ROTC offers a program called Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). Once you hit junior status you are eligible for the program. As a SMP cadet you will contract with ROTC but remain in your current unit and participate in the regular drill weekends but you will be shadowing a 2LT. You will also be drawing E-5 pay for your drill weekend, the ROTC cadet monthly stipend and the GI Bill (if you are still eligible).

Answer: Non-prior service applicants may use the ONGSP right after enlisting if there is a 90-day or more window from their enlistment date and their basic training date; or 90-day or more window between their basic training completion date and MOS/AFSC start date; or anytime, after completing Basic Training-MOS/AFSC, during their six (6) year enlistment. The Initial Application should be completed and received by the ONGSP Office before the applicant attends Basic Training/AIT.

The Army Reserve is controlled by the Federal Government and serves as a reserve to the Active Army. The National Guard, on the other hand, has a dual mission, both state and federal. It is controlled by the governor of its state and the federal government. The governor can call the Guard into action to assist in the case of local emergencies or civil disturbances. In addition, the President of the United States can activate the National Guard to serve either alone or along with the Active Army.

Who knows! A good conservative estimate is at least 25,000 different and distinctive patches have been produced for U.S. Air Force units. Including variations of patches significantly increases this number.

In most instances, you will still qualify. To be qualified for Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) which is like extra unemployment benefits, you must have worked at least 26 weeks in the year before your layoff; however, the law allows weeks in active duty in the National Guard to substitute for weeks of employment. If you received notice that you were being laid off you will want to apply for eligibility as an individual.

The National Guard is one branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Tennessee National Guard contains both an Army National Guard and Air National Guard component. The National Guard is composed of reserve forces - civilians who serve their country on a part time basis. Each state has their own National Guard as required by the constitution, in fact, the National Guard is the only branch of the military who's existence is actually required by the constitution.

Yes. We realize the vast scope of the Air Force is difficult to visualize in the classroom. Therefore, we give you the opportunity to visit an Air Force base for a firsthand look at how it operates. You'll be accompanied by an experienced, active duty Air Force officer. Every semester we conduct a base visit. AFROTC normally covers lodging and travel expenses.

The 16 (or so) marine reserves (excluding those created by the Min of Fisheries, which protagonists claim are not marine reserves) are roughly evenly spread around our coastline, but when drawn on a map of our country, they are too small to be seen. Visit the DoC web site or Seafriends/marine reserves.

Air Force personnel have to shave as described above. Navy personnel may make application to grow a beard. If/when granted they are then NOT ALLOWED to shave for a set period.

All Air Force units (numbered flights and squadrons) and establishments (groups and above) are authorized an emblem. However, not all units have a patch produced. Most flying units will have a patch made, but many non-flying units will not. If a unit is not authorized to wear a patch on the uniform then obviously there is no justification for spending the money. Although not officially authorized a distinctive emblem, detachments, flights, and sections often have patches made up.

The answer is maybe. Back in the good 'ol days Air Force units would often give patches out on request. Unfortunately, because of shrinking budget, Air Force units can no longer afford to send out patches to everybody that requests them. If you do write a unit, more than likely your letter will be forwarded to the base public affairs office who will send you a list of companies that sell patches.

If the unit is still active you can write it. You will want to write either the historian or public affairs. Use the following address format: Inquiries should include as much info as possible about the unit and parent units. If you e-mail a request, be sure to include your mailing address as most of the Agency's materials cannot currently be sent via e-mail.

No, you are no longer required to file with your insurance company before filing with the Air Force. If you choose to do so, that information must be disclosed when your claim is filed with the government. You cannot receive compensation from both sources for the same loss or damage. Note: The carrier may have a similar requirement for claims under FRV shipments.

Most units don't, but there are some that do. In most cases, official unit patches are procured with government-appropriated funds. In these cases, the units are not allowed to resale items purchased with government funds (they can go to jail for that). Sometimes however members of a unit will chip in their own money or use the coffee fund to buy extra patches that the unit will resale.

National Guard members are required to attend one drill weekend a month. These are usually during a Saturday and Sunday but sometimes include a Friday night. In addition all guard units have a two week annual training (AT) period every year which is normally during the summer.

The Tennessee Army National Guard offers a series of benefits ranging from education assistance to low cost airfare.

The Tennessee Army National Guard offers a large selection of specialties (MOS's) ranging from cavalry scout to band member. Different MOS's have different qualifications and your recruiter can help you determine which MOS would be best suited for you.

There's a good chance it is. Thousands of veterans from all branches of service join the Guard each year and find that it gives them the best of both military and civilian life. In the Guard you keep many of the benefits you received in active service. You can improve technical skills you've already acquired. And because the Guard is only part time, you can hold a civilian job or go to school. You also get the chance to serve your state and nation while staying close to home.

Yes, all Reservists and National Guard receiving longevity retirement--twenty "good years" for retirement purposes--will be eligible for both CRDP and CRSC. The previous CRSC requirement to have at least 7200 retirement points no longer applies as of January 1, 2004. Grey area retirees become eligible for both programs at age sixty when they begin to receive retired pay.