How long did it take to get your SMP Cadet contract?

I say do a follow up with your HRA at your ROTC program and also your unit. Sometimes they may not communicate the best. I’m a SMP cadet myself, and I always had to follow up and go in office. For me to contract, it took almost 3 months. Make sure you turn in all the required forms to contract, pass the PT test and demonstrate good leadership.

Once you contract your enlisted status changes to “cadet” you’ll be a 09R. You will get E-5 pay for drill. The army had to back pay me many many months because my OSM (officer strength manager) didn’t update me in the system as a 09R, so although I was “contracted” I was going to drill still getting E3 pay. So make sure you have everything squared away and have a good POC.

First, stand outside the LTC's office and recite the cadet Creed as loud as you can until he or she is impressed. With their blessing, you then have to approach the 1SG of the unit you're looking to get into and offer three shards of your soul and possibly your firstborn child.

Right after that, during the next night of a full moon, you have to wait outside the S1s office with four and a half beers and a caramel macchiato from Starbucks with TWO SHOTS of espresso. If it's not exactly two, they won't even bother with you. Sit and wait, do not fall asleep and do not let the beer get warm.

Then, when S1 arrives, ask really nicely for them to look at your paperwork and you're golden.

That's how I did it. Only took two days...

Have you interviewed with a NG unit and commander that will accept you as an SMP Cadet? If so, do you have a letter of acceptance? If not, that might be a hold up. In any case, I would speak with the ROTC cadre, the NG Recruiter who prepared your contract, and your NG units full time staff / Readiness NCO. They at least should be able to get you a status.

As I recall my SMP time, it was all in my enlistment contract with the Guard and was fairly seamless.