Is the Air Force really short of pilots?
 

Looks like they may be in a shortage because airlines are picking a lot of guys up?

Yes. They are very aware of it.

I heard a rumor of retired recall.....

Wow. Some guys would probably be inclined to RESIGN and give up the retirement if they're at a good major.

They did one in 2009-2010; I was in it. When I finally "hit the silk" in 2014, there was STILL a looming shortage---I had a bud working manning requirements at the Pentagon.

Specifically, they were short on fighter guys---if memory serves; about 900 guys back then.

I volunteered to stay longer...even had 4-star support.

Turned down because they were paying guys to get out. Manpower Center was told to get rid of senior members with more than 20 years; they couldn't adapt/get permission to make exceptions to the mandate despite "...but we need fighter guys, Chaplains, and Flight Docs." Left hand, meet right hand.

It could happen again....I think they'll get fewer takers this time.

Go to this study by RAND, Air Transport Pilot Supply and Demand: Current State and Effects of Recent Legislation | RAND .
This explains the shortage in the AF pretty well and where it is going. Download the PDF and give it a read. Mainly about where the airlines are going to find people. Shows the AF isn't producing enough pilots for the civilian world let alone themselves.

Yes... years of high ops tempo from political agendas with no clear cut goals and no end in site while unrealistically downsizing manning, spending money in the wrong places, and not to forget the random queep our "leaders" don't have the proveriable brass ones to say no to. Yes, the Air Force (and probably the military in general) will be in a world of trouble in the next 10-15 years. I suppose we could create another war somewhere to tank the economy and put a stop to the freight train of an airline hiring boom though.

Yes. We are short. We are short in flying positions and non-flying positions requiring rated personnel.

That one is a self-created problem and easily fixed, but it requires political capital to say KIO to the bureaucracy. But nah, it's easier to the tell the kids there's "a fighter pilot shortage" where they mean there's an 11F billet cannon fodder shortfall. :rolleyes:

Apparently the decision to not allow 11F guys to go to the academy to teach has had an affect that fewer and fewer USAFA grads are putting in for flying slots or even choosing fighters