Minuteman Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by US Army Reserve

Description
**Overview:** The Minuteman Campaign is an Army Cadet Command initiative offering Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) ROTC scholarships to candidates who commit to commissioning into a Reserve component. The program places scholarship recipients in host Army ROTC programs at participating colleges and universities to produce trained officers for the Reserve Components and strengthen the total Army force. It targets high school seniors and enlisted Soldiers who self-select for Reserve service and meet the program’s eligibility standards. Nomination and contracting create a binding GRFD commitment; recipients are not eligible to convert that award to an active-duty ROTC scholarship.

Key takeaways
- The Minuteman Campaign awards GRFD ROTC scholarships for Reserve commissioning.
- Scholarship recipients attend host Army ROTC programs at colleges/universities.
- The award is dedicated to Reserve service and cannot be converted to active-duty.
- Target audience: high school seniors and eligible enlisted Soldiers.

Award Value
**Monetary coverage:** The GRFD scholarship covers full tuition and fees or provides a room-and-board allowance of up to $12,000 per year for up to four years at a host ROTC institution. In addition to tuition/room-and-board, recipients receive a $1,200 annual book stipend. Tuition coverage applies to public and private host schools as specified under each scholarship type.

Key takeaways
- Up to full tuition and fees OR up to $12,000/year room-and-board.
- $1,200 per year book stipend included.
- Coverage applies for up to four years at a host ROTC school.

Additional Benefits
**Monthly pay and program incentives:** Scholarship cadets receive a monthly ROTC cadet stipend ($420 per month) and may earn E-5 drill pay upon contracting. Certain recipients who are MOS-qualified may be eligible for Chapter 1606 (SELECTED RESERVE) benefits and an SMP “kicker.” Minuteman recipients participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) to gain unit experience while earning additional income.

Key takeaways
- $420 monthly ROTC cadet stipend.
- Potential E-5 drill pay once contracted.
- MOS-qualified cadets may access CH 1606 and SMP kicker benefits.
- Participation in SMP provides unit experience and extra pay.

Scholarship Types (Academic Year 2025–2026)
**Available award categories:** For AY 2025–2026 two primary GRFD Minuteman scholarship types are offered: the 4-year scholarship and the 3-year Advanced Designee (3AD). The 4-year award is for incoming college freshmen and requires attendance at a state or public university that hosts ROTC. The 3AD begins benefits after contracting at the start of sophomore year and may be used at state, public, or private host schools.

Key takeaways
- 4-year: for incoming freshmen; must attend a state/public host university.
- 3-year Advanced Designee (3AD): benefits start after sophomore-year contracting; public, private, or state schools eligible.
- Scholarship must be used at a host ROTC program.

Eligibility
**Who can apply:** Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals between ages 17–28 (cannot turn 31 by 31 December of the commissioning year). Candidates must be in the Army Reserve or eligible to enlist (test- and physically-qualified), pass a Chapter 2 MEPS physical, meet Army body-composition standards (AR 600‑9), and be able to pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) to sign the contract. Academic minimums include a 2.5 GPA; 4-year applicants must submit ACT/SAT scores. Participation in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) is required.

Key takeaways
- U.S. citizen or national; age 17–28 with commissioning-year cutoff.
- Must be in the Army Reserve or eligible to enlist and meet MEPS/ACFT/body-composition standards.
- Academic minimum: 2.5 GPA; ACT/SAT required for 4‑year applicants.
- SMP participation required.

Service Obligations & Commitments
**Post-commissioning service:** Scholarship recipients who commission must complete an eight-year service obligation while actively drilling with a Reserve unit. All recipients are informed that a GRFD award is dedicated to Reserve service and cannot be revoked to permit competing for an active-duty commission. Scholarship offers are contingent upon the recipient meeting contractual requirements at the time of contracting.

Key takeaways
- Eight-year service obligation while actively drilling in a Reserve unit.
- GRFD awards are dedicated to Reserve service and non-convertible to active duty.
- Contracting requirements must be met before benefits are received.

Application Process & Timeline
**How to apply and nominate:** Nominations are required for all GRFD scholarship types. Prospective applicants (including Army Reserve Soldiers) should complete the designated contact form to be connected with an Army Reserve Ambassador who will guide the nomination and application steps. Army recruiters also can assist in obtaining a nominating resource. Scholarship offers follow the academic-year cycle and are subject to the host-school enrollment and contracting milestones.

Key takeaways
- Nominations required for every scholarship type.
- Start by contacting an Army Reserve Ambassador via the program form; recruiters can help.
- Application and awarding align with college academic-year schedules.

Limitations & Conditions
**Program restrictions and contingencies:** All scholarship offers are subject to available funding and program capacity. Applicants must be Qualified Not Enlisted (QNE) at MEPS (test- and physically-qualified) and will not be required to swear in until they receive a formal ROTC scholarship offer letter. Official college/university acceptance is required prior to final award processing. Scholarship acceptance binds the recipient to GRFD terms; revocation to pursue active duty is not permitted.

Key takeaways
- Offers contingent on funding and program capacity.
- QNE status required; no enlistment oath until scholarship offer letter issued.
- Official university acceptance required before final award.
- Acceptance binds the recipient to Reserve-only commissioning terms.

History of the Award
**Origin and purpose:** The Minuteman Campaign was created by U.S. Army Cadet Command to expand Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty scholarships and intentionally populate Reserve components with qualified officers. The initiative supports the Army’s broader force-generation goals by providing targeted financial incentives and unit-level experience through SMP. Its design emphasizes a direct pipeline from ROTC scholarship to Reserve commissioning.

Key takeaways
- Launched by Army Cadet Command to increase Reserve officer production.
- Aligns financial incentives with Reserve-specific commissioning.
- Integrates ROTC training with unit experience through SMP.

Contact and Support
**Getting help and next steps:** For application initiation, use the program’s contact form to be connected with an Army Reserve Ambassador for nomination processing. Army recruiters can also provide nominating resources and help with preparatory requirements (MEPS, ACFT, documentation). Keep official university acceptance documents and academic/test records ready for submission.

Key takeaways
- Begin by submitting the Minuteman/GRFD contact form.
- Army Reserve Ambassadors and recruiters provide nomination support.
- Prepare acceptance letters, transcripts, and test scores for the application.