SAD VA 2026-068 Squad Leader (SAD E-5) E4-E6  California Job Challenge (CAJC), Los Alamitos, CA 

Position Details 
Announcement Number: SAD VA 2026-068
Opening Date: 22 July 2026
Closing Date: 4 August 2026
Position Title: Squad Leader (SAD E-5) 
Duty Location: California Job Challenge (CAJC), Los Alamitos, CA 
Selecting Official: Director, CAJC 

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-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  
California Job Challenge is a tobacco and smoke-free environment; smoking or use of tobacco products is not authorized on duty or on the 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. 
• Maintain physical fitness and weight/height requirements in accordance with published standards. 
• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Experience performing the duties of a military Squad Leader, Team Leader, or equivalent element, 
• in the National Guard or Active Duty. 
• Experience in conducting or assisting with unit-level training. 
• Experience instructing, conducting or assisting Drill and Ceremonies as outlined in FM 22-5 or AFMAN 362203. 
• Flexible work schedule requirement including nights and weekends when the academy mission dictates. 
• 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. 
• Responsible for supervising unit-level training for scholars. 
• Provides leadership, counseling, technical guidance, and support to scholars in educational, vocational, physical training, mentoring, computer technology, job placement, community service, and leadership programs. 
• Provides support to peers and superiors in the accomplishments and improvements of assigned duties and responsibilities. 
• Responsible for conducting scholar inspections, coordinating garrison and field activities. 
• Maintains a high level of physical fitness and actively participates in strenuous training activities. 
• Responsible for conducting military physical fitness (Army PRT) drills in accordance with FM 7-22. 
• Responsible for overseeing and instructing Drill and Ceremonies IAW TC 3-21.5 36-2203. 
• Be prepared to execute medication distribution responsibilities for Cadets/Scholars while ensuring accountability, proper documentation, and adherence to established medical protocol. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
• Will perform other duties as assigned. 

Statement of Qualifications: 
A Statement of Qualifications is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your Employment Application. Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please limit your SOQ to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, no less than twelve-point Arial font. Candidate must clearly and concisely identify experience in categories listed below and must be in the following order: 
• Describe your relevant experience working with youth programs, including any military or civilian roles. How have you applied that background to support the development, mentorship, and positive growth of young participants. 
• Give an example of a time when you planned, organized, and executed tasks or events to successfully meet a program/s mission and objectives. What steps did you take, and what were the results? 
• Explain your understanding of key operational procedures such as handling AWOL’s, moving a platoon from one place to another, executing assigned tasks, and operating in alignment with PSGs intent. How would you apply this knowledge in a structured youth academy environment to maintain discipline, safety, and mission focus.

Chuck Callahan