President Barack Obama’s defense budget request seeks to nearly double the annual retention bonuses of U.S. Air Force fighter pilots from $25,000 to $48,000, CNBC reported Friday.
Jeff Daniels writes Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said the branch needs to retain pilots in the fighter community and the planned increase does not cover all Air Force pilots.
The Air Force expects to fall short of 700 pilots by the end of September and the deficit could reach up to 1,000 fighter pilots by 2022 if no action takes place, Daniels reported.
Mid-career pilots that agree to remain in service receive aviation continuation pay through five or nine-year terms.
