The defense of modern airspace relies heavily on high-tech integration, strategic command, and elite personnel who can rapidly interpret changing battlefield dynamics. At the center of this mission is the Air Battle Manager (Instructor), a vital role within the Department of the Air Force. Located at the mountain-enclosed tactical training hubs of Mountain Home, Idaho, this permanent GS-12 federal position represents an exceptional opportunity for qualified Air National Guard personnel to step up and train the airmen of tomorrow.

This position is designed for highly skilled military technicians who possess a deep operational understanding of aerospace command and control structures. Operating under Title 32 Excepted Service, the instructor works within the Idaho Air National Guard’s 266 RANS, ensuring that local forces remain combat-ready and equipped with the specialized tactical insights required during global deployments. If you have a background in air defense, radar tracking, and aviation operations, this instructor pathway provides the perfect venue to elevate your tactical expertise into a rewarding training career.

Job Responsibilities

The role of an Air Battle Manager (Instructor) balances academic instruction with intensive hands-on tactical oversight. As a primary educator, you will be responsible for creating, refining, and delivering complex coursework that covers the complete spectrum of air battle management theory, live mission execution, and advanced simulation operations.

Key responsibilities of this GS-12 position include:

Syllabus and Courseware Development: Design highly detailed lesson plans, course outlines, and instructional schedules. Training incorporates the operation of classified electronic systems, radio systems, high-powered transmitters, and secure communications terminal equipment.
Simulation and Live Mission Instruction: Deliver hands-on instruction using both simulated command environments and active, live-flying distributive exercises. Ensure that students master communications security, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
Evaluation and Assessment: Act as an official evaluator, monitoring the upgrade and proficiency training of personnel. Implement advanced assessment tools, log accurate training records, and recommend individuals for official military certification or remedial training.
System Performance Testing: Interface directly with technical maintenance teams and military contractors to run checks on sophisticated electronic communications equipment, data link systems, and radar threat simulators.
Operational Command Support: Maintain personal proficiency as an active combat-ready operator. This involves conducting electronic protection systems checks, assessing radar tracking capabilities, and coordinating command decisions with allied ground and airborne assets.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet strict federal and military requirements. Because this is a Title 32 Dual Status Military Technician position, candidates must maintain active membership in the Air National Guard to remain eligible for employment.

Military Grade Requirements

This vacancy is restricted to enlisted military personnel. At the time of appointment, the candidate must hold a military rank between Enlisted Grade 1 (E-1) and Enlisted Grade 6 (E-6).

General Experience

Candidates must show documentable experience, training, or education that demonstrates their ability to interpret, apply, and explain the basic guidelines, policies, and system rules of an aviation or transportation program. Excellent computer competency and automated system experience are mandatory.

Specialized Experience

Applicants must possess extensive specialized knowledge in civilian or military automated aviation networks, navigation systems, and advanced military electronics. This includes demonstrating a high-level understanding of system interrelationships, software tracking programs, and airspace control interfaces.

Resume and Documentation Guidelines

Your resume is the single most important document in your application package. It must strictly adhere to the following rules:

Maximum Page Limit: The resume must not exceed two pages. Reviewers will not read or evaluate any content on page three or beyond.
No Verbatim Copying: Your work history must be written in your own words. Copying and pasting sentences directly from this vacancy announcement or standard position descriptions will result in immediate disqualification.
Detailed Job Histories: For every past job, you must explicitly state the start and end dates (month and year) and the exact number of hours worked per week to receive proper qualification credit.

Salary Overview

The Air Battle Manager (Instructor) position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay system as a GS-12 grade. The annual base salary range for this position is $89,508 to $116,362, depending on individual experience, step level, and federal pay regulations.

To provide context on how this specialized GS-12 instructor role compares to other common tactical positions within the Air National Guard structure, refer to the table below:

Position Title	Pay Grade	Minimum Salary (Annual)	Maximum Salary (Annual)	Primary Work Location
Air Battle Manager (Instructor)	GS-12	$89,508	$116,362	Mountain Home, Idaho
Aviation Transportation Specialist	GS-11	$75,000	$97,000	Multiple ANG Bases
Lead Airspace Controller	GS-13	$103,000	$134,000	Command Headquarters

Benefits

Federal employment with the National Guard comes with an exceptional suite of benefits designed to support your health, financial future, and family well-being. As a Title 32 technician, you will gain access to federal employee benefits programs, which include:

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choose from a wide selection of premium plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as dental and vision insurance.
Retirement Security: Enroll in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a defined benefit pension plan coupled with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The government offers up to a 5% matching contribution on your TSP savings.
Paid Time Off: Accrue hours for annual vacation leave, sick leave, and receive 11 paid federal holidays annually.
Flexible Workplace Programs: Access Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover eligible out-of-pocket healthcare and dependent care costs with pre-tax dollars.
Military Base Access: Enjoy military exchange, commissary, and recreational privileges, along with localized family support programs.

