AF implements non-volunteer MTI selection process

  • Published
  • By Debbie Gildea
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) --  Technical sergeants and master sergeants who meet qualification requirements may be non-voluntarily selected for military training instructor duty, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

"Low MTI manning levels in 2003 resulted in non-volunteer selections, so this decision is not without precedent," said Col. Deborah Landry, the AFPC Airman Assignments Division chief. "We have a similar manning problem now, as well as other concerns, so this month we will use the non-volunteer selection process to bring the manning levels up."

Manning alone will not correct other problems identified during the recent investigation into MTI misconduct, the colonel said.

"Low manning may have allowed misconduct to go unnoticed, but investigation results indicated that other factors may have contributed to the problem, including maturity and experience levels."

To help resolve that problem, AFPC will non-volunteer only technical sergeants and master sergeants, based on grade and time on station. AFPC will continue to accept volunteer applications, but will supplement those with non-volunteers. Staff sergeants may still apply, but acceptance will be by exception.

Master Sgt. Daniel R. Chapman, a career assistance adviser here at Yokota Air Base, highly encourages the interested candidates to seek more information on the positions.

According to Chapman, it's the most rewarding aspect of the career, shaping the future of Air Force. "There aren't many jobs that give you that opportunity to take civilian recruits and transform them into an Airman."

"It's definitely a career broadening opportunity," Chapman said. "You get an opportunity to step outside your career field and gain a different perspective about the Air Force. Once you return to your old Air Force Specialty Code, you have the leadership experience that will shape you into a better noncommissioned officer."

Applying to be an MTI has many benefits, ranging from special duty pay to the MTI ribbon, according to Chapman. However, there is more to it than the simple bonuses.

When applying for a senior NCO position, having that MTI experience included in the package will give the applicant a competitive edge over his or her peers, Chapman said.

"They're not just looking for an AFSC expert; they're looking for people that have the experience, Chapman said. "Air Force experience with the ability to lead outside their normal AFSC."

Chapman also suggests that leaders should try to encourage any possible candidates for the duty that may seem hesitant. The best help to provide is information, and assist the candidates with an educated decision.

Airmen selected will receive their assignment notification through the normal notification process. Soon after that, selected Airmen will also get a notification to let them know when they are scheduled for MTI training.

Once they receive their assignment notification, selected Airmen will have 45 days to complete and submit the MTI application. If they do not do so within that time, they will be required to submit a training declination statement, which will make them ineligible for promotion, assignments, reenlistment and extension.

"Basic military training is the cornerstone of the Air Force. Every enlisted member has completed or will complete BMT, so getting the MTI field healthy is a critical priority," Landry explained.

Some Airmen will not be considered for non-volunteer selection, such as those with more than 16 years of active duty service, those whose skill levels are not commensurate with their grade and those in a chronic critical skill or who receive a selective reenlistment bonus. As with all assignment processes, special circumstances will be considered case-by-case, Landry said.

Commanders have a role to play in the process, as well. Once applicants have been selected, commanders must verify that they meet requirements, and must complete the commander recommendation letter.

Required application package contents and instructions are available in the Air Force Special Duty Catalog, accessible via the myPers site. Go to https://mypers.af.mil, and enter SPECAT in the search window.

For information from the Air Education and training command, go to www.aetc.af.mil. For information about MTI duty, visit the 737th Training Support Squadron page on the Air Force Portal or send an email to 737trg.mtir@us.af.mil or 737TRG.TSSV3@us.af.mil.

For more information about enlisted special duty opportunities, go to https://mypers.af.mil and enter "Equal Plus" in the search window.

(A1C Soo C. Kim, 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs also contributed to the story)