Questions about ROTC, Gaurd, and reserve

[Jafar]

Hello,

I am considering entering the AFROTC program at the local university. I am currently an E-5 in the Marine Corps reserve and have been made aware that I must leave the Corps in order to join the ROTC program. My question is, can I enter an Air Force Reserve or Air National Gaurd unit as an E-5 while in the AFROTC program? My contract with the Marines ends in about a month, and I intend to enter the AFROTC program in the upcoming fall semester. The thing is, I could really use the dough, you know? Drill pay and Montgomery G.I. bill that I am drawing now. So can I be enlisted with the Air Force and pursue ROTC?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Biff]

Yes and No

Last time I checked (a year or two ago) you could be in the reserves (even the Marine Corps reserve) and join ROTC. To continue in ROTC you will have to become 'contracted' (i.e. sign a contract committing you to service upon graduation) and this usually happens on the first day of your junior year. Once contracted the reserve/guard is no longer a possibility. Also, if you are selected for an ROTC scholarship, you are required to be contracted before seeing the first penny.

I believe most ROTC detachments suggest against doing both. ROTC can prove to be difficult to manage between deployments and the time/work committments increase as you try to excel in the program.

 

[CCDiscoB]

Yes, until...

Just like Biff said. I spent my Freshman and Sophomore years in the ANG, but come fall of Junior year it’s time to commit and sign on the dotted line.

If you are joining ROTC for the two year program, then you’re signing right away.

 

[Slim]

Biff is correct. The Air National Guard does nothing with ROTC in that once you complete AFROTC, you'll go active duty in the AF. The Army allows ROTC participants to go Reserve or National Guard through SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program). The SMPs I came across during my career received scholarship money through ROTC, the state (Ohio has an incredible tuition assistance program!), the Montgomery GI Bill (aka New GI Bill) in addition to drill pay.

The SMP cadets were paid as E5s and were treated as an officer.

If you go into the Air National Guard, you could apply for UPT, go to AMS, and still receive all I desribed above minus the ROTC scholarship. Some states, like Ohio, have generous tuition assistance. Some are less generous, and other states may have none at all.

Good luck!

 

[Jafar]

Thanks for the input everyone. I am looking to go active Air Force, so AFROTC is my best bet. I will be signing right away, as stated above. It's unfortunate the Air Force doesn't have an SMP like the Army. The Marine Corps does. I could maintain status as a drilling reservist while being in the PLC program. But like I said, my decision is to pursue a career as an officer in the Air Force.

 

[CCDiscoB]

It's unfortunate the Air Force doesn't have an SMP like the Army.

Unfortunate only for retirement points purposes. In reality, you don't want to be worrying about drill weekends while in college. I hated drills back then. As far as $$, ROTC gives you a small monthly allowance, non-scholarship, as I recall. Back in the 80s I think it was around $100. But that was many beers ago.

 

[Winged Sig 599]

AFROTC CONTRACT

I graduated from school in Aug of 2001. I was in the AFROTC program for two years. (AF 100 and 200 cadet) When I was in, you did not sign right away. You attended the first two years as a cadet, and the sophomore/junior junction was when you were required to contract. However, you did not receive your categorization (AFSC or job) until your junior year. (after contracting) So what this will do for your options, I do not know. Best bet is to explain your situation to the cadre at the detachment you particicpate in.