Download the Military Science ROTC Student Info Packet
MAKE NO MISTAKE
We don't accept mediocrity, period. Be prepared to take your existing "academic and leadership potential" to a whole, new level. Officers are leaders, planners and decision-makers. 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 students experience, but the rewards are great and the profession highly respected and honored. Upon receiving your chosen 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.
Missouri State University Army ROTC SMP program enables qualified students who possess a minimum of 30 credit hours toward their degree and a minimum 2.75 CGPA in order to be an ROTC cadet simultaneously with the Army National Guard or Army Reserves. 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 for one weekend of Drill per month is approximately $288.00 per monthly drill (2012 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)
BCT and AIT can be completed in one summer and in time to start the Fall semester, depending on the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) chosen and dates available. 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 they join or are members of the Missouri ARNG (up to $9,000/Yr). Also, upon successful completion of AIT, students are eligible for the Army GI Bill which pays $345/mo while enrolled as a full-time college student. Some MOS's qualify for bonuses and/or "kickers" which can be $350/mo upon joining Army ROTC. The type of MOS is not a critical factor when contracting as an SMP cadet since you will be on the "officer track" and under the supervision and mentorship of an Army Officer. The GI Bill simply adds a financial benefit during college in route to achieving your degree and commission as a Second Lieutenant. Altogether, an SMP cadet can 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: Students must achieve a minimum 2.5 CGPA per semester in order to retain Tuition Assistance.
LEADERS TRAINING COURSE
(Must have no more than 2 academic years remaining)
This is a 4-Week, all-expenses-paid, crash course conducted at Ft. Knox, Kentucky during the summer and is designed to fulfill all MIL 100-level and 200-level requirements for entry into the ROTC Advanced Course. This is ideal for students without adequate time remaining to complete the four ROTC MIL 100/200 classes (or BCT/AIT) before their junior year or first year of Masters degree. Students must be Fully Qualified (academic, medical, fitness, moral, etc.). Successful graduates of LTC are eligible to contract with ROTC as an SMP cadet, and if performance is superior they might even be offered an ROTC Scholarship, which pays Full Tuition, Books and Fees. Successful completion of LTC does NOT qualify the student for the GI Bill or GI Bill Kicker financial benefits; you must attend BCT/AIT to obtain those. Interested students must have four semesters remaining to complete their degree; allocations are limited and are based on a "best-qualified" basis (CGPA, APFT, etc.).
FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF SMP
$9,000 possible in both Federal and State TA (paid directly to the educational institution); Federal TA is $4.5K/year and Missouri ARNG members can receive up to an additional $4.5K. (Some private schools do not qualify for State TA; check with MSU Army ROTC for more information).
$288 - SMP Drill Pay (<2yrs service before taxes; 2012 pay rate)
$356 - G.I. Bill (Chapter 1606 Reserve/ARNG Rate) or
$1,473 - G.I. Bill (Chapter 30 if previously served 3+years on Active Duty)
$350 - G.I. Bill ROTC Kicker (If qualified)
BONUSES - Dependent on availiability through the ARNG or USAR.
Contracted SMP ROTC cadets are non-deployable and must complete their degree and agree to accept an Officer's commission