CW3 Ayala founded the Military Explorers of the Inland Empire in 2013 with the intent to offer a rigorous military career pathways program that serves the youth of the Inland Empire. The program is Co-sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and San jacinto valley academy. The Military Explorers is a distinguished program of integrity combined with high adventure leadership laboratory training.

CWO Ayala served as a teacher in the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 2003 working on many district level military programs such as the California Cadet Corps and Military Enlistment Preparation Program. Mr. Ayala was assigned as the Coordinator of Sierra High School's Military Enlistment Preparation & Medal of Honor Programs. Part-time CWO Ayala also served as a Small Arms Training Officer with the Small Arms Training Team based at Camp Roberts. In 2022 CWO Ayala retired from the California State Guard but fulfilled positions as a JBIC Instructor with Joint Training Command and the OCS Training Unit, Military History Unit S1, State Recruiter, and Individual Ready Reserve Administration Officer. 

CWO Ayala enlisted in the United States Army in 1991 and served with the California National Guard and Army Reserve until 2002. He has served with a Small Arms Training unit, Psychological Operations (PSYOP), Ordnance Unit, Military Police, and Infantry HHC. His primary Military Occupational Specialty is 45B, Small Arms repair / armorer.

CWO Ayala has over 30 years of youth training experience starting with joining the California Cadet Corps in the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1986 as a cadet and attaining the rank of Cadet Major all while serving in numerous leadership positions. In 1992 he earned an honorary commission and was assigned as a Special Projects Officer for the Los Angeles brigade. In 1999 he was assigned as a Brigade Liaison Officer for the State Headquarters and from 2004 to 2013 as Commandant of Cadets at a middle school and 2 high schools within the San Bernardino City school district cadet program.

CWO Ayala holds a Preliminary Administrative services credential and multiple CTE credentials in Education, Marketing, Business, and Public Service. Chief Ayala currently serves as the Director of Public Service at the San Jacinto Valley Academy.

He's earned a Master's Degree in Education Administration from National University as well as a Bachelor's Degree in History and an Associates Degree in General Studies from Columbia College.

CWO Ayala has held various teaching positions such as MEP Instructor, commandant of cadets, physical education instructor, financial literacy instructor, and APEX site coordinator for the San Bernardino City School District.

CWO Ayala's awards include Small Arms Repair Certified (45B), US Army Sharp Shooter badge, National Defense Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, War of Terrorism Ribbon, US Army Reserve Commendation Medal, The California Medal of Merit, State Recruiter Badge, successful completion of the California State Guard Warrant Officer Candidate School, (WOCS), the Recruiting Ribbon, Outstanding Service Ribbon, and perfect Drill Attendance Ribbon from the California State Military Reserve. He's Combat Life Support Certified, and has earned the Military Emergency Management Badge

(MEMS).

Educational Awards include the Mainstream Educator of the year in 2009,

"Top 10%" Teacher award in 2010 and in 2019 Top Educator by the San Bernardino City Unified School District. 

He's also a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Certified Trainer, and has received numerous City, County, State and Federal awards and recognition from 1986-2016.

CWO Ayala is married to Denise Ayala (teacher) of 32 years. He has 3 children, Alyssa, Kayla, and Micah Ayala. 

He maintains his associations in the Hemet-San Jacinto Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, 501st Legion, Military Officers of America, and is an active member of his church in San Jacinto. His hobbies include, traveling, recreational shooting, being part of the Inland Empire Squad of the 501st, Airsoft MIL-SIM competitions, RC car racing, and riding his motorcycle.

2LT Simeone Miller is an assistant advisor for the Military Explorers of the Inland Empire with over a decade of leadership development and public service education experience. He is an alumnus of the Military Explorers, where he previously served as its battalion commander for the 2017-2018 school year. After graduating from the Explorers program, he attended California State University, San Bernardino where he graduated cum laude with a B.A. in political science and a minor in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. He would further be designated an enrolled scholar with the U.S. Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence program at California State University, San Bernardino and receive an M.A. in Social Sciences and Globalization with a Thematic Concentration in Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies. 

In addition to his work with the Military Explorers, he has been involved in research and advocacy on issues relevant to U.S. foreign relations such as Middle Eastern security, counterterrorism, human rights, international diplomacy, and the United Nations. This includes internships and fellowships with the U.S. Department of State Virtual Student Federal Service, Crane Center for Mass Atrocity Prevention, Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, and John Quincy Adams Society. His commentary on global security and diplomatic affairs has been featured in news outlets such as Realist Review, Responsible Statecraft, and The National Interest.  His other signature work has included collaborative research at the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, which was cited by federal lawmakers during the development of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. He was also a contributing author in Global Terrorism: A Reference Handbook (2023) by Dr. Steven J. Childs. He maintains continued associations with the Middle East Studies Association (MESA), International Studies Association (ISA), and the American Political Science Association (APSA). He is also a lifetime member of the Pi Sigma Alpha - Political Science Honor Society's Theta Iota Chapter.

His hobbies include gaming, reading comics, and watching Arabic language cinema and Japanese anime.

Jacob is a dedicated military professional with a decade of experience in exploration and leadership. Having served five years as a military explorer, he excelled as Battalion Commander, overseeing multiple expeditions and honing his leadership skills. Following this, he completed four years of service in the United States Marine Corps, where he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, and underwent rigorous training in diverse environments across California, from snow-covered mountains to arid deserts.

Now in the tenth year of his involvement with the explorer unit, Jacob continues to inspire others through his commitment to service and exploration. With a passion for adventure and a strong sense of duty, he strives to make a meaningful impact in every endeavor.