Become a Marine Corps JROTC Instructor
Continue your legacy of service by inspiring and mentoring the next generation of leaders. The Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) is seeking qualified Marines to serve as Senior Marine Instructors (SMIs) and Marine Instructors (MIs) at high schools across the United States.
MCJROTC instructors play a vital role in developing young men and women through leadership education, citizenship, character development, physical fitness, and community service. Today, more than 32,000 cadets participate in over 250 MCJROTC programs nationwide, and our instructors are the foundation of their success.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible to become an MCJROTC instructor if you are:
A retired Marine.
An active-duty Marine with 18 or more years of active service preparing to transition from the Marine Corps.
A Marine Corps Reservist in the grade of Sergeant (E-5) or above.
A Marine veteran with eight or more years of service who separated from active duty within the past five years in the grade of Sergeant (E-5) or above.
Board Certification Is Required
Before applying for an instructor vacancy, all applicants must first be certified by the Marine Corps JROTC Instructor Certification Board. Schools may only consider applicants who have successfully completed the MCJROTC certification process.
If you are not currently board certified, your first step is to complete the MCJROTC Intake Form . Once your submission is received, Marine Corps JROTC Headquarters will guide you through each phase of the certification process, including:
Application review
Background screening
Medical qualification
Review and approval by the MCJROTC Instructor Certification Board
After receiving board certification, you may apply for any advertised MCJROTC instructor position by contacting the Regional Director listed with the vacancy.
How to Become an MCJROTC Instructor
Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
Complete the MCJROTC Intake Form .
Complete all certification requirements.
Receive certification from the MCJROTC Instructor Certification Board.
Review available vacancies and contact the appropriate Regional Director to apply.
Instructor Opportunities
MCJROTC instructor positions are available throughout the United States in both established and newly authorized programs. Depending on the school district, positions may offer:
Immediate employment opportunities.
Competitive salaries, with many districts paying above the Minimum Instructor Pay (MIP).
10-, 11-, or 12-month contracts.
Additional stipends, summer compensation, and other local incentives.
Opportunities to help establish and grow newly authorized MCJROTC units.
Browse the vacancy listings below to explore current opportunities. Each listing includes the position, school location, availability, and the appropriate Regional Director who can provide additional information.
Your experience as a Marine has already made a difference. As an MCJROTC instructor, you can continue that service by shaping the character, leadership, and future of America's youth.
Category I - Officers and Senior enlisted Marines ;
on active duty who have 18 or more years of active service.
who retired or have transferred to the IRR pending retirement
who are TERA & Combat Wounded Marines with an official retirement date
Category II - Reserve Officers and senior enlisted Marines who have completed 20 years of honorable service are eligible to apply to become JROTC instructors.
This covers Retirement through SMCR and IRR
Category III - Marines in pay grade E5 (Sergeants) and above who have separated with 8 plus years of active service and who have no more than 5 years since separation for active duty.
Category IV - SMCR Marines in pay grade E5 (Sergeants) and above.
Applications from all Marine Officers and Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO) in category I-IV will be considered.