SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM (SMP)

Serve in a Reserve Component Unit while being a Cadet!

Students currently in the Army Reserve or the National Guard may join ROTC as a part of the Simultaneous Program (SMP) after completing their freshman year.  If you are a current National Guard or Army Reserve soldier you need only to sign an ROTC contract and enroll in ROTC courses to start the program. 
The SMP program is a great way to get a head start on your future as an officer.

Benefits

• While enrolled in ROTC as a SMP cadet you are NON-DEPLOYABLE until you graduate.
• An opportunity to gain a commission while going to college and gain experience serving in a Reserve Component Unit.
• Hands-on management/leadership training
• $350-$500/month ROTC stipend plus E-5 pay while at monthly drill.
• Annual training and Advanced Camp pay
• Montgomery GI Bill and tuition waiver
• An opportunity to win a two-year or three-year GRFD scholarship
• A future as an officer on Active or Reserve Duty
• Those choosing Basic Training may be eligible for a $10,000 bonus
• An opportunity for volunteer training in Airborne, Air Assault, Northern or Mountain Warfare Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?
To be eligible, you must:

• Be enrolled 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.

I'm already in the Guard or Reserves, how do I enroll in SMP?
These are the steps needed to participate in the SMP program 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 (pay grade will automatically become E-5).
• Continue drilling with your current unit or change to another unit of choice.

I'm not currently in a Guard/Reserve unit, how do I enroll in SMP?
These are the steps needed to participate in the SMP program if 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 Mason's 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