![Aerial training](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/HII-WTRS-photo-1-350x233.jpg)
![Recruitment is now a real threat to a frail force facing formidable foes](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/recruiting-225x150.jpg)
“Under-manned units over-operate, resulting in an unrested and less specialized force. And the only real solution to this issue is to add fresh bodies to the force,” writes Mackenzie Eaglen of AEI.
By Mackenzie Eaglen![Air Force Pilot Shortage Worsens; 10% Of Billets Empty](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2016/07/F-35A-pilot-225x150.jpg)
PENTAGON: Despite a year of offering bonuses, trying to bring back former pilots and talking up the glories of being an Air Force pilot, the service’s most precious resource continues to dwindle. At the end of fiscal 2016, the service needed 1,500 pilots. On Oct. 31 of this year, that number had swollen to about…
By Colin Clark![Airlines Step Up Hiring So Air Force Boosts Retention Pay](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2016/07/F-35A-pilot-225x150.jpg)
PENTAGON: Eager to stem the flow of Air Force pilots chasing bigger paychecks and cushier gigs with America’s airlines, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson announced today the service is increasing what used to be called flight pay for the first time since 1999. US airlines hired 4,000 pilots last year, many of them former…
By Colin Clark
Fielding the best aircraft in the world won’t matter if the Air Force can’t retain enough well-trained pilots to fly them, argue FDD’s Bradley Bowman and Maj. Brian Leitzke.
By Bradley Bowman and Maj. Brian Leitzke