AFJROTC Instructor

About the Program

Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) relies on nearly 1,600 Airmen serving as Aerospace Science Instructors. The program extends beyond the regular school day and classroom, with instructors often supervising Leadership Development Requirements (LDRs) after hours. LDRs include experiential learning activities such as drill teams, academic bowl teams, and marksmanship teams. A successful AFJROTC program typically hosts multiple active LDRs throughout the year.

Each AFJROTC program must be staffed with a minimum of two instructors, with additional instructors added as enrollment grows. Units are designed to operate with one officer and one enlisted instructor:

• Officer Instructors: Hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with over 90% possessing master’s degrees. Backgrounds include teaching, managing complex programs, and extensive experience working with youth groups.
• Enlisted Instructors: Noncommissioned officers with at least an associate degree, though most hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. They bring experience in leadership, logistics, administration, drill and ceremony, teaching, and youth engagement.

Responsibilities

Instructors must uphold the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, adhering to Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force, and AFJROTC instructions. Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising cadets during official AFJROTC events, community service activities, and unit activities (e.g., drill competitions, curriculum-in-action trips, base visits).
• Maintaining a safe and inclusive environment free from harassment, bias, bullying, hazing, or inappropriate behavior.
• Serving as liaisons between the Air Force and civilian aerospace agencies, and providing career and performance counseling to cadets.
• Teaching AFJROTC aerospace science and leadership education curricula while engaging deeply in the community.

Essential Functions

• Conduct Academic Classes:
  • Prepare and teach 45- to 90-minute classes, up to 4-6 periods per day, with class sizes of 30+ students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Requires strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as patience.
• Lead Before/After-School Activities:
  • Coordinate and lead extracurricular activities (e.g., physical training, academic clubs, rocketry, marksmanship, drill instruction).
  • Requires organizational skills, teambuilding, and physical stamina.
• Lead Off-Campus Events:
  • Organize and lead field trips to historical sites, government agencies, military installations, and parades.
  • Requires organizational skills, physical stamina, and composure under stress.
• Serve as an Air Force Ambassador:
  • Maintain a professional military appearance and conduct in uniform.
  • Uphold a positive image of the Air Force through words and actions.
• Meet Certification Requirements:
  • Complete any state or local school district-mandated teacher certification or continuing education at no expense to the Air Force.
  • Incorporate AFJROTC-approved interactive learning tools into instruction.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of curriculum planning, Air Force educational programs, drill and ceremonies, and educational administration.
• Share Administrative Duties:
  • Equally divide academic, administrative, logistical, financial support tasks, and after-school activities among instructors.
• Complete Mandatory Training:
  • Fulfill all required AFJROTC instructor training.