air force, understaffed or over?

Question

what i mean is, in the future (~20yrs) will pilot positions in the millitary, specifically the airforce, become more or less competitive? thanks.


if this questions doesnt make any sense just post any information you think could be remotely related, thanks.

Answer 1

Most positions in the military are understaffed. One of the few exceptions is anything to do with planes, flying and pilots. The military will always be extremely selective in who is allowed to fly or work on thier planes. These are multi-million dollar pieces of equipment where even minor errors can have serious consequences. Getting the opportunity to fly is extremely competitive, especially when it comes to the fighter jets. As the technology used in the planes becomes more advanced, so too will the the requirements each member of the team...from ground support to pilot..must meet. The process will become more selective and competitive..not less.

Answer 2

This article gives you an idea of the forecast: http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2006/November/AirForceDrawdown.htm

"A reduction of 40,000 airmen, which still leaves the Air Force with 350,000 members, was the only way to stop draining procurement programs to pay for personnel and operations costs, Moseley said.... According to Moseley, the next decade will see an Air Force with 10 percent fewer fighters, 5 percent fewer airlift planes, 20 percent more rescue helicopters, 30 percent more long-range strike bombers, 10 percent more tankers, 5 percent more training aircraft, and considerably more surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, including doubling the unmanned aircraft fleet."

Keep in mind that the AF already has many times more applicants for pilot positions than it has available.

Answer 3

Probably more competitive, and I say this because when I was sitting in an Air Guard recruitors office, she got like 3 calls from active duty air force members who were trying to join the guards, and she told me that at the time they were cutting back on certain MOS's in active duty....

Answer 4

I dont think there would be any change...the matter fact that people now thinking more in ground troops due to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ..wait till we bomb Iran and you will see and hear what people say about pilots.

Answer 5

depends on the world climate. Right Now, the AF is reducing it's forces big time. In 20 years, who knows, they might be begging for bodies.

Answer 6

i think it would be the same.