University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps

The Big Red Battalion

Simultaneous Membership Program

The Army ROTC Simultaneous Membership Program is a program in which Senior ROTC (Contracted) advanced course cadets (MSIII/ MSIV) simultaneously serve as members of the Army National Guard or Reserves. They earn pay and benefits in addition to Army ROTC allowances.Cadets participating in this program are non-deployable. Non-contracted cadets (freshmen and some sophomores) are not eligible to participate in the SMP and are deployable.

Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty is a Scholarship available only to SMP Cadets.

Federal Tuition Assistance is available.

State Tuition Assistance is also available.

SMP Cadets may also receive assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill and Kicker.

GFRD Scholarship

Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarships are available through the Army National Guard (ARNG) and Army Reserve for students that desire to participate in the Senior ROTC program. These scholarships require that the student, once graduated from school and commissioned in the U.S. Army, must serve their obligation in the Reserve component. ARNG scholarships are available in the following lengths: 2, 2.5, and 3-years. To be eligible for the scholarships the student must have exactly that amount of school remaining. For example, to be eligible for the two-year scholarship the student must have exactly two years of school remaining; to be eligible for the 2.5-year scholarship the student must have exactly 2.5 years of school remaining. Army Reserve scholarships are available for two years only. Contact the Professor of Military Science (PMS) at your school's Army ROTC department to determine specific eligibility requirements.

These scholarships pay up to $20,000 for tuition and fees or room & board. The student can choose which option they desire. In addition, a $900 per year book allowance is paid to the student. Also, a cadet stipend is paid per month to the student in the following amounts: $300 for the sophomore year, $350 for the junior year, and $400 for the senior year. If eligible for Chapter 1606 or Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) - contact the PMS to determine eligibility - the student is paid an additional funds per month from the MGIB kicker. The Reserve component scholarship student must participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) with an ARNG/Reserve unit while in school. While in the program the student drills with his or her unit and is paid at the rank of E-5, approximately $247 per month during 2007, unless the student already holds a rank higher than E-5.

 

Federal Tuition Assistance

  • Available for all Non-Scholarship Cadets (including MSIs and MSIIs) who are Troop Program Unit drilling Reservists or Guardsmen - No Military Occupational Specialty requirement.
  • Federal TA pays $250.00 per credit hour, not to exceed $4500 per year. USAR TA pays $250.00 per credit hour, not to exceed $4500 per year. To request an information packet, ask a question or for more information from the Army Reserve, click here.

State Tuition Assistance

  • Only available through the Army National Guard.
  • Available for all non-scholarship cadets (including MSIs and MSIIs) who are drilling Guardsmen.
  • Many states pay up to 100% at state supported colleges and universities. - See state Officer Strength Managers & State Education Officer for local policies, eligibility, and availability.
  • State TA is paid in conjunction with Federal TA if eligible.

VA Benefits Montgomery GI Bill & Kicker

  • Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606) - Currently pays $309 per month for full time enrollment for MOS Qualified GRFD Scholarship and non- scholarship cadets - Must have a minimum of six years remaining on current enlistment
  • Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) - Currently pays $1004 per month for full time enrollment for MOS Qualified GRFD Scholarship and non-scholarship cadets
  • Montgomery GI Bill Kicker USAR / ARNG - Pays additional $350 per month for enlisted soldiers in officer producing programs who are receiving the Montgomery GI Bill and participating in the GRFD program
  • Cadets must verify enrollment monthly with the W.A.V.E. Website or call 1-877-823- 2378
  • Chapter 1606 Educational Benefits are subject to recoupment if cadet opts to serve on Active Duty.