TSgt Jalen J.A. Gayle is an Officer Accessions Instructor at Detachment 520, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. In this capacity, he serves as an instructor and primary enlisted advisor on cadet academics, professional development, military discipline, and welfare for over 60 United States Air Force and United States Space Force officer candidates. Additionally, he is directly responsible for all cadet life-cycle personnel actions, including in-processing, medical, physical, field training, enlistments, categorization, and commissioning. He also oversees all cadet pay actions including tuition, fees, subsistence, and textbook funds in excess of $2.5M annually.
TSgt Gayle enlisted in the Air Force in January 2018. After completing Basic Military Training, he graduated structures technical school at Gulfport Naval base August 2018. Prior to his current position, Sergeant Gayle was the Structures Craft Lead, 819th RED HORSE Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
After graduation from technical training, TSgt Gayle’s was assigned to Misawa AB as a Structural Apprentice. During this period, he was assigned to Snow Removal Operations in 2019 and was a part of the 35th CES unit that won the #1 best snow team in the Air Force. Following Misawa AB, TSgt Gayle PCS’d to Malmstrom AFB and became a structural supervisor and craft lead for a Large Vertical Construction team. During this assignment, he helped fabricate a $1.98M Unit Assembly Area facility for the 891th RED HORSE Squadron. His efforts contributed to his team winning the General Mark A. Welsh III “One Air Force” Award.
EDUCATION
2015 Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Central State University, Ohio
2018 Structures Technical Training, Gulfport Naval Base, Miss.
2021 Airman Leadership School, Misawa AB, Japan
2022 Associate of Applied Science, Construction Technology, Community College of the Air Force
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Jan 2018 – Mar 2018, Trainee, 323rd Basic Military Training Squadron, Lackland AFB, Texas
2. Mar 2018 – Sep 2018, Student, 366th Student Training Squadron, Gulfport NB, Mississippi
3. Oct 2018 – Apr 2021, Structural Apprentice, 35th Civil Engineering Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
4. May 2021 – Mar 2025 Structural Supervisor, 819th RED HORSE Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana
5. Mar 2025 – Present, Officer Accessions Instructor, AFROTC Detachment 520, Cornell University Ithaca, N.Y.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class Jan. 16, 2018
Senior Airman Nov 18, 2019
Staff Sergeant July 1, 2021
Technical Sergeant May 1, 2025
(Current as of March 2025)