The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at South Dakota State University equips cadets with leadership, management and ethical training to prepare them for their roles as commissioned officers in the Army National Guard, Army Reserve and active-duty Army. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on learning and field exercises, cadets build the values and skills necessary for success.
Specialized training opportunities offer even greater ways to grow as future leaders. Our cadets have embarked on cultural and language training programs in locations such as Laos, Tunisia, Korea, Spain, Estonia, and Senegal. Other experiences like traditional Army environments, such as hospitals at Fort Sam Houston in Texas or advanced training, like Air Assault School, are just a few of the opportunities available to you as a cadet.
Army ROTC doesn’t just prepare you for a military career—it develops critical management, leadership and decision-making skills that are valuable in any profession. As an Army ROTC graduate, you’ll enter the workforce with confidence, self-discipline and real-world technical experience. Whether you're leading a team of 45 soldiers or managing assets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge. Programs like PAYS and the USAR Employer Initiative Program also connect cadets with civilian employers who value leadership experience and technical knowledge, making it easier to succeed whether you choose a full-time military career or the corporate world.
We’d love to hear from you! Stop by our department for a visit, share your story with our cadets and enjoy a cup of coffee with us—the pot’s always on.
