With more than 1,700 programs and 20 more approved to open in the next two years, the Army’s junior ROTC now has access to a larger pool of instructors because of a provision in the 2023 and 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

Army junior ROTC instructor positions that were previously limited to retirees are now open to recently separated officers and NCOs who served honorably for at least 10 years; reached the ranks of staff sergeant through command sergeant major, any warrant officer grade or captain through colonel; and possess an associate degree or higher. Service members from the National Guard and Army Reserve who meet the requirements also are eligible to apply.

“The additional eligibility for junior ROTC instructors will allow men and women who have served honorably in our Army to pass their knowledge and experience on to younger generations,” said retired Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, the Association of the U.S. Army’s vice president for Leadership and Education.

“As a former junior ROTC cadet, I know the value these programs have in building better citizens and future leaders for our nation,” Smith said. “My life was changed for the better due to the positive impact of my junior ROTC instructors.”

A new pay model also has been implemented to account for non-retiree junior ROTC instructors, with pay based on rank, education level, type of position and school location.

Junior ROTC is the third-largest youth program in the U.S., with 1,734 active programs and another 20 schools approved to open a junior ROTC program in the next two years, according to an Army news release. Cadets in the program exceed schools’ averages in attendance, graduation and GPA, and have lower drop-out rates and instances of indiscipline, according to the Army.

“The power of Army JROTC is its ability to create better students, better citizens, and better leaders for our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Antonio Munera, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command, which oversees the Army’s junior ROTC program.

“Our instructors are the ones in the classrooms and their communities putting their passion to work to make the power of Army JROTC come to life. Becoming a JROTC instructor is a great way for our service members to continue to serve our nation at the community level while making a positive impact on America’s youth,” Munera said.

Instructors also benefit from teaching cadets, said retired 1st Sgt. Cinnamon Chambers, who has been an instructor at Scarborough High School in Houston for four years.

“They’ve taught me more patience, and they keep me on my toes. They make me laugh every day,” Chambers said, according to the release. “They question a lot of things that I thought I knew but I don’t because things have changed over time. They make me a better person, a better mom to my own kids, and a better wife for my husband because they keep me well-rounded.”

For more information on Army junior ROTC instructor opportunities, visit www.usarmyjrotc.com.