Department of Aerospace Studies

Lt Col Craig D. McCuin, Department Head
AFROTC / Aerospace Studies
Box 2236 DePuy Military Hall
605-688-6106
E-mail: bonnie.luecke@sdstate.edu
E-mail: det780@us.af.mil
www.sdstate.edu/air

Faculty

Lt Col McCuin, Head. Adjunct Instructor Chang.

Overview

The Department of Aerospace Studies is dedicated to training college students for successful careers as officers in the United States Air Force. The department is home of Air Force ROTC Detachment 780 at South Dakota State University. The detachment has had a long history of providing leaders for the nation’s Air Force. The AFROTC leadership development program is open to students in any major and is of long-range value whether one pursues a military or civilian career.

Programs

Aerospace Studies Minor

Facilities and Services

The detachment is headquartered in the basement level, Room 3 of DePuy Military Hall at SDSU’s main campus in Brookings, South Dakota.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

Air Force ROTC scholarships are available for qualified undergraduate students. These scholarships pay full tuition and fees at SDSU, $600 per year for textbooks, and a monthly stipend ranging from $300 to $500per month. All non-scholarship students in the Professional Officer Course who are on contract with Air Force ROTC qualify for the monthly stipend ranging from $350 to $400. Non-scholarship students, in their last two years of AFROTC, who are South Dakota residents may qualify for reduced tuition.

In addition to military and academic training, students have opportunities to travel, connect with veterans, and serve the local community.

Flying Irish AFROTC Basketball Tournament - Annually the cadets will take a trip to The University of Notre Dame and compete in a basketball tournament with other detachments from across the country.
Royal Blue Drill Team - Cadets have an opportunity to work with the drill team. Upon proving proficiency they perform at various ceremonies in the local community.
Veterans Vigil - Cadets guard the Brookings Veterans Memorial to honor America’s military members on Veterans’ Day.
Professional Development - Opportunities at various bases throughout the United States.
Project Go – Scholarships to study critical languages.