Help with ROTC, applying, and SMP.

[Mintscraft56]

Hello im new to this website. However iv come to ask for help on the Army ROTC applying process. Im 17 years old, Junior in Highschool. With 0 support from my parents on joining Army ROTC with the goal to commission, im turning to yall for help.

1- I want to know more on how applying to Army ROTC (both for scholarship or without) works. Im not sure if it makes any difference, however this is for applying for a collage in Virginia.

2- I have seen this "Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)" being suggested quite often. As far as I know, I cannot apply for it if I go to collage on ROTC Scholarship. I just want to know more about it and IF its suggested/IF and HOW I can apply or join it.

 

[MidCakePa]

I want to know more on how applying to Army ROTC (both for scholarship or without) works.

Yours is an overly broad and open-ended question. Time to apply some vigorous research effort, as befitting a prospective commissioned officer. Start with AROTC’s website. Review every page, tab, link and pull-down. See what’s there about the application requirements and process, along with the outcomes and possibilities for those who complete ROTC. You’ll find at least 90% of the information you seek. Then, if questions or concerns remain, come on back here and post more-specific queries.

 

[Mintscraft56]

Yours is an overly broad and open-ended question. Time to apply some vigorous research effort, as befitting a prospective commissioned officer. Start with AROTC’s website. Review every page, tab, link and pull-down. See what’s there about the application requirements and process, along with the outcomes and possibilities for those who complete ROTC. You’ll find at least 90% of the information you seek. Then, if questions or concerns remain, come on back here and post more-specific queries.

Thank you! I understand my question was kind of dull and broad but Im just trying to make sure im doing things right. Im not trying to take risks. Either way, any help is good help, so thank you for that.

 

[Sargon]

It's a positive step that you're starting now, at the beginning of your junior year. There are two senior military colleges in your state, VMI and Va Tech. Both would be great options, and there are many other ROTC programs.
This is where you start.

Army ROTC

Become a leader and serve your country, without sacrificing your college experience. In Army ROTC, a career is waiting for you after you graduate.

www.goarmy.com

The obvious concerns are grades, SAT/ACT scores, fitness, and leadership. Get all of those things squared away. Good luck! This forum is a huge help for so many people.

 

[kinnem]

Good advise to review the AROTC website and begin your app based on what you discover. Besides coming back here for additional questions based on your research you should do the following
1. Visit the AROTC website at each college you're interested in and review it. If you don't receive a scholarship you would apply directly to the unit at the college you'll be attending. You don't need to apply until the spring.
2. Review all SMP posts on this forum with special attention to those by @clarksonarmy . He's the resident expert on the topic. I think you can sign up as an AROTC participant in your sophomore year, but he's the expert
3. Learn about OCS if it comes to that ..

 

[GWU PNS (emeritus)]

As you are focused on AROTC, I don't have a dog in that fight.

But I am interested in your comment that you have "0 support" from your parents. Does this mean they want to discourage your interest in ROTC or AROTC, or do you mean they don't want to help because they want you to do this on your own?

Separately, regardless of which service component interests you, you need to have better than average grades (well above average to be honest), a decent amount of either sports or extra-curricular activites, and be in very good physical shape. If you are lacking in any of those areas, you have plenty of time to make up for it.

 

[EDelahanty]

Also, many AROTC battalions have Facebook pages, though not all are well-maintained.

(Is Facebook just for us old people these days?)

 

[Mintscraft56]

But I am interested in your comment that you have "0 support" from your parents. Does this mean they want to discourage your interest in ROTC or AROTC, or do you mean they don't want to help because they want you to do this on your own?

My parents dont want me joining the military at all. My mother worries about my well being, and my father just rants and gets into fights with me about joining the Army and how i'll die there....

 

[Mintscraft56]

Separately, regardless of which service component interests you, you need to have better than average grades (well above average to be honest), a decent amount of either sports or extra-curricular activites, and be in very good physical shape. If you are lacking in any of those areas, you have plenty of time to make up for it.

Also, I do alot of running sports. Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. Im in "ok" shape physically though I could be alot better. Any recommendations for the ideal body type?

 

[kinnem]

Also, I do alot of running sports. Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. Im in "ok" shape physically though I could be alot better. Any recommendations for the ideal body type?

Pullups, push ups, crunches, planks. Work on upper body strength. Take a look at the Army CFT because you will have to pass that to activate a scholarship. Of course it will help in getting one too.

Will you be 18 prior to start of freshman year? DS wanted to enlist in USMC with some friends. Mom was an adamant no. Privately I reminded her DS would be 18 when graduating high school and she couldn't stop him from enlisting. Eventually she relented, but insisted on college first and entering as an officer. Hence his path thru NROTC. That was over 12 years ago and now she's the biggest fan of her Capt son.

