FORT KNOX, Ky. –
Paying for college concerns most graduating seniors and their families, but the Army has a program that allows students to attend college while serving in the U.S. Army Reserve.
The Simultaneous Membership Program allows students to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve and be a member of their college’s ROTC program.
“Participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program provides Soldiers and cadets an opportunity to apply what they’re learning as leaders in ROTC in a real-life training environment during battle assembly,” Brig Gen. Daphne Davis, the Deputy Commanding General Support of USAREC said. “The experience SMP cadets garner while attending battle assembly generally places them a step ahead of other cadets.”
To qualify for SMP, the future Soldier must be a full-time college student in either their sophomore, junior, or senior year; or be in a graduate program. They must be willing to enlist in the Army Reserve while being enrolled in the Army ROTC program at their college of attendance.
“SMP cadets are also able to both receive pay and earn points toward retirement while still in school,” Davis said.
Receiving pay and points toward retirement provides a significant benefit for future soldiers who consider making the Army a career. This program is just one of the many ways the Army can benefit a future Soldier.
For more information about career opportunities and benefits in the U.S. Army, visit www.goarmy.com.