The Air Force now has the power to recall up to 1,000 retired pilots to address its personnel crisis

[RandySF]

President Donald Trump amended an executive order on Friday to allow the Defense Department to recall up to 1,000 retired pilots in order to address the Air Force's shortage of qualified fliers.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis reportedly requested the move, and he now has "additional authorities to recall retired aviation officers," Pentagon spokesman Navy Cmdr. Gary Ross said in a statement.

The Air Force is currently about 1,500 pilots shy of the 20,300 it is mandated to have. Of those missing, about 1,000 are fighter pilots. Some officials have deemed the shortage a "quiet crisis."

"We anticipate that the Secretary of Defense will delegate the authority to the Secretary of the Air Force to recall up to 1,000 retired pilots for up to three years," Ross said.


http://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-can-recall-1000-retired-pilots-to-address-personnel-crisis-2017-10

[DK504]

1. This is bullshit.

This is an opening salvo in bringing us in to a permanent war time footing. It always seems innocuous, just like W receiving power to start wars.

[Fred Sanders]

2. 20,000 pilots? Mandated? No wonder America can not afford nice things.

[Major Nikon]

3. Doubtful they would get very many

Pilots must meet pretty rigid medical standards and those who are past retirement age are far less likely to meet those standards. They would also have to deal with extensive proficiency issues, and the reality that many, if not most of those who might be good candidates for recall probably aren't going to want to come back.

[Corgigal]

4. If this is like any other branch

they forced a bunch out for various stupid reason, now went opps.

Cause we lost a guy for 2 days.