Duties of a Military Training Instructor

• If you have made the decision to join the U.S. Air Force, chances are you will undergo the rigors of military training under the direction of a military training instructor. This training prepares soldiers to defend the country, in addition to preparing them for their day-to-day duties as members of the Air Force. The image of these instructors being forceful and intimidating is only a glimpse into their responsibilities.

Administrative Duties

• After shouting at soldiers each day during training, military training instructors must prepare reports for each soldier that relate to their performance each day. Additionally, these reports must be organized and maintained for review by commanding officers. Military training instructors also evaluate the effectiveness of training activities and develop ways to improve such training. Finally, they may counsel soldiers who fail to fulfill the requirements and duties of training.

Instructional Duties

• Military training instructors also spend considerable time developing the training drills and activities for each day. This includes deciding whether training will be conducted indoors or outdoors, what facilities will be used and the necessary equipment needed for the day. They also develop and administer flight assignments. An important instructional duty involves creating a remedial training program, particularly for those with no prior military service experience.

Typical Day

• While many are still sleeping, military training instructors may rise as early as 3 a.m. and may not complete their day until after 8 p.m. Before launching into physical fitness and basic war drills, soldiers are evaluated on punctuality and adherence to the dress code. After undergoing physical training, students exercise their minds in the classroom by learning about Air Force practices and life, which range from flight drills and marksmanship skills to military citizenship and sexual harassment in the military. Principally, military training instructors must find a way each day to get soldiers to forget about themselves individually in favor of committing to the singular mission of the Air Force.