About DET 550
Building leaders of character for the United States Air Force and Space Force
Our History
Detachment 550 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was established in 1949, only two years after the Army Air Corps officially became its own military branch, the United States Air Force. The detachment, under the command of Major Edward M. Rex, organized a group of fewer than 100 cadets.
Today, we combine RPI’s legacy of engineering excellence with the demands of modern aerospace and cyber domains. Cadets are immersed in leadership labs, team training, and mission-oriented exercises that reflect our founding emphasis on “warrior leaders” and service beyond the classroom. From the first class of 1949 to the newest aerospace officers of today, our tradition is clear: develop professionals of character, intellect and skill who are ready to lead in the skies or space.
Core Values
Integrity First
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, doing what is right even when no one is watching.
Service Before Self
We put the mission and our team ahead of personal interests, serving with dedication and selflessness.
Excellence in All We Do
We strive for continuous improvement and maintain the highest standards in everything we undertake.
Our Schools
Detachment 550 is hosted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, and proudly serves students from partner cross-town institutions across the Capital Region. Cadets attend aerospace studies at RPI while completing degrees at their home universities.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, New York
Cross-Town Partners
Students from these institutions participate in AFROTC at Det 550 while enrolled at their home campus.
- Website
Adirondack Community College (SUNY Adirondack)
Queensbury, NY
- Website
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Albany, NY
- Website
Albany Law School
Albany, NY
- Website
Albany Medical College
Albany, NY
- Website
Columbia–Greene Community College
Hudson, NY
- Website
SUNY Empire State (Empire State University)
Saratoga Springs, NY
- Website
Fulton–Montgomery Community College
Johnstown, NY
- Website
Hartwick College
Oneonta, NY
- Website
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, NY
- Website
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, MA
- Website
Russell Sage College
Troy/Albany, NY
- Website
Sage College of Albany (historical)
Albany, NY
- Website
Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady)
Schenectady, NY
- Website
Siena College
Loudonville, NY
- Website
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY