Air Force continues search for Junior ROTC instructors

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ralph Bitter
  • Air Force Junior ROTC
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) --  Officials continue to search for qualified instructors to serve in rapidly expanding Air Force Junior ROTC programs, said Jo Alice Talley, chief of instructor management for Air Force Junior ROTC here.

The Air Force is opening 48 new Junior ROTC units in high schools in 21 states, with more to follow. The new units will be ready for cadets in the fall.

“To meet our expansion goal, we need a total of 35 officers and 60 (noncommissioned officers) to serve in the new units," Ms. Talley said. “In addition to the new positions for the upcoming school year, we anticipate another 50 to 75 positions in existing units that will be vacated through instructor retirement.”

The program expanded in 2004 and will continue to grow from its current 746 units to 945 units by the start of the 2007-2008 school year, Air Force Junior ROTC officials said.

“With more than 160 schools on the waiting list, we expect to be able to open another 75 units in 2006 and 76 in 2007, which will bring us to the authorized (number),” said Col. H.B. McCarraher III, Air Force Junior ROTC director.

“This expansion allows Air Force Junior ROTC to open 199 new units across the world and reach an additional (20,000) to 30,000 students on top of the 104,000 already enrolled in the program,” he said.

“We are looking for Airmen who want to use the skills they learned and the education they received in the Air Force to prepare high school students to take their place as tomorrow’s (citizens),” Colonel McCarraher said. “As instructors, they should exemplify the Air Force’s core values and set the highest standards of conduct and appearance for themselves and their students.”

Retired Airmen interested in becoming Junior ROTC instructors must have retired from active duty within the past five years, officials said. Airmen on active duty may apply for positions when they are within six months of their retirement date. In some cases, the five-year requirement may be waived up to 10 years based on applicant qualifications and the needs of the program.

As a requirement of the No Child Left Behind Act, a minimum of an associate's degree will be required in the near future. Instructors must be recertified every three to five years.

“Instructors are deeply involved in their communities. They help plan and support activities such as military balls, cadet competitions, cadet newspaper production, military ceremonies and charitable activities,” Colonel McCarraher said. “They also provide instruction in drill and ceremonies and in the principles of leadership and management.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to watch a student grow and reach (his or her) potential,” he said.

Local school officials have has primary responsibility for the units, and the instructors work for the principal. Air Force officials provide guidance to ensure units operate according to Air Force standards, and they also provide uniforms, computers and curriculum materials.

“Every officer and NCO who retires honorably from the Air Force is a great candidate to become an (instructor),” Colonel McCarraher said. “If they still desire to wear the uniform and want one of the most rewarding jobs ever, then this is one of those lifetime opportunities they do not want to miss.”

For more information about instructor opportunities, call toll free (866) 235-7682, Ext. 35275 or 35300; DSN number 493-5275 or 5300; or visit www.afoats.af.mil. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)