ROTC instructor duty now includes NCOs

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MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) --  Air Force ROTC officials have just expanded instructor duty opportunities to include enlisted Airmen from diverse career fields.

The secretary of the Air Force has approved a test program designed to incorporate enlisted perspectives into the curriculum.

The addition of enlisted instructional staff, known as instructor leaders, is an effort to highlight the dynamic and complementary relationship that exists between officers and enlisted Airmen.

Technical sergeants and master sergeants will mentor cadets and facilitate a newly developed course. It is designed to provide insight into areas such as officer and enlisted professional relationships, enlisted professional development, and military customs and courtesies.

"These new instructors will enrich the cadet's educational experience and better prepare them for Air Force leadership positions," said Col. Alan Thompson, commander of Air Force ROTC. "The NCOs will complement the officer cadre and conduct classroom instruction at colleges, universities, field-training encampments and other professional development locations throughout the year."

Air Force officials will test the program for three years at 10 detachments, but they said they expect to implement the program at each of the 145 detachments nationwide by 2007. The initial locations may include Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon and the District of Columbia.

"NCOs in most Air Force specialty codes will be considered, but those with recent experience in an operational or support unit are highly desired to fill this role," Colonel Thompson said.

People interested in this opportunity have until April 10 to apply and should review the specific qualifications and application procedures on the Air Force Personnel Center's assignment management system Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil.

Air Force ROTC is the largest and oldest source of commissioned officers for the Air Force. The program commissions about 2,500 second lieutenants annually. (Courtesy of Air Education Training Command News Service)