Junior ROTC instructor duty opens to 'gray area' reservists Published May 1, 2008 MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Air Force Junior ROTC program is now hiring retired traditional reservists who are not drawing retirement pay. In the past, only retired active-duty Airmen could apply for the job but that changed with the passage of the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act. Now, "gray area" reservists -- retirees who are not age 60 and not drawing retirement pay -- can apply for instructor duty. "We are looking for retired Guard/Reserve officers and NCOs who want to continue serving their communities by teaching the next generation of leaders," said Col. Richard J. Ragaller, director of Air Force Junior ROTC here. Air Force junior ROTC currently has more than 50 officer instructor positions and more than 30 NCO slots open at locations throughout the United States. The program has 869 units worldwide, and 10 new ones will open in the coming school year. More than 101,000 students are enrolled in the program. "It's exciting to have the chance to add these outstanding Airmen to the (Air Force Junior) ROTC family," Colonel Ragaller said. "I don't think there can be any more rewarding career than 'Building Better Citizens for America.' "As instructors, they exemplify the Air Force's Core Values and set the highest standards of conduct and appearance for themselves and their students," he said. Applicants must have retired from the Air Force Reserve within the past five years or less with 20 "good years" of service and possess a DD Form 214/USAFR Point Credit Summary showing at least 3,600 retirement points. For more details, go to http://www.afoats.af.mil/AFJROTC/grayarea.asp. Officers must have a bachelor's degree or higher, and NCOs must have a minimum of high school diploma and must obtain an associate's degree within five years of employment. Additional education degrees and teacher certification are an advantage. Some school districts may require them. Instructors wear the Air Force uniform and must meet the Air Force appearance, weight and body fat standards. They must also have high standards of military bearing and moral character. The program provides temporary-duty funding for new instructors to complete Air University's two-week Aerospace Science Instructor Course here before receiving certification for instructor duty. The course includes training on instructor performance, standards and accountability as representatives of the Air Force; learning theory; communication skills; teaching methods; lesson planning and student evaluation. The program's mission is "Building Better Citizens for America." The Air Force Core Values provide the basis for the program. The curriculum provides cadets with leadership opportunities, life skills education, team-building experiences, character education and academic studies. The program also gives them tools for success after high school. For more information about instructor opportunities, call toll free 866-235-7682, ext. 35112 or 32535. The DSN number is 493-5112 or 2535. People also can go to http://www.afoats.af.mil/AFJROTC/instructors.asp to complete the instructor requirements and obtain application information. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service from an Air Force Junior ROTC news release)