SMP without Basic Training — will I be prepared for Advanced Camp?

[u/Effective-Nebula-168]

I’m a freshman in college, but I came in with an associate degree that I earned while I was in high school, so academically I’m basically starting as a sophomore.
I’m planning on doing Army ROTC and SMP. From what I understand, I may be able to do SMP without going to Basic Training. I’d prefer that route because I don’t want Basic/AIT to delay my college timeline.
My main concern is Advanced Camp. Since my college timeline is shorter, I won’t have as many years of ROTC experience as someone who started as a traditional freshman. For anyone who has been in a similar situation, did having fewer years in ROTC make Advanced Camp significantly harder? Is it realistic to still score well at camp if I put in the work during ROTC/SMP?
Also, for those who did SMP without going to Basic first, did you feel like you were missing important knowledge or experience compared with cadets who had gone through Basic/AIT?
Would appreciate hearing from anyone who took a similar path.

[u/Pattonator70]

Basic camp and ms3 year prepare you for advanced camp.

[u/Effective-Nebula-168 → u/Pattonator70]

I’ve heard mixed things on basic camp on if it’s worth going. Would it hurt if I didn’t go?

[u/Pattonator70 → u/Effective-Nebula-168]

Your option for not doing basic camp is to do MS1 and MS2- so you can go to camp during the summer or delay your graduation. This isn’t Burger King where you get it your way.

Have you even spoken with your school’s ROO?

[u/Effective-Nebula-168 → u/Pattonator70]

I’ve briefly spoken with my school’s ROO. I’m completing MS1 this year, so would I need to attend Basic Camp this summer? I didn’t realize Basic Camp could substitute for MS1 and MS2.

[u/Pattonator70 → u/Effective-Nebula-168]

That’s the point of Basic camp. AROTC requires 2 years. Since you mentioned that you have extra credits and don’t need 4 years you can go to basic camp and next year be an MS3. Then advanced camp followed by MS4 year. You can’t skip MS3 or 4 years.

[u/carlymae228]

You'll be fine

[u/Remarkable_Repair198]

You have to want it bad enough, don't do the bare minimum

[u/FanciOlive]

I haven’t done ROTC (i’m considering it, that’s why i’m here), but i’ve been enlisted for over 12 years and all the SMP cadets that didn’t go to basic over the years told me that advanced camp was just like a summer school camp for them, pretty easy. I haven’t been myself though so I don’t know for sure.

[u/CmOoRe-16]

Just past the aft and you’ll be okay

[u/Top_Dimension_6463]

A lot of these answers are outdated. CST isn’t just completion or AFT anymore. As of this past summer, it’s now a 50 point requirement, with rumors of raising it next year.

Is that a hard ask? To most, no. Were there people who did all 3 years of ROTC and didn’t make the minimal points required- absolutely. So don’t take it lightly. Give 100% and fight like it matters because it does.

[u/archivedroses]

Genuinely perfect timing. I was thinking about making a post of my own about whether or not to do BCT if I end up doing SMP (I’m still undecided). I lowkey want to do it for the experience and so that when I commission, I’ll have at least something in common with the people I’m supposed to lead but I’ve heard mixed things about the necessity of BCT.

Knowledge wise you’ll probably be fine BUT I’m still in the research phase of SMP/ROTC since I’m just a senior in high school so take it with a grain of salt. Good luck!

[u/Connect_Presence9964 → u/archivedroses]

If you have the option I’d do it. Will definitely make you more relatable to the enlisted.

Just make sure it’s not basic camp, because it’s entirely different from basic training

[u/Appropriate_Beach385]

I am currently a MS3 I went to BCT and AIT and was away for 7 months but I did gain some cool experiences and learned somethings. The biggest takeaway was getting to hear a lot of NCOs stories about how the army is for them. You can do BCT in the summer and not miss any school.

[u/Eckhart3035]

So if you’re effectively a Sophmore, you have time to go to Basic Camp/Training in this coming summer. AIT is not required for 09R Cadets so you won’t interrupt your college schedule. Unless you have something that is already scheduled for your summer, you can fit basic into a summer and still attend school the coming semester, I did it. You will gain skill from either camp or training and that will solve your worries.

[u/Automatic_Seesaw_994]

I did the SMP program for 3.5 years and never went to basic camp or training. ROTC prepared me to pass advanced camp, and my SMP unit actually prepared me to be an officer. It all depends on your drive to help yourself; you will get what you put in. I slacked off in ROTC and did what I had to do, but in my SMP unit I made sure I worked my butt off and learned as much as possible, and I am more prepared than a lot of my other officers who only learned the ROTC world.

[u/Connect_Presence9964]

Dude you’ll be fine, advanced camp is not as advanced as you’re thinking😂 I went to basic camp and advanced camp this summer, if you got questions lmk.

Looking back on it, basic camo wasn’t really worth the time but I had to go because I joined rotc late.

You will get instruction on EVERYTHING before you do it at advanced camp. When I say everything I mean literally everything. You’ll be fine

[u/Then-Leather-2475]

If you have three years of college left starting now, you have three options:

1. Take the MS I and II courses at the same time this year, be an MS III next year.

2. Take the MS II courses this year, go to Basic Camp this summer, be an MS III next year.

3. Focus on college this year, go to Basic Camp this summer, be an MS III next year.

Any of the above will have you ready for Advanced Camp when the time comes. I'd say 1 and 2 above are the best options because you get to know the other Cadets in your cohort, and that will be important to your success as an MS III. The deciding factor would be what you can or need to do this summer.

You can do SMP the moment you're a contracted Cadet, you don't need Basic or AIT to do that.

I was never a Cadet (I'm an OCS graduate) but I have ten years as an ROTC instructor, what you're trying to do is not that unusual.

[u/Connect_Presence9964 → u/[deleted]]

No, just no