US Army Reserves

For information about the US Army Reserves and all that it offers to ROTC cadets, please see: https://www.goarmy.com/rotc.html

Useful Information

Click on the links below to view or download helpful ARNG and USAR information for ROTC cadets.

• Soldier's Handbook to Education Benefits (2014). Topics include Montgomery GI Bill (Chapters 1606, 1607, 30 and 33), GI Bill Kicker Program, State Education Assistance Program (EAP), Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), Education Credit for Military Training, and more.
• GoArmyEd Hip Pocket Guide (2015)."Your Guide for Army Tuition Assistance." How to request FTA and enroll in classes, how to drop classes, TA requirements, TA recoupment, how to check your TA balance, and more.
• USAR Non-Deployable Paper USAR Cadet Mobilization Info Paper v2  (2010). Explains the USAR policy towards non-deployability of ROTC cadets.
• ARNG and USAR Non-Deployable Memo (2005).Explains the HQDA G-1 policy towards non-deployability of ROTC cadets.
• PA ARNG Locations. Shows where Army National Guard units are located in Pennsylvania.
• USAMI Vacancies in Military Intelligence Units. Find a unit that needs your MI skills.
• USAR Units Listing (Part 1B) (Part 1E). Find a USAR unit; lists units from across the country.

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows you to participate in Army ROTC and serve in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard at the same time. It gives you an opportunity for additional training and experience. Cadets serve as Officer trainees in the Reserve or National Guard while completing college. You can earn Reserve/Guard pay and benefits in addition to your Army ROTC allowances.  DOWNLOAD THE SMP BROCHURE

SMP Cadets:

• Are full-time college students who are enlisted (or planning to enlist) in the National Guard or Army Reserves
• Participate in all ROTC classes and training
• Are assigned to Officer Trainee positions in their ARNG or USAR units and get hands-on leadership training
• Attend weekend drill each month and two weeks of annual training each summer with their ARNG or USAR unit
• Continue to receive all pay, allowances, bonuses and benefits provided by the ARNG or USAR in addition to any ROTC incentives
• Are paid as a Sergeant (E-5) for their drill and annual training
• Wear cadet rank at training (instead of their enlisted rank)

Upon completing the ROTC program and graduation, SMP cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and their previous enlistment contracts are terminated. At this point SMP participants have the same range of options all other ROTC cadets, including options for Active Duty, National Guard, or Army Reserves service; over a dozen career fields to choose from; and choice of duty location.

Benefits:

• Federal (ARNG and USAR) and State (ARNG only) tuition assistance
• In-state tuition rates
• May compete for Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarships (see Scholarships tab)
• Training opportunities and schools (Airborne, Air Assault, etc.) from both the ROTC and ARNG/USAR
• Eligible for Guard Recruiting Assistance Program benefits
• Montgomery GI Bill benefits (upon completion of Basic Training)
• Eligible for all applicable ARNG/USAR benefits of a service member

Participating in the SMP does not limit your choices as a future officer. SMP cadets can serve as Active Duty officers, stay in their current components (ARNG or USAR), or switch from ARNG to USAR (or vice versa). They cannot keep their current MOS, since they will be commissioned officers, but can stay in the same career field if they desire--or they can pick an entirely different field.

Requirements: Sophomore status and enrolled as a full-time student Minimum 2.00 GPA Eligible to contract into the ROTC program Currently in the ARNG or USAR or eligible for enlistment

For more information about the Simultaneous Membership Program contact:

PA Army National Guard

For information about the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and all that it offers to ROTC cadets, please see: https://www.nationalguard.com/careers/become-an-officer/rotc