Future AF trainers in demand at seminar Published May 18, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Airmen can attend the Air Education and Training Command special duty-recruiting seminar from 9 to 11 a.m. May 20 at the Joint Base Theater. The seminar is intended to inform and recruit Airmen for special-duty positions to include: military training instructor, military training leader, recruiter and enlisted professional military education instructor. Some restrictions apply, to include: senior airmen with at least 35 months time in service. Master sergeants must have less than 16 years total active federal military service may be eligible to apply and are encouraged to attend the briefing. "The seminar is meant to inform those who are eligible for these special duty positions," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Smith, 737th Training Support Squadron military training instructor recruiter. "Even though the special duties are for senior airmen through master sergeants, we invite Airmen of all ranks to attend whether they are officers or enlisted." Representatives from each special duty will speak in-depth about the rewards of serving as a MTI, MTL or PME instructor. When serving in a special-duty position, the servicemember has incentives to the duty they are fulfilling such as an extra $227 clothing allowance on top of their yearly clothing allowance. "Special-duty positions provide leadership experience, stability of a four-year controlled tour, special-duty pay and making an impact in the lives of our Airmen," said Master Sgt. Dennis Austin, 87th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "Special duties also give any individual that well-rounded, whole-person concept promotion boards are looking for in the top two ranks." Even though there are rewards, challenges are also a part of special duties. Long hours are just one of the many requirements necessary to successfully mentor Airmen. "Special duties are not for everyone," said Austin. "Duty assignments often require long hours, dedication, a professional image and passion toward the job." The seminar will not only provide information on an applicant's eligibility requirements but could also dispel rumors on these special-duty positions. Airmen who attend the seminar should bring note-taking material. "Bring questions to the seminar," said Smith. 'We have a large amount of information and want to accurately inform those interested in pursuing a special-duty position." Contact Master Sgt. Dennis Austin, 87th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, at 754-3949 for information on career opportunities.