness to learn and improve mentally, physically and emotionally. The requirements of being an Army Cadet in college are well above and beyond what typical college student’s experience, but the rewards are great and the profession highly respected and honored. Upon receiving your degree and completion of all pre-commissioning requirements you earn the rank of Second Lieutenant and the distinction of being a Leader, prepared to lead America’s sons and daughters. This is why “Corporate America” proactively seeks commissioned officers, because they know and understand the exceptional abilities and performance that officers possess and bring to any organization.