The United States Air Force is offering its pilots a $600,000 bonus over 12 years to keep them flying and in service past an initial contract ending in September 2024.
The new wave of bonuses was announced on Nov. 30 for the 2024 fiscal year and includes the new Demonstration Bonus and the Aviation Bonus, now called the Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive (EARI).
Air Force Offers $600K Bonus To Retain Pilots
The Air Force is offering the EARI to pilots and they can now earn from $15,000 to $50,000 per year in bonuses under the expanded program. The bonuses are offered to fighter and bomber pilots and aviators specializing in search and rescue aircraft, drones, and "critical" weapons systems.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Adrian Spain said that the service needs to "preserve critical skills" and hopes that the offer would keep more experienced pilots in the service. As per Task and Purpose, the Director of Training and Readiness and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters hoped that the offer would be something servicemembers couldn't refuse.
In an Air Force release, Spain noted that aviation-related skills, particularly, are formed through the crucible of combat and the daily execution of high-intensity operations. He said that this is the foundation necessary to continue effectively delivering warfighting capability to the Joint Forces and the American people.
The official said that retaining these professional aviators' experience and expertise within the Total Force is crucial to support efforts to outpace future challenges that could emerge throughout the spectrum of conflict.
Air Force personnel interested in the program can apply for the EARI through Aug. 1, 2024. However, the application window will be cut off early if the program attains its maximum number of participants ahead of that date.
Decades-Long Pilot Shortage
The decision seeks to retain skilled airmen and address a decades-long pilot shortage that has been seen to affect policy-making and managerial jobs. The new initiative will run until the end of 2028. It will supplement non-financial incentives that the USAF offers to those in the demo, including giving more influence in where personnel are based and what assignments they receive, according to Business Insider.
Early data showed a positive response to the demo program, with 210 contract extensions signed in the first ten days after the announcement. In September, the USAF said it had missed its annual target of roughly 1,500 new pilots for the eighth year.
Reports suggested several factors contributed to the issue, including staffing, maintenance, and unexpected setbacks. This meant that the force had to decide to limit its training numbers to 1,350 rather than the initially planned 1,470.
The program was created by Congress late last year to lend more credibility to the Air Force's aviation workforce. Service spokesperson Master Sgt. Deana Heitzman said that they have inked 664 contracts throughout the legacy bonus program, said the Air Force Times.
