SAD VA 2026-069 Assistant Squad Leader (SAD E-4)  E2-E5 Sunburst Youth ChalleNGe Academy (SYA), Los Alamitos 

Position Details 
Announcement Number: SAD VA 2026-069
Opening Date: 20 July 2026 
Closing Date: 2 August 2026
Position Title: Assistant Squad Leader (SAD E-4) 
Duty Location: Sunburst Youth ChalleNGe Academy (SYA), Los Alamitos 
Selecting Official: Director, SYA 

Projected Employment Date: TBD 

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-4. 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  
Sunburst 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-2 through E-5 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.   
• Must be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.   
• Experience in participating in unit-level training. 
• Experience instructing Drill and Ceremonies as outlined in TC 3-21.5 or AFMAN 36-2203. 
• 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 Squad Leader and a Platoon Sergeant at Sunburst Youth Academy program. 
• Responsible for assisting in unit-level training for cadets.   
• Assists in 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.   
• Assists in 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 TC 3-21.5 or AFMAN 36-2203.   
• When licensed medical personnel (such as a school nurse, contracted medical staff, or SAD Medics) are unavailable or off-duty, designated ChalleNGe program Cadre/Staff members are required to assist in the distribution of medications to Cadets. 
• Will perform other duties as assigned. 

Applications must be received by the State Personnel office no later than midnight on Sunday, 2 August 2026.

Chuck Callahan