Understaffed Air Force Asks Retired Pilots to Apply for Job Openings

The Air Force is turning to its retired pilots as it attempts to fill several non-flying staff positions.

The service posted a news bulletin on its website that called on retired pilots with Air Force Specialty Code 11X to seek reemployment via the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program. The service currently has a staffing shortage, and many of the job openings require previous flying experience in the Air Force.

"We will match VRRAD participants primarily to stateside rated staffs that don't require re-qualification in a weapon system, with emphasis on larger organizations like major command staffs," VRRAD Rated Liaison Maj. Elizabeth Jarding of the Air Force Personnel Center said. "They'll fill critical billets that would otherwise remain vacant due to the shortage of active-duty officers available to move out of operational flying assignments."

The program is open to pilots under age 60 who retired in the last five years at the rank of either captain, major, or lieutenant colonel. There are 25 openings, and applications are being accepted through Dec. 31, 2018, or until each job is filled.

There are also medical and physical requirements for applicants.

It was reported in March, meanwhile, that the number of drone pilots outnumbered the number of pilots for any other type of aircraft in the Air Force — manned and unmanned.

Facing a shortage of fighter pilots, the Air Force said earlier this year it would pay pilots hefty bonuses over 13 years that could total $455,000 if they elect to stay in the service.

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