Current Military

National Guard and Reserves

Points of Contact

Pennsylvania Army National Guard
Staff Sergeant Sarah Mackey

Phone (Cell): 717-881-2917
Email: sarah.r.mackey.mil@army.mil

 

United States Army Reserve
Staff Sergeant Magdalena Tyson

Phone (Cell): 814-889-8009
Email: magdalena.m.barragantyson.mil@army.mil

Interest Form

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

  • Students who contract as a Simultaneous Membership Program Cadet simultaneously enroll in ROTC and belong to an Army Reserve or National Guard unit. A student can become an SMP Cadet in their sophomore year and become non-deployable while in college. SMP Cadets, scholarship and non-scholarship, receive:

    • Experience working with an officer during drill, learning the job of an officer.
    • In-state tuition regardless of current resident status
    • Drill pay as a Sergeant (E-5): $400 per month (for calendar year 2025)
    • ROTC stipend of $420 per month while in school

    Other benefits that SMP students may qualify for:

    • Federal Tuition Assistance: $250 per credit (for 12 – 18 credits; up to $4500 per year)
    • Reserve GI Bill: $481per month (must have completed Basic and AIT)
    • Reserve GI Bill Kicker: $350 per month (must receive Reserve GI Bill benefits and be in a select specialty or unit)
    • Educational Assistance Program: $4,097.00 per semester (PA Army National Guard only)

    Non-scholarship SMP Cadets can apply for an active-duty, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve commission. Some benefits may be recouped if the Cadet chooses and is selected to serve on active duty upon commissioning.

    Active Duty Soldiers

    Active Duty Soldiers are eligible for the green to gold program.  Penn State accepts green to gold soldiers, for more information on the green to gold program click the link below.

    Army Green to Gold Program | U.S. Army

     

          Frequently asked questions

          I am in another branch of service. Can I apply for a green to gold scholarship?

          No, the Army does not have authorization to discharge members of sister services therefore, members of sister services are not eligible for Green to Gold scholarships.​

          Veterans are not required to take the freshman and sophomore level ROTC classes. Will I have to take these courses if I get a scholarship?

          As a two year scholarship winner, no. However, 3 and 4 year winners must complete the basic course IAW you cantract.

          Are my ROTC classes for credit?

          Each course is two credits during the freshman and sophomore years.​

          At least six credits of Army ROTC can be applied toward degree requirements in all majors, usually as elective credits.

          Will Army ROTC interfere with post graduation education?

          Army offers competitive ‘educational Delay’ -or- Cadets can commission as National Guard or Army Reserve, which doesn’t conflict with academics.