WASHINGTON –
I still remember the military training instructors from my time attending Air Force basic training back in 1974 -- Tech. Sgt. Taylor and Staff Sgt. Duke. Just as I remember them, I also remember the lessons they taught me. Sergeant Taylor taught me how to salute -- I salute the very same way today -- how to wear the uniform and about being an Airman. These MTIs taught me the foundations of service to our nation -- military bearing, standards and discipline. Those very same lessons have helped mold me into the Airman I am today.
The Air Force needs more MTIs right now to meet the demands of our increasing end strength. We are recruiting about 4,000 additional enlisted Airmen per year during the next two years to boost our manning to 332,700. The current cadre of MTIs are doing an amazing job and working long hours to meet this influx of Airmen, but we need to bring on about 220 additional MTIs to get back on track and ensure a sustainable pace for our training professionals.
That's where you come in. If you are a senior airman, staff or technical sergeant, desire a challenge and would like to make a positive impact on the Airmen of tomorrow -- this job is for you! This special duty will give you opportunities to instill warrior ethos in Airmen and impact the critical mission of our Air Force. You will see firsthand the results of your work every eight and half weeks when the Airmen you trained participate in the Basic Military Training graduation parade.
Besides the tremendous job satisfaction of molding the Air Force's future leaders, there are numerous other benefits. MTIs are placed on a stable four-year controlled tour, wear the distinctive and prestigious MTI hat and the Air Education and Training Command instructor badge, get college credits toward a Community College of the Air Force degree in instructor of technology and military studies, earn $375 in monthly special-duty pay and $222 annual supplementary clothing allowance, and will wear the MTI recognition ribbon upon completion of a successful tour.
If that is not enough, being an MTI gives Airmen unparalleled leadership and supervisory experience and sets them up for future personal and professional success. MTI duty can be a solid springboard to success. Two former chief master sergeants of the Air Force were MTIs -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gary Pfingston. Although I have not served as an MTI, I respect and admire their service greatly.
If you fall into that senior airman to technical sergeant range, I encourage you to apply for this amazing duty today. If you are interested, contact the MTI recruiting team direct at 210-671-1016 or send an e-mail to mtir@lackland.af.mil.