About the Department of Military Science (Army ROTC)
At South Dakota State University, the Department of Military Science—commonly known as Army ROTC—has a rich tradition that dates back to 1884, when military instruction was first incorporated into the university’s program. Since then, our ROTC program has prepared cadets to be leaders in both the military and civilian sectors, commissioning officers into the Active Army, Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve.
Our program has produced distinguished officers and leaders over the years. SDSU was the first university to commission a female officer into the United States Army Officer Corps, setting a precedent for excellence and inclusivity. Gen. Omar Bradley, the commander of the largest field force in military history during World War II and the first-ever Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served as a professor of military science here at SDSU. He famously dubbed SDSU Army ROTC "The West Point of the Plains," a title proudly carried by our program and its members. The legacy of Gen. William DePuy, another SDSU graduate and highly decorated officer whose military career spanned 36 years and three wars, lives on through DePuy Military Hall, the home of SDSU’s Army ROTC.
Leadership and Training Opportunities
Army ROTC courses are designed to integrate seamlessly with your college education, offering elective courses that emphasize leadership, management and personal development. The program consists of two phases:
- Basic Course (Freshman and Sophomore): These introductory classes offer hands-on leadership training and adventure experiences without requiring any military obligation. It’s an ideal opportunity for students to explore ROTC while gaining valuable skills.
- Advanced Course (Upperclassmen): As cadets progress, they prepare for commissioning as officers through advanced leadership training. Upon completing the ROTC program and earning their bachelor’s or graduate degree, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
Global and Specialized Training
Army ROTC provides cadets with opportunities for internships and specialized training both domestically and abroad. Programs include:
- Cadet Leader Course
- Airborne and Air Assault Schools
- Cultural Understanding and Language Program (CULP)
- Nurses Summer Training Program
- Mountain and Northern Warfare Training
These experiences equip cadets with lifelong skills, cultural awareness and a global perspective, essential for developing as leaders in today’s world.
Our Mission and Values
Army ROTC at SDSU partners with universities to recruit, educate and inspire Senior ROTC cadets to become officers of character for the Total Army. We also partner with Junior ROTC (JROTC) programs at designated high schools to develop citizens committed to service and leadership.
Our mission is rooted in four key objectives:
- Intellectual: To supplement the university's traditional education with the subjects of value to the student in civil or military pursuits; to teach each cadet to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to motivate cadets to become leaders throughout their lives.
- Moral: To develop in each cadet a high sense of duty and the attributes of character inherent in leadership which emphasize integrity, discipline and motivation to succeed in the profession of arms. Ethical leadership is the foundation upon which the service leadership development through the Army ROTC program rests.
- Physical: To develop in each cadet the stamina and fitness essential to a physically demanding career as an Army officer. Physical fitness is a way of life. Physical fitness improves individual performance through the reduction of stress and improved mental and physical well-being.
- Military: To provide cadets with the broad-based military science and military leadership education required as a prerequisite of commissioning. The traditional purposes and ideals are to unite in closer relationship the military departments of American universities and colleges; to preserve and develop the essential qualities of good efficient officers; to prepare ourselves as educated men and women to take a more active part and have greater influence in military affairs of the communities in which we may reside and above all to spread intelligent, accurate information concerning the military requirements of our country.
Our Vision for the Future
We are committed to producing confident, well-prepared lieutenants of character, ready to excel in their military careers. Our goal is to recruit and retain Scholar-Athlete-Leaders through quality training, mentorship and support, fostering teamwork and leadership both on campus and in the Army. Whether pursuing a full-time military career or entering the civilian workforce, Army ROTC at SDSU provides the foundational skills for lifelong success.