Air Force could recall as many as 1,000 retired pilots to address serious shortage

[highplainsdem]

Source: USA Today

WASHINGTON — President Trump signed an executive order Friday allowing the Air Force to recall as many as 1,000 retired pilots to active duty to address a shortage in combat fliers, the White House and Pentagon announced.

By law, only 25 retired officers can be brought back to serve in any one branch. Trump's order removes those caps by expanding a state of national emergency declared by President George W. Bush after 9/11, signaling what could be a significant escalation in the 16-year-old global war on terror.

"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," Navy Cdr. Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement.

But the executive order itself is not specific to the Air Force, and could conceivably be used in the future to call up more officers and in other branches.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/10/20/air-force-recall-many-1-000-retired-pilots-address-serious-shortage/785344001/

[sandensea]

1. But if it's in order to be sent out to the next GOP war-for-fun-and-profit, I suggest they mutiny.

And give Cheeto and the rest of the chicken hawks a good push - parachutes optional.

[democratisphere]

2. Piss poor planning.

[TexasBushwhacker]

10. With all the money we spend on the DOD

You'd think they would recruit and train more pilots.

[democratisphere]

25. Agreed. There is no excuse for this. Who is in charge? Drones aren't the answer to everything.

There is no replacement for skilled pilots.

[Iliyah]

3. "ICE" is very powerful now and in total control of Kelly/t-rump

Asshole Sessions is now giving sanctuary cities it's last warnings. ICE coupled with many law enforcements in cities across the USA is worrisome.

[Leghorn21]

15. 100%, yah. ICE plus weaponized local LE plus blackwater-type "security" outfits - mmmmm, been

on edge about this scenario since Jan. 20. Just - unnhh.

[Purveyor]

4. War is in our future. Nkorea, Iran...both? Plan accordingly as we will all sacrifice. Not

a good time to take on debt IMO.

Gather your flock and keep them close to the stable.

[defacto7]

6. This is the reality of out time.

[Still In Wisconsin]

8. I'm shedding debt as fast as I can.

Your advice is sound.

[RKP5637]

9. Seems like Trump also has a war against the US going on too. FFS, this ass in the WH is IMO

headed for some kind of war with Iran and NK. At minimal, I think Iran might say F the nuclear deal. Also, he wants domestic police to have military grade weaponry. I'm not a panicky type person, but I think we're in really deep shit with this guy. And if he's impeached, is Pence really any better ...

[Purveyor]

12. Would Russia join the conflict if Iran is part of the equation? 50-50 in my book. I

suffered through most all of the Valdai Club conference
that took place this week and Putin is no fool.

Worth watching if one really wants to understand this man, especially the Q&A after his prepare diatribe.

Available on YouTube.

[RKP5637]

14. Thanks for the info! n/t

[C Moon]

22. What do you mean by "not a good time to take on debt?" Thx.

[Purveyor]

32. With a war will come a recession triggered by higher energy costs not unlike what

happened after the illegal invasion of Iraq.

[C Moon]

34. +1

[NBachers]

5. Fly 'em around Iran & North Korea until some "unprovoked aggression" sparks an excuse for war.

[keithbvadu2]

27. Might even attack Donald's 'Nambia'.

[Judi Lynn]

7. Time for a sane President. This is shocking. n/t

[RKP5637]

16. Agree, but where is that coming from. Pence is no gem. n/t

[rickford66]

11. Some could develop bone spurs. It's happened before.

[Corgigal]

13. Canada sounds good

Pack your bags and grab your family.

They allowed Sgt. Johnson and 3 other green berets to die. Not also to mentioned the 2 who are in the hospital so someone has to pay. I guess it's your liberty.

[Grassy Knoll]

17. Bummer, How Do You Like This Idiot Joker Now...

...

LOL, USA USA

[justhanginon]

33. Boy, if we ever needed Batman it would be right about now.

[Midnight Writer]

18. Pay Air Force pilots on a scale with private pilots.

[dembotoz]

24. Some private pilots don't make much at all

[Sgent]

35. Private pilots

who are ex military don't fit into the definition of "some". The issue is that until you have 1,500 hours and/or military training, you can't fly an airliner, so opportunities are scarce.

[SaintLouisBlues]

28. You couldn't pay me enough to work with those crazy Fishheads,

aka religious fanatics, in the Airforce.

[SCVDem]

19. Medical Marijuana!

So ya really want me back? (Do not use this excuse if you currently are flying.)

Screw this war mongering profiteer! YOU fly a plane. I do not expect an 'Independence Day' performance.

[elmac]

20. Pentagon should draft his sorry ass nt

[ffr]

21. Are they recalling any 1000 or just whites?

Because if it's any white, brown, whatever, I can see them splitting up mission assignments to put the minorities into the most dangerous combat missions and giving the whites the job of reservists. Or if the pilots come from a blue state, they too would be cast into dangerous combat, while those from red states wouldn't.

Hey, they knew what they signed up for.

[Cobalt Violet]

23. If they voted for Trump...

I'm all out of fucks to give.

[keithbvadu2]

26. Trump/GOP used to be against legislating by EOs. They got over that.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

29. If they're retired, they're in their late-30s to mid-40s.

There's a lot of physical stress involved in that job.

How old is the average decathlete in the Olympics? How old was the oldest decathlete in the Olympics?

[sarge43]

31. At least mid 40's

Graduated from college at 22, minimum 20 years in for retirement. Finding any whose health and physical condition meets standards will be a trick. Any over 50 probably won't. Longer they've out, the more they've forgotten. Yeah, piloting is a lot muscle memory; controlling a supersonic fighter is a bit more.

Another cluster coitus awaiting to happen.

[Sgent]

36. They

will put them in NV piloting drones, or doing training.

[sarge43]

37. Yup. No other choice.

However, the Circus will have problems filling the seats out on the flight line.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

38. They could have started at AFA at age 18. Add 20 years, and now they're 38.

More than likely, you are right, and they are in their mid-40s. In five more years, they can join AARP.

Do they even have the reaction time to keep up with a teenager on a video game?

[sarge43]

39. Since the mid 60's the Air Force has required a college degree for a commission

Academy cadets are not in the military. They're commissioned upon graduation. The clock starts then, not when they enter the academy.

After 40 the paint starts to flake. Yes, you're usually very healthy and active, but you're not the same person you were 20 plus years ago.

[pangaia]

30. Why don't they recall 1000 planes instead.

[Cold War Spook]

40. About their eyesight.

Are Air Force pilots allowed to wear bifocals?