SAD VA 2026-014 Squad Leader (SAD E-5) E4-E6  Discovery Youth ChalleNGe Academy (DCA), Lathrop, CA 

Position Details 
Announcement Number: SAD VA 2026-014 
Opening Date: 1 May 2026 
Closing Date: 14 May 2026 
Position Title: Squad Leader (SAD E-5) 
Duty Location: Discovery Youth ChalleNGe Academy (DCA), Lathrop 
Selecting Official: Director, DCA 

Projected Employment Date: 14 June 26 
Vacancy Announcement Details 
The California Military Department is accepting applications for the State Active-Duty position indicated above. An appointment to this position provides full benefit status for the appointee and their beneficiaries. The incumbent will be appointed on annually renewable State Active-Duty orders through year six, at which time the incumbent may be eligible for career status IAW CMD Reg 600-1, dated 15 November 2024. Continuation and subsequent extensions of service will be determined by the individual’s performance of duty and continuation of funding. The Service Member selected for this position will be paid at their federal or California State Guard (CSG) pay grade, not to exceed E-5. This announcement has minimum requirements. Failure to meet these requirements will cause your application to be rejected from consideration. While it is important for you to read the entire announcement closely, please pay particular attention to the instructions at the end of this announcement for documents required to submit a complete application. Applications missing signatures and required documents will not be considered. The Service Member selected for this position may be eligible for health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits. Other benefits may also be available to those who qualify such as Employee Assistance Programs, Group Legal Services, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Retirement Annuity, Savings Plus, and the Military Service Buy Back Program. Reimbursement for moving and relocation expenses will not be paid. 

Eligibility Requirements  
Discovery Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a tobacco and smoke-free environment; smoking or use of tobacco products is not authorized on duty or on Academy premises. 
• Active members of the California Military Department (Army, Air, CSG) in the grades E-4 through E-6 may apply. Applicants must have a militia affiliation per Para 5-2 of CMD Reg. 600-1. CSG members who have no prior federal militia experience must be a member of the CSG in good standing for a minimum of two years for eligibility for SAD vacancies.   
• Completion of appropriate level of NCO Military Education. 
• Experience working with Youth (Preferred). 
• Experience performing the duties of a military Squad Leader, or equivalent element in the National Guard or Active Duty. 
• Experience in conducting unit-level training. 
• Experience instructing Drill and Ceremonies as outlined in FM 22-5 or AFMAN 36-2203. 
• Flexible work schedule requirement including nights and weekends when the academy mission dictates. 
• Must be able to pass both State and Federal, as well as a NACI background checks. 
• Applicants must maintain good standing with militia component. 
• Completion of militia and civilian education requirements commensurate with the grade of the applicant are required.  
• Militia assignments appropriate to the grade of the applicant are required. 
• Applicants must meet, and maintain, militia component medical and physical fitness standards. 
• Appropriate militia uniform with federal or state recognized rank will be worn in accordance with militia regulation. 
• Must be able to pass State and Federal background checks (Live Scan), and California Military Department status verification. Continuation of employment is contingent upon maintaining favorable background checks. 
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 
Works under the supervision of a Platoon Sergeant at Discovery ChalleNGe Academy. 
• Responsible for supervising unit-level training for DCA Cadets. 
• Provides leadership, counseling, technical guidance, and support to Cadets in educational, vocational, physical training, mentoring, computer technology, job placement, community service, and leadership programs. 
• Provides support to peers and superiors in the accomplishments of assigned duties and responsibilities. 
• Responsible for conducting Cadet inspections, coordinating garrison and field activities. 
• Maintains a high level of physical fitness and participates in other strenuous training activities. 
• Possesses a strong understanding and ability to oversee Drill Ceremonies as outlined in FM 22-5 or AFMAN 36-2203. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. 
• Will perform other duties as assigned. 
• Be available for ESAD surge operations to assist State Personnel, Comptroller, J-Staff response in the event of SAD emergency. 

Chuck Callahan