Another News Piece about Pilot Shortage
#11
Waiting in the Wings
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Position: Whatever she wants
Posts: 115
Pretty descent interview I heard on NPR today here in Texas regarding the airlines taking pilots away from the Air Force. Nothing earth shattering for those of us on the forums, but I figured I'd share.
WHY CAN’T THE AIR FORCE KEEP ITS PILOTS?
Best quote I heard from the reporter regarding all the work that Air Force pilots do that does not involve flying:
"But here's the thing I don't understand though... why would it not be in the best interest of the Air Force to do something about the box-checking and all the things that go on behind the scenes [non-flying ground jobs]... something to make becoming a fighter pilot more attractive?"
hmm...
WHY CAN’T THE AIR FORCE KEEP ITS PILOTS?
Best quote I heard from the reporter regarding all the work that Air Force pilots do that does not involve flying:
"But here's the thing I don't understand though... why would it not be in the best interest of the Air Force to do something about the box-checking and all the things that go on behind the scenes [non-flying ground jobs]... something to make becoming a fighter pilot more attractive?"
hmm...
#12
USCG is the same way. When I submitted my first annual review to my supervisor, he said "There's too much aviation stuff on there. You need more bullets with collateral stuff." That was surprising and disheartening.
Be a 100% proficient aviator, but also make collaterals 100% of your focus for promotion/schools/etc. CG isn't even offering bonuses to re-up, so...now they're getting short on FW pilots.
Be a 100% proficient aviator, but also make collaterals 100% of your focus for promotion/schools/etc. CG isn't even offering bonuses to re-up, so...now they're getting short on FW pilots.
#13
On Reserve
Joined APC: Mar 2016
Posts: 19
Just sat with a bud yesterday who is on a 4-star staff, and he said that there is obviously a lot of interest in trying to solve the issue. They are looking at increasing production (FTUs), possibly doubling the bonus, giving in-res credit for guys that work in certain staff jobs (i.e. execs, CAGs, etc.), and API-coding guys to stay flying while on staff. Will likely be years before any of these have an effect.
As a nod to the retention issue, for the first time in recent history, they did not require a "7 day opt" for individuals that decline their school assignment (i.e. they can turn down school, and not be forced out of the Service). On another note, it was quite interesting to see a quick turn-around with the school announcement details; original announcement did not include "which" school an individual would attend...but did include a nice note from the AFPC/CC explaining this was an opportunity to exercise "Service Before Self." Evidently the 4-stars received some not-so-pleasant feedback pretty quickly, and in 4 days, the list was out again...with actual schools.
As a nod to the retention issue, for the first time in recent history, they did not require a "7 day opt" for individuals that decline their school assignment (i.e. they can turn down school, and not be forced out of the Service). On another note, it was quite interesting to see a quick turn-around with the school announcement details; original announcement did not include "which" school an individual would attend...but did include a nice note from the AFPC/CC explaining this was an opportunity to exercise "Service Before Self." Evidently the 4-stars received some not-so-pleasant feedback pretty quickly, and in 4 days, the list was out again...with actual schools.
#18
I know three single seat dudes that got assignments off the current VML and all 7 day-opted. Oh, and they were the only dudes on the VML at my current base that HAD the option of getting out. All of them were cushy IP assignments as well.
#19
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2014
Posts: 88
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