TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Within the military, adapting to military lifestyle is something some new service members go through. To help prepare young individuals looking to join the military, or wanting more structure, an elective class is available to them in high school.
Military branches have Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps classes taught by retired officers and senior non-commissioned officers. These retired service members continue to serve by imprinting a military mindset and providing advice to young cadets.
Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Gilbert Garcia, Rutherford High School JROTC instructor, is one such individual that decided to give back after his retirement.
Drawing close to his military retirement, Gilbert was introduced to the program by his family.
“Both of my sons were in JROTC,” he said. “So, I was familiar with the program and became interested.
“I’ve been teaching JROTC for 15 years,” Gilbert added. “When I was active duty, I taught professional military education for 12 years.”
Gilbert went on to explain the process of becoming an instructor.
“[To start the process you] go to the military personnel section and request a JROTC Instructor Application. I did this three months before I retired. You must be retired before you can get hired. In addition, you must provide a full-length photo and copies of your last 10 enlisted performance reviews or officer performance reviews,” he elaborated.
After becoming an instructor, individuals are paid a minimum instructor pay.
“Military instructor pay is equal to your active duty pay to include allowances,” Gilbert said. [For] example, I retired with 26 years of service, so my MIP would be for an E-8 [pay rate] with 26 years of service, plus basic allowance for housing, basic allowance for sustenance, clothing allowances, plus my yearly pay raise.”
According to the Air University website, instructors are charged with the task of instilling students with values such as citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, character and a sense of accomplishment. This is perfectly encapsulated in their motto: “Building Better Citizens for America.”
To imprint these mindsets, cadets maintain a scheduled and regimented curriculum while enrolled in the class.
“JROTC is an elective, so they must first request to take the class,” Gilbert said. “Once in, JROTC students must wear the uniform on the required day of the week. They must also complete all academic requirements and participate in other JROTC activities.”
Gilbert went on to explain the difficulties and rewards of the job.
“[One of the challenges is] dealing with students with discipline problems,” he said. “[Alternatively,] watching my senior cadets graduate is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Gilbert concluded with what he finds is the most important piece of information to give to young students, regardless of their plans after high school.
“Education never stops. After high school it starts all over whether you’re in the military or a civilian,” he said.
For more detailed information about becoming a JROTC instructor, visit http://www.afjrotc.com and click on the AFJROTC mission brief.