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 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. 

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 Maintenance Company, 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.

In 2012, Chief Ayala enlisted into the California State Guard and was accepted into the State's Officer Candidate School. After more than a year of training, Mr. Ayala earned an appointment as an Ordnance Warrant Officer One and began serving with the States Recruiting Company. In his over 10 year tenure with the CSG, he served as a Training, Instructor, Administrative and retention Officer with miltiple units throughout the State of California. In 2023, CWO Ayala retired from the California State Guard to focus more on his 2020 elected position of Coincil Member with the City of San Jacinto. 

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, Military, and Public Service. Chief Ayala retired from teaching after more than a quarter centry and returned to his Security roots in Executive Protection serving high-profile clients in the Southern California region. 

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, Behavior Support Specialist, SBTA Site Lead, Public Service Director, District Program Specialist, and APEX site coordinator with the San Bernardino City School District and San Jacinto VAlley Academy. 

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, 2009

"Top 10%" Teacher award, 2010 and 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 (Retired teacher) of 35 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. 

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.

Sergeant Jodice Soto is an Assistant Advisor for the Military Explorers of the Inland Empire, having served in that role since 2019. He brings a diverse background in law enforcement, military service, and youth development, with years of experience mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. He has served as a Police Officer with a local law enforcement agency since 2023, where he applies his skills in public safety, leadership, and community engagement.

Sergeant Soto has served in the United States Army and California Army National Guard since 2017 as both an Infantryman and Mortarman. Throughout his military career, he has participated in multiple activations, mobilizations, and an overseas deployment, gaining valuable experience in small-unit leadership, discipline, and mission-oriented operations.

His commitment to service began early as a Cadet in the California Cadet Corps from 2011 to 2014, where he first developed his passion for leadership and mentorship.

He began his involvement with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in 2016 as a member of a local team. Through continued commitment to emergency preparedness and strengthening community training programs, he earned his certification as a CERT Trainer in 2018. From 2019 to 2021, while serving as a Park Ranger, he supported CERT programs and assisted with high school CERT clubs in the Rancho Cucamonga area, helping guide students through hands-on training and leadership development in emergency response.

In addition to his field experience, Sergeant Soto is a certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot, with practical application in both military and law enforcement environments, as well as personal use. He studied Administration of Justice and Emergency Management at Moreno Valley College and continues to pursue higher education to further his personal and professional growth.

As an Assistant Advisor, Sergeant Soto is committed to developing confident, disciplined, and capable young leaders. He emphasizes accountability, leadership by example, and real-world application, ensuring Explorers are not only prepared for potential military service, but equipped with the mindset and skills to succeed in any path they pursue. He takes pride in building individuals who are ready to lead, serve, and make a positive impact in their communities.

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.

Specialist Micah Ayala is one of the longest-serving and most dedicated participants in Military Explorers Post III.

Growing up around the program from an early age, Micah began attending field training exercises (FTXs), community events, and educational trips at just 9 years old after being “volun-told” to join fellow explorers on various adventures. 

What began as a childhood experience quickly became a lifelong passion for leadership, teamwork, and service. Through years of participation, he gained firsthand experience in many aspects of the organization’s operations and mentorship culture.

As he grew within the program, Specialist Ayala took on an additional responsibility by serving as a classroom assistant at San Jacinto Valley Academy Public Service Program, where he further developed his understanding of youth leadership, program development, and organizational sustainment. His time assisting the Troop Advisor and mentoring younger students helped strengthen his commitment to guiding future explorers and supporting the mission of the organization.

A graduate of Tahquitz High School, Specialist Ayala has also built extensive professional experience in VIP security services for high-profile companies and currently serves in asset protection for a local retail organization. 

Today, he continues to give back as a valued Assistant Advisor to Military Explorers Post III helping mentor and inspire the next generation of young leaders through dedication, professionalism, and years of service to the program.

Since the age of 14, Kayla has been dedicated to the Military Explorers Post III where she started with the rank of Cadet Corporal and steadily advanced to the rank of Cadet Colonel before transitioning into adult leadership and assistant Advisor. 

Throughout this journey, she developed strong discipline, leadership, and operational skills while gaining over a decade of hands-on leadership and cyber intelligence experience. In addition to her service background, Kayla pursued higher education and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Computer Science. 

SPC Kelly is currently continuing her academic path by working toward a Master’s degree in Computer Science, with the goal of enlisting in the United States Air Force as a Cyber Intelligence Officer. 

Kayla’s combined experience in leadership, technology, and service has prepared her to contribute effectively in both military and cyber operations environments.