Obligation after Guard to ROTC?

[bravowhiskeyr]

If I join the Guard right now, take the 20,000 bonus, take the MGIB, and other benefits, then next year decide to join the ROTC SMP, will I be obligated to serve as an officer in that state (UT)? Or will I be able to go on to active duty after commisioning? Thanks for your time.

[bravowhiskeyr]

I found several people asking about joining the Guard after They were in ROTC, and were advised about taking benefits. I have not found an answer to someone who is already in the Guard who took state benefits, then joined ROTC. Will the latter be obligated to serve in the Guard as an officer?

I read that there might also be a time period after which, if you take state benefits, you are no longer obligated to the state?
Thanks for any info.

[matthew.ritchie]

Once you take an enlistment bonus, you must serve at least 12 months of that contract in order to keep the first payment. If you become an SMP prior to that 12 month limit, you'll pay back the first bonus payment. Of course, you won't get any subsequent payments.

Do not accept the MGIB Kicker, because that carries an ARNG service obligation. Only state-specific benefits carry a state-specific duty obligation.

My recommendation is that you enlist, do not take a bonus even if eligible, draw MGIB (no Kicker), and Federal Tuition Assistance. This will allow you to serve now, and leave the option open for active duty service later.

There are other factors involved here, and because this can get confusing, I'd like to have a telephone conversation with you and your parents to ensure that you know what you're getting into, that you have a timeline to accomplish your goals, and that you understand any other options you may have.

Send me an email or private message with your phone number and a time to call.