Purpose
The purpose of this counseling is to inform you on what is expected of and from you as a Cadet in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) assigned to the xxxth xxxx Company.
Key Points
o Battle Assembly (BA/drill) attendance is not optional. After being assigned to a unit through the Simultaneous Membership Program, BA attendance is a requirement to maintain good standing. The expectation from the Unit Command is that you will attend BA and conduct yourself as an Officer and set the example of order and discipline. The ROTC expectation is (**see below**).
o You will be provided a copy of the annual Battle Assembly (BA) schedule prior to the beginning of the new FY. It is your responsibility to ensure your Cadre is provided with a copy of the schedule. In addition, a copy of your semester ROTC schedule will be provided to the Command team so that they will be aware of any scheduling conflicts and able to work with you to ensure your success in the program. You will provide this at BA following receipt of it.
o In the event that an FTX or major inspection, such as the Presidents Inspection, occurs on a BA weekend, you will be excused for that BA with an opportunity to make it up within 90 days of the missed BA. To be excused, the proper RST paperwork, accompanied by a memorandum from your Cadre, and approved by either the Platoon Sergeant (PSG) or Platoon Leader (PL), must be submitted within 30 days.
**The expectation of the individual's ROTC program may vary for every school/program. I highly recommend contacting their Cadre.**
Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)
For Enlisted Members: The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) is a program that gives eligible enlisted members of the ARNG and USAR an opportunity to attend college as a Cadet in the ROTC Program to pursue a Commission as an Officer while simultaneously maintaining their status in their Reserve Component. During this two-year program, they will continue to get paid as a member of their assigned Guard unit while they attend school. Upon graduation, they'll receive a commission as a second lieutenant and serve in either the National Guard or the Active Army.
For ROTC Cadets: In addition, the SMP gives ROTC Cadets the experience of working with Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers in a Reserve Component Unit while simultaneously participating in their college's ROTC program. ROTC Cadets participating in the SMP will attend one weekend training event each month and one two-week annual training event with their Reserve Component Unit. During this two-year course, they will be paired with and mentored by a unit officer and get paid for attending training once a month with the assigned Guard unit. Upon graduation, they'll receive a commission as a second lieutenant and serve in either the National Guard or the Active Army.
