Junior ROTC seeks teachers

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MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) --  The Air Force needs more military retirees to take on teaching roles in high-school classrooms as the service expands its Junior ROTC program.

The 744 units in high schools worldwide offer many opportunities for qualified, eligible applicants, said Jo Alice Talley, Junior ROTC instructor management chief.

“We have been approved to add an additional 201 units by fiscal year 2007,” she said. “The expansion provides increased opportunities for rewarding community service positions for retired Air Force members interested in becoming high-school teachers.”

Retirees can apply for the vacancies listed on the Air Force Junior ROTC Web site at www.afoats.af.mil. People can click on the “AFJROTC” link and then on the “Instructor” button to view the vacancies.

People from all career fields are needed, said Col. Sam Barr, Junior ROTC director.

“It doesn't matter what profession the person had in the Air Force,” he said. “The leadership skills, customs and courtesies, academic background and professional military education are all excellent preparation for taking a role as a leader in the … classroom.”

In an effort to help meet the need for more teachers, Air Force Personnel Center officials at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, are adding Junior ROTC teaching opportunities to the transition-assistance program mandatory preretirement counseling.

Airmen who retired from active duty within the past five years and who served at least 20 years may apply. Those who retired under the temporary early-retirement authority with at least 15 years of active-duty service may also apply, Talley said.

Active-duty airmen may apply when they are within six months of their retirement date. In some instances, the five-year date of retirement can be waived for up to 10 years, officials said.

Instructors wear uniforms, must meet current weight requirements and will receive, at a minimum, a salary equal to the difference between their retired pay and their active-duty pay and allowances, excluding incentive pay they would receive if on active duty.

For more information or to apply, call toll free at (866) 235-7682, ext. 35275 or 35300; call DSN 493-5275 or 493-5300; or send an e-mail to junior.rotc@maxwell.af.mil. People can also write to: HQ AFOATS/JRI, 551 E. Maxwell Blvd, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6106; or visit www.afoats.af.mil.