SDSU Army ROTC

Army ROTC at SDSU has a rich tradition that dates back to the days when this university was first established. Military instruction was part of this school's program from the very beginning in 1884. Graduates of SDSU and the Army ROTC program have gone on to distinguish themselves as officers in the Active Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve. Our mission here at South Dakota State University is to find promising young people and mold them into tomorrow’s leaders. Army officers come from all walks of life but they share common characteristics. The same characteristics that make up the Army values: Loyalty: Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other soldiers, Duty: Fulfill your obligations, Respect: Treat people as they should be treated, Selfless-Service: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own, Honor: Live up to all the Army values, Integrity: Do what’s right, legally and morally, and Personal Courage: Face fear, physical or moral danger, and adversity. The Military Science Department at SDSU, has been instilling these values in cadets for over a century. General Omar Bradley was a former Professor of Military Science here at SDSU. Although he is more well known as being 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, it was he who dubbed SDSU Army ROTC "The West Point of the Plains". This title is still used frequently and proudly by all of its members past and present.