Originally Posted by rickair7777

Apples to Oranges, can any of them gain air superiority over our AF?

The AF does not have the same problem as the regionals, there are plenty of potential applicants who meet the current standards. Their problem is retention of skilled and experienced mid-grade, and even senior officers.

Frankly our military is trending far more technical than when I started. The F-35 is more network router than airplane.

I have no problem at all providing a path to flight training, commissioning, and college for exemplary enlisted (that's how the USN program worked, college after first sea tour). Great incentive to keep good folks in, and tracking up and right.

But that's not going to solve the shortage. Neither is creating a cadre of enlisted-only pilots... they would have an even greater pay and prestige incentive to go airline, since they won't have eagles or stars in their eyes.