About ROTC

It is a challenge. It is an opportunity. It is a head-start on a lifetime of success, within the Air Force and in everything you choose to do.

Air Force ROTC is a college program offered at over 1000 colleges and universities across the U.S. that prepares you to become an Air Force officer.

What does this mean to you? It means:

• The opportunity to get the money you need for college
• Making the most out of your college experience and your life
• The chance to earn a college degree while working toward becoming an officer in the United States Air Force
• The chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

But know it will not be easy. Air Force ROTC provides you with a challenging program to hone your time management, physical fitness and analytical skills – and helps you push yourself to achieve your goals.

But for those who are up to the challenge, the rewards last a lifetime.

In 1951, Colonel Oliver K. Halderson started the Air Force ROTC Detachment 205 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale  in Parkinson Hall. 

Around 1954, Colonel Alexander MacMillan started the Arnold Air Society and Angel Flight at Det 205.

In 1970, Colonel Edward Murphy was the Detachment Commander during the riots on the SIUC campus.  The Detachment was attacked and all the windows were broken out.  Air Force ROTC uniforms were stored in Wheeler Hall at that time; the windows were broken out and uniforms were either stolen or torn up.  A molatov cocktail was thrown in the Supply Office, where a fire started.  The fire was put out, however there was considerable damage.

Colonel C.R. Carlson took over as Commander in 1970 and negotiated with SIU for new quarters for Det 205.  A house was remodeled at 807 S. Normal Avenue and the Detachment was moved to this location during the winter break in 1970.

Detachment 205 remained in the house on Normal Avenue until the summer of 2014 when Det 205 moved to Kesnar Hall. Then in spring of 2023 to its current location within Grinnell Hall.