I saw recently on a website where the Air Force is recruiting for MTI's. Anyone have an idea what chance a Sr. Airman might have in being selected (assuming he qualifies etc.?) Would his 3 years in the Air Force hold him back, or would the AF be looking for "more experience?" Any other thoughts are welcomed.

I remember getting an email about a T.I. shadowing program..basically a 5 day TDY to Lackland. I would check that out, maybe talk to your First Sergeant.

We need then bad down here at Lackland. Apply. The worst they can tell you is no. Wait 6 months and apply again.

they are currently accepting senior airman, last i was told ( two weeks ago) is that they are 50% undermanned i was told this by an mti

A SrA TI, what next a direct duty assignment after graduating from BMT? You need people with experience to do that gig, and a SrA with a few years in the AF isn't going to get it.

If you do pursue as a SrA you will want to have a line number,a SrA will be at the bottom of the totem pole and will be hammered hard by the upper echelon of TI's. This comes from a few folks I've talked to that have made it out alive from a stint being a MTI. both guys said its a miracle to leave there will all your stripes and at least 4's on your EPR's and they're not dirtbag folks.

There was a SrA in training when I was in basic. Our TI was NOT nice to this chick (basically b/c she walked us into walls, haha), but yeah, their pretty hard on you, but its possible, and that was in 2005.

It is possible, and we really need the people. However, as some have said... it ain't always pretty. We tend to eat our own in the most peculiar way... We'll complain about how bad manning is and then laugh when a student instructor taps out.

On the flip side, I love it! It's stressful but where else are you going to make an impact like this?

A few years ago I might have agreed that a SrA just hasn't the experience to do this. Now, not so much. A blind autistic orangutan has enough experience to do this job. All you might be lacking is the "cool war stories". OooOoo Can you meticulously multitask, time manage and become an overnight workaholic? Yes? GREAT!

MTI Eligibility Requirements:
Any AFSC may apply.
SrA with at least 3 years but less than 6 years TAFMS with minimum "General" AQE score of 48.
SSgt/TSgt with less than 17 years TAFMS.
Excellent military image and appearance.
Excellent records with overall ratings of 5 on last five EPRs.
No record of disciplinary action or financial irresponsibility in the past five years, ie Article 15.
Not currently on any phase of the weight management program.
Squadron commander's recommendation.
No speech problems.
Physical Readiness Training must be 75% or better.

http://www.usafmtia.org/Instructors/MTIRecruiting/