Air Force looking for military training instructors

Few other figures in the Air Force exemplify leadership more than the military training instructor and more are needed to help meet short- and long-term manning goals.

Because of the demands of increasing end strength, Air Force officials need to bring in about 220 additional MTIs. About 4,000 additional enlisted Airmen per year will be recruited during the next two years. That will boost manning to 332,700.

The influx of new Airmen entering the Air Force and the recent expansion of the basic military training program has increased the number of trainees in the pipeline, said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Glasgow, chief of the support assignments branch at the Air Force Personnel Center here.

"To help meet the needs of the Air Force, we're working closely with Air Education and Training Command and the MTI recruiting team to streamline the instructor applications so we can make it easier for interested Airmen to enter these special duty assignments," Chief Glasgow said. "With senior leadership's involvement and by getting the word out, we're confident we'll be able to meet long-term manning goals."

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley recounted some of the benefits of being an MTI.

"The current cadre of MTIs are doing an outstanding job and are working long hours to meet this influx, but they need help from their fellow Airmen," Chief McKinley said. "For eligible senior airmen, staff and technical sergeants, MTI duty provides excellent leadership and supervisory experience and propels them toward future success."

Other benefits for donning the Air Force blue MTI hat include:
-- Stable four-year controlled tour
-- $375 monthly special duty pay
-- $222 annual supplementary clothing allowance
-- Credits toward a Community College of the Air Force associates degree in Instructor of Technology and Military Studies
-- Air Education and Training Command Instructor Badge
-- MTI Recognition Ribbon for successful tour

In the short term, however, Air Force officials said additional MTIs are needed now to ensure a sustainable pace for the future. To bridge the gap and support AETC requirements, AFPC officials will select individuals with prior MTI experience for temporary duty using the TDY manning assistance program. Individuals with MTI experience in the past four years will be tasked to return to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for a 179-day TDY.

"The MTI sets the foundation for every enlisted member's success in the Air Force," Chief McKinley said.