Just keep working on your parents as only you know best to do. Maybe explain why you want this path, and what benefits it brings. Convince them that you understand what your getting into and still believe it's right for you. Let them know that you want their support. Whether you do it against their wishes is up to you, but I expect they'll come around at some point .

 

[Mintscraft56]

Pullups, push ups, crunches, planks. Work on upper body strength. Take a look at the Army CFT because you will have to pass that to activate a scholarship. Of course it will help in getting one too.

Will you be 18 prior to start of freshman year? DS wanted to enlist in USMC with some friends. Mom was an adamant no. Privately I reminded her DS would be 18 when graduating high school and she couldn't stop him from enlisting. Eventually she relented, but insisted on college first and entering as an officer. Hence his path thru NROTC. That was over 12 years ago and now she's the biggest fan of her Capt son.

Just keep working on your parents as only you know best to do. Maybe explain why you want this path, and what benefits it brings. Convince them that you understand what your getting into and still believe it's right for you. Let them know that you want their support. Whether you do it against their wishes is up to you, but I expect they'll come around at some point .

Thank you with the info! I'll try my best to calm down my parents, however I dont see an end in sight with them, especially with my dad. But anyways, I appreciate the help!

 

[EJF]

First, we need more young men and women like you who are willing to serve our country, so thank you! I'm sorry your parents are not supportive. As you know this will make it a harder process, but you sound very determined. I agree with reaching out the schools you are interested in and connecting with them. There is the option to be National Guard and ROTC at the same time. Some that do not received scholarship during the HS process have done that. You can ask your prospective Battalion more about how that works and how many they have in their program that do that. Being in National Guard can add time to your college, but it is a good option should plan A not work out. You also will need to be able to collect your medical records if requested during the Medical Review Process. (DoDMerb). Your parents will have to be involved with this unless you are 18 at the time. I would encourage you to keep pressing forward to your goals and keep communicating with your parents! Best wishes for success!

 

[TBVADAD]

My parents dont want me joining the military at all. My mother worries about my well being, and my father just rants and gets into fights with me about joining the Army and how i'll die there....

I know it's hard to hear. I don't know you obviously. Those comments are usually from a place of fear and worry. I am former military and I can tell you it wasn't easy for my wife to accept our son joining ROTC and taking the 3AD scholarship. 4 years of JROTC was fine. But I heard the same lines from my spouse. Basically the day after commissioning we would be burying him.

He is a rising junior and if didn't know you would think she was onboard from day 1.

Keep your head up.

Also, I would say if you have a school in VA in mind. Reach out to the ROO (recruiting officer) for the battalion and develop a relationship with them.

JMU has a great battalion.

 

[banjoppd]

Also, I do alot of running sports. Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. Im in "ok" shape physically though I could be alot better. Any recommendations for the ideal body type?

Keep running and start lifting, core core core.
My son was the guy who played football built like a nickleback but ran the 1500/1600. I told him noone respects a soldier who can't run. Lifting will help you in the new ACFT. Good luck it can be done without parental support. I know a kid in the basic school today who had zero, zero parental support. During the summers he would flop from couch to couch at different Rook brothers homes. He did that for 3 years. Today he's got a dergee and on active duty orders as a new 2nd LT.

 

[clarksonarmy]

Oooo...I got name checked above...better make some comments.

First off, if you are currently a junior you can't start a scholarship application until next summer in June. Here is the information for current rising seniors to get started this year.

2023- 2024 Army ROTC High School National Scholarship Process. How and where to start – same as it ever was!!

The Army ROTC high school scholarship application window opens again this year on June 12th. This will be the 7th year publishing a “how to start guide”. If you plan to attend college, are interest…

goldenknightbattalion.com

Next year there will be a similar post that will pertain to you. Be ready for it.

In the mean time, keep doing good things. We look for Scholar/Athlete/Leaders, so get good grades, stay fit, and look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership.

If you don't get the scholarship you don't have to "apply" to just join. All you need to do is enroll in the class at the school you attend. Make sure you are talking to the program beforehand, and they may have something they call an "application", but the bottom line is you are just going to be signing up for a class.

Let's talk SMP. One of the reason's why your parents may not support your choice is they perceive that ROTC will not allow you to earn a college degree (a common misperception). SMP requires that you enlist in the guard or reserves either before or early on in your college career. Nothing will freak out a hesitent parent more. My recommendation is always to give ROTC a try first before you make that commitment to the Guard or Reserves if earning that degree is priority number 1. If you are struggling to pay for school or you are 100% sure you want to serve in the Guard or Reserves when you graduate college then definitely consider SMP earlier in the decision cycle.

Last year approximately 8K students applied for an Army ROTC scholarship and about 3K were offered. Those are pretty good odds. Interest looks to be picking up this year, but you'll still have a shot at a 4 or 3 year scholarship if you apply.

Hope that all helps