Crosstown Agreement with Iowa State University

Drake University participates in Air Force ROTC through a crosstown agreement with Iowa State University, where Detachment 250 is based. As a Drake student, you remain enrolled full-time at Drake while attending Air Force ROTC courses, leadership laboratories, and training activities through Iowa State.

This partnership allows students to benefit from a well‑established Air Force ROTC program while continuing to fully engage in Drake’s academic and campus life.

What Air Force ROTC Offers

Air Force ROTC is designed to complement your education by focusing on:

• Leadership and ethical decision‑making
• Teamwork and communication
• Physical fitness and personal development
• Preparing to lead in complex, high‑stakes environments

Courses combine classroom instruction with experiential learning to develop skills that are valuable both in military service and civilian careers.

Do I have to commit right away?

No. Students may participate in Air Force ROTC during the early years of college with no military service obligation, allowing time to explore the program and determine whether commissioning is the right path. A commitment to service begins later, typically when a student enters the advanced portion of training or accepts a scholarship.

Commissioning and Career Pathways

Students who complete Air Force ROTC and commission do so as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force. Career paths span a wide range of fields—including aviation, engineering, intelligence, space operations, cybersecurity, and support roles—depending on individual interests and qualifications.