Air Force solves pilot crisis by increasing service commitment to 20 years

Genius.

WASHINGTON—As the U.S. Air Force continues to do more with less, the organization has implemented a new service commitment of 20 years for pilots, effective immediately. The dismal retention rate of pilots leaving the service for commercial airlines after hitting their 10-year active duty service commitment (ADSC) has caused the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) to develop creative solutions, resulting in the new policy.

“Ultimately, the cost to train our pilots is ever increasing, and we are trying to capitalize on that large initial investment by keeping them for the entirety of their careers,” said Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin. “Those already signed to a 10-year ADSC have the option of taking the 20-year deal or a less than honorable discharge, a fair trade in today’s current global dynamics.”

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