JROTC Army Instructor (AI)

Nimble; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) invites applications for an Army Instructor (AI) to lead JROTC instruction across IPS high schools. The AI assists the Senior Army Instructor in program management, cadet training, and engagement with school authorities to foster discipline and academic excellence.

The role emphasizes compliance with Army regulations, safety, and community outreach, while supporting cadet development and school leadership initiatives.

Qualifications

• Be retired or separated from the U.S. Army with honors and meet Cadet Command requirements.
• Must have minimum Associate’s degree; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Maintain certification and training in JROTC-related programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist SAI in establishing procedures for administration and training of cadets.
• Manage JROTC unit in accordance with school rules and Army regulations.
• Maintain relations with school authorities, faculty, and cadets.
• Prepare weekly training schedules and ensure unit accountability.
• Support public affairs and community engagement for JROTC.

Skills

Cadet leadership

Discipline & safety

Instructional delivery

Communication skills

Program management

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Title: Army Instructor (AI)

Who We Are

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is a student-focused, innovative educational organization committed to academic excellence. Our mission is to empower and educate all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with a purpose. We are a family of excellent public schools in which every student has the opportunity to succeed and the power to create their own future.

Led by forward-thinking leadership and our commitment to prioritizing students, racial equity, and authentic engagement with our families, team members, and communities, our staff have diverse opportunities to develop their careers in a challenging but rewarding environment. We are an organization for people who are passionate about education and who are committed to the Indianapolis community.

Summary of Opportunity

The Army Instructor (AI) presents JROTC instruction at applicable IPS high schools. He or she assists the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) in the overall management of the JROTC program at the school and in maintaining good relations with school authorities.

What You’ll Do

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• The Army Instructor will assist the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) in establishing procedures relating to the administration, control, and training of JROTC cadets to include appointment, promotion, and demotion of cadet officers and noncommissioned officer.
• The Army Instructor will assist the SAI manage and conduct the JROTC unit according to school rules, regulations and customs. The AI will advise school authorities of laws and Army regulations affecting the JROTC unit.
• The Army Instructor will maintain good relations with school authorities, faculty, and the student body.
• The Army Instructor will assist the SAI prepare weekly training schedules.
• The Army Instructor will assist the SAI ensures continuous evaluation of the JROTC unit.
• The Army Instructor will assist the SAI in conducting a public affairs program in the local area among school and community officials, civic groups, parent‑teacher groups, and other individuals or groups, designed to further the understanding of the JROTC unit, the school, and the Army.
• The Army Instructor will support school officials and programs enrolling students in the JROTC Program.
• The Army Instructor will maintain contact with parents of cadets experiencing academic and/or behavioral problems.
• The Army Instructor will ensure the JROTC areas are neat and orderly; current chain of command photos, cadet creed, core abilities and mission statement are present and posted; and all sensitive items are secured.
• The Army Instructor will maintain current copies of DA Form 3126 and/or DA Form 3126-1, a completed service learning checklist and evaluation rubric, and required JUMS reports.
• The Army Instructor will equally share teaching responsibilities.
• The Army Instructor will assist the SAI in maintaining accountability of all equipment in accordance with applicable Army regulations to include items that require formal accountability (e.g., pellet rifles), informal accountability (e.g., clothing) and durable items that cost $5,000 or less (e.g., automation, computers, audiovisual).
• The Army Instructor will serve as Cadre member during the Indiana State JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC), (JROTC Summer Camp) when conducted.
• The Army Instructor will maintain certification by attending required refresher training in accordance with current guidance from Cadet Command to include annual Ethics, Marksmanship, and Government Purchase Card related training. Attend basic and advanced JROTC School of Cadet Command (JSOCC) as required.
• The Army Instructor will attain and maintain license to drive an IPS mini bus, if needed, to transport JROTC cadets to support Color Guard, Drill Team, Honor Guard, Raider Team missions, events etc. Recommend AIs attain and maintain a CDL to drive an IPS full size bus to support JROTC missions such as JCLC if needed.

Day In the Life Overview

• Manage classroom course curriculum and conduct presentations in a classroom environment.
• Conduct integrated curricular activities in a field setting, in a gymnasium, on a rifle range, or on a drill floor or drill area.
• Prepare all class requirements such as exams, handouts, and instructional material. Possibly assist the SAI in the completion of program documents such as Field Trip Requests, program supply needs, budgetary needs, inventories, and more.
• Meet with the school officials that are involved with the JROTC Program such as Counselors, Future Center, etc.
• Attend periodic Personnel Development Programs as dictated by IPS.
• Respond to questions and concerns from teachers, administrators and students.

What You’ll Bring: Skills and Mindsets

• Growth Mindset – Continuously seeks to improve your individual work, your instructional team’s work, and the overall quality of your program. Proactively seeks and acts on feedback.
• Effective Influencer – Inspires others to work towards common goals to meet the needs of urban school students. Work with community organizations to create learning experiences for your students.
• Strong Collaboration & Cross-Functional Skills – Builds rapport and cooperative relationships with others. Establishes and maintains strong relationships with relevant stakeholders. Places high priority on team and program goals.
• Interpersonal Skills – Demonstrate professional ability to lead, motivate and influence young men and women to learn and develop leadership, self‑reliance and discipline, responsiveness to constituted authority and attributes of good citizenship and patriotism.
• Communication Skills – Possesses effective verbal and written communication and should be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
• Project Management – Manages multiple projects from end to end, identifying and monitoring project milestones, and maintaining program accountability for results.

Education, Certification, and Licensure Requirements

• Be retired or separated from the U.S. Army in grades E‑6 thru E‑9 or WO‑1 thru CW5 with an honorable discharge within the past 5 years with at least 10 years of service.
• In addition, noncommissioned officers who are actively participating as members of the US Army Reserve or National Guard, with at least 10 years of service at the time of application and have not yet reached retirement eligibility, may serve as instructors.
• Must meet all instructor eligibility requirements contained in Cadet Command Regulation (CCR) 145‑2; and must have been certified to perform duties as AI by the U.S. Army Cadet Command (USACC).
• If retired or discharged within the past 5 years, must have been discharged under honorable conditions.
• Have a military and civil record that reflects a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness and conduct that is above reproach. No record of convictions by court-martial and no record of civil convictions except for minor traffic offenses.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be of good moral character and have the mental ability, positive attitude, physical appearance and condition, and neatness required for favorable representation of the program and the Army in the school and civilian community.
• Have general knowledge of course subject matter and demonstrated instructional ability.
• Have no personal habits or character traits that are questionable from a security, stability or social standpoint such as (but not limited to) financial irresponsibility, excessive drinking or gambling, drug use or emotional instability.
• Undergo a five‑year background investigation and submit to subsequent investigations every five years to retain position of trust. Current U.S. Army Cadet Command Instructor Certification to include a favorable Child Care National Agency Investigation (CNACI) background check.
• Must have a minimum of an Associate’s degree from an accredited institution to hold an AI position. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Receive and maintain certification to perform AI duties from the U.S. Army Cadet Command.
• Meet retention medical fitness standards as prescribed in Appendix C, CCR 145‑2.

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Eligibility for Remote Work

Not Eligible

Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Possess sufficient medical, physical and mental fitness, and be willing to perform, participate in and supervise activities consistent with the conduct of the JROTC program (e.g., color guard, drill team, academic competition teams, field skills, rifle team, JROTC summer camp, etc.).

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

EEOC Statement

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Disclaimer

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function.