Hello. I have a question about the ROTC contracting process. I am in the National Guard, been in for almost three years. I am also entering my junior year in college this fall semester. I've been wanting to do ROTC before I started college. Finally, last semester I finally decided to do so. So I talked to the ROTC people in my univ. and they got me some paperwork, medical exam, etc. I haven't actually contracted yet because there are still some paperwork that we're waiting on. However, I have signed an SMP agreement already with my unit and the ROTC. My NG unit is deploying to Iraq this December. Now, the Major at the ROTC told me that the SMP contract I signed prevents me from getting deployed for a year until they get me in. Is this true? Because the LT in my unit is telling me a different thing. He told me that if I don't conract this fall, I would still get deployed. Which is true? I am really confused right now. Still kind of in a gray area.

Any information would help. Thanks!

Well, I seem to think the LT is right. Until you contract, you are not a cadet in the Army, you are merely a student enrolled in military science as a class. You just also happen to be in the National Guard. Once you contract, then yes you will be officially a "Cadet, Senior Advanced ROTC" in the Army, which is MOS 09R. You will then basically be "leased" to your National Guard unit as a cadet doing SMP. However, as your LT told you, you are not a cadet yet, you have merely picked up an application to be a cadet. Better sign that contract.