Application Tips

Submitting a successful federal application requires precision and planning. Avoid common mistakes by utilizing these expert strategy tips:

Maximize the USAJOBS Resume Builder: While you can upload your own PDF, using the official resume builder helps ensure that all mandatory federal fields—including citizenship, civilian grades, supervisor contact details, and precise working hours—are properly populated.
Target Your Specialized Experience: Ensure that your resume contains clear, descriptive examples of your familiarity with radar networks, threat simulation, and tactical data links. Detail any systems you have operated, such as Joint Range Extension (JRE) or other tactical command interfaces.
Provide Complete Military Records: You must upload all pages of your virtual Military Personnel Flight (vMPF) record. Missing pages or corrupted files can result in your package being classified as incomplete.
Submit Well Before the Deadline: Document processing and automated security virus scans on USAJOBS can take several hours to complete. Avoid waiting until the final night of the closing period (August 20, 2026) to upload your files.

The Air Battle Manager (Instructor) position with the Idaho Air National Guard is far more than an educational job; it is a foundational pillar of tactical airspace defense training. For a motivated enlisted member looking to combine a passion for aviation systems with a dedication to teaching, this permanent GS-12 role at Mountain Home offers excellent career stability, a competitive salary, and premier federal benefits. Ensure your two-page resume is prepared to standard, pull your vMPF documents, and submit your application to join the 266 RANS legacy of excellence.

Why This Air Battle Manager (Instructor) Job Matters

Take command of tactical aerospace defense and shape the next generation of air battles as an Air Battle Manager Instructor with the Idaho Air National Guard.

Air Battle Manager (Instructor) Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force, specifically the Idaho Air National Guard (266 RANS), is recruiting for a permanent Air Battle Manager (Instructor) based in Mountain Home, Idaho. This Title 32 Excepted Service role is graded at the GS-12 level and is open to enlisted personnel holding military ranks from E-1 through E-6. The successful candidate will spearhead advanced instructional syllabus development, lead simulation and live-flight command and control exercises, and conduct critical system evaluations on state-of-the-art radar, sensor, and communication networks.

Requirements for Air Battle Manager (Instructor)

Must be an active, enlisted member of the Air National Guard (Grades E-1 through E-6).
Must possess or be capable of maintaining an active Secret security clearance.
Must submit a highly detailed, personalized resume limited to a maximum of two pages.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if a male born after December 31, 1959.
Must demonstrate general experience interpreting, explaining, and applying rules and regulations within a transportation or aviation framework.
Must possess specialized experience demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and advanced electronics systems.

Preferred Qualifications for Air Battle Manager (Instructor)

Demonstrated experience conducting formal academic instruction for Air Battle Manager or Weapons Director roles.
Prior qualification and experience working as an air defense system evaluator.
Proficiency in administering and managing tracking software for tactical system upgrades and unit training tracking.
Deep familiarity with Air Force Instructions (AFIs) governing airspace, radar platforms, and command and control systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
✓Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
✓Access to military childcare programs, exchanges, and commissary facilities.
✓Robust continuous training and professional military education pathways.

💡 How to Apply Air Battle Manager (Instructor) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Air Battle Manager (Instructor) Job

Ensure you have a fully set-up and active USAJOBS account.
Draft a personalized resume that does not copy the vacancy announcement verbatim and is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather your required supporting documents, notably your complete, multi-page virtual Military Personnel Flight (vMPF) printout.
Click the apply link to be redirected to the USA Staffing system.
Complete the comprehensive online Occupational Questionnaire.
Upload all required files and carefully submit the final application package before 11:59 PM EST on August 20, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Strictly avoid copy-pasting the qualifications section of this announcement into your resume; verbatim applications are automatically disqualified.
Ensure your resume clearly lists the start and end dates (month and year) and the exact number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
Use the built-in USAJOBS Resume Builder tool to guarantee all standard federal criteria are met.
Check that your resume is precisely two pages or shorter; any details appearing on subsequent pages will be ignored by reviewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What military rank is required to apply for this Air Battle Manager position?

This Title 32 Excepted Service position is limited to enlisted Air National Guard personnel within the grades of E-1 through E-6.

Can a civilian apply for this role?

No, this is a Title 32 Dual Status Military Technician role, which requires maintaining active membership in the Air National Guard.

Is there a hard limit on resume length?

Yes, applicants must limit their federal resume to a maximum of two pages. Any content past page two will not be evaluated.

What is the security clearance requirement for this position?

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.

What specific unit is hiring for this position?

The position is embedded within the 266 Range Squadron (RANS), an Air National Guard unit operating out of Mountain Home, Idaho.

Is relocation assistance provided for this job?

No, relocation funding or incentive packages are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Can I apply if I am currently an officer?

This position is specifically restricted to military grades E-1 through E-6. Commissioned officers or senior non-commissioned officers outside of this range are not eligible for this hire unless they are willing to accept a voluntary reduction in rank.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, due to the hands-on nature of instructing on classified tactical hardware, simulation platforms, and sensitive communications systems, telework is not available for this role.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my eligibility?

You can reach out directly to the Human Resources POC, Raymond Hall, via the official military email address provided in the agency contact directory.

Job from Air National Guard Units

The Air National Guard represents a proud legacy of dual state and federal service that traces its origins back to colonial militias. Serving as a crucial component of the United States Air Force, the Guard is tasked with defending the nation during major military operations, supporting local communities during state-level emergencies, and safeguarding critical domestic airspace.

The 266 Range Squadron (RANS), based out of Mountain Home, Idaho, is highly regarded for its advanced electronic threat simulation and tactical airspace training programs. Members of the 266 RANS operate in high-threat, simulated electronic combat environments, providing realistic training support for both United States and allied aviation assets. Working with this elite unit means contributing to a team that directly impacts the readiness and survival rates of frontline combat pilots and crews.