Air & Space Force ROTC
Through Dakota State University's crosstown partnership with South Dakota State University, you can join the U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 780 in Brookings. This program allows you to remain a full-time DSU student while traveling to SDSU each week to complete your ROTC classes and training activities.
DSU’s nationally recognized strengths in cybersecurity, computer science, network security administration, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation make it an ideal match for the Department of the Air Force. Your DSU degree prepares you to apply technical skills directly to critical, high-demand roles in cyberspace operations and space defense.
Why choose Air & Space Force ROTC as a DSU student?
Air and Space Force ROTC provides a proven path to grow as a leader, challenge yourself physically and mentally, and earn a guaranteed commission as an officer. The program welcomes incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current DSU students at any stage.
You’ll balance academics, fitness, teamwork, and service with support from both DSU faculty and the experienced cadre at Detachment 780.
- Close-knit, team-focused cadet community
- Early leadership opportunities with ongoing mentorship
- Significant growth in confidence, discipline, and communication skills
- No obligation during the first two years — explore the program risk-free
- Opportunities for global travel and unique experiences
- Top Secret clearance — a major advantage for future tech and defense careers
- Total starting compensation often exceeding $100,000 (base pay + tax-free housing/food allowances + bonuses)
- Tax-free housing and food allowances
- 30 days paid vacation per year
- Fully covered relocation costs
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Scholarship and tuition assistance (DSU cyber/computer science majors receive priority consideration for full-tuition and other awards + monthly living stipends)
- Retirement plan with government matching
- Included life insurance
Elite pathways for DSU cyber majors
DSU technical majors are highly prioritized for Air Force ROTC scholarships and career field selection. Cadets benefit from increased scholarship competitiveness, early Top Secret/SCI clearance opportunities, hands-on leadership and technical training, and a strong foundation for high-paying civilian cyber careers. Starting salaries of $150K+ are common after completing military service.
Cyberspace Operations Officer (17D/17S)
Lead teams conducting defensive and offensive cyber missions against nation-state threats. Your DSU coursework in cybersecurity, networking, and programming translates immediately to real-world operations.
U.S. Space Force
AFROTC is one of the primary commissioning sources for Space Force Guardians. Many roles combine cyber expertise with protecting vital space assets (satellites, GPS, missile-warning systems) from attack. Express interest as early as your freshman or sophomore year for direct selection opportunities.
Meet our senior ROTC cadets
Emily Helgeson | Air Force
B.S. Cyber Leadership & Intelligence, Class of 2026
From Rapid City, SD
Aden Mickartz | Space Force
B.S. Cyber Operations, Class of 2027
From Parker, Colorado
Christopher Park | Space Force
B.S. Cyber Operations & B.S. Network Security Administration, Class of 2027
From Watertown, SD
ROTC alumni success story
Captain Gabe Lamb of Rapid City, SD commissioned into the United States Space Force in May 2021 through Detachment 780 at South Dakota State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations from Dakota State University.
Currently serving as a Mission Planning Cell Chief, Captain Lamb oversees cyber crew operations and issues Cyber Tasking Orders to enable continuous monitoring, threat hunting, system clearance, and mission hardening across space access and orbital warfare systems.
Program structure
The program builds progressive leadership experience from day one through graduation. ROTC includes three core components that span all four years, including aerospace studies courses, leadership laboratory, physical training.
This is a time for focusing on learning, exploring the program, and becoming familiar with the structure of ROTC. No commitment is required unless on scholarship.
Typical weekly commitments include:
- A 1-credit academic class
- Two hours of leadership lab
- Two hours of physical training
Cadets must also complete at least one officer-development experience. The options include base visits, orientation flights, or summer programs.
Field Training is a competitive and rigorous program that cadets attend at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama during the summer between sophomore and junior year.
Field Training focuses on:
- Leadership evaluation
- Physical conditioning
- Firearms familiarization
- Survival skills
- Teamwork discipline
The final two years of the program shift into deeper leadership responsibility, including planning and running weekly lab and PT sessions.
Weekly expectations include:
- A 3-credit academic class
- Two hours of leadership lab
- Two hours of physical training
- Additional leadership duties
Upon completing all program requirements and graduating from DSU, cadets commission as Second Lieutenants in either the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force. Minimum active-duty service commitment is four years, with longer commitments for certain specialized career fields.
DSU cyber and computer science graduates are highly competitive for Cyberspace Operations positions. Many cadets interested in Space Force commission directly as Guardians.
Getting started
Step 1:
Enroll as a full-time DSU student (12+ credit hours)
Step 2:
Register for AIR 101 class and leadership lab through DSU
Step 3:
Complete in-processing during New Cadet Orientation (weekend before classes begin).
Required documents to bring:
- Original or certified birth/naturalization certificate
- Original Social Security card
- Completed sports physical (Air Force ROTC Form 28 will be emailed to you)