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“The data-centric model relies on the learned retention behavior of our aviators and learns continuously to reflect changes in economic, operations tempo and many other factors that members rely on to make career choices,” Air Force spokesperson Capt. The algorithm told officials that even though that career field appears healthy now, the service should proactively start keeping more experienced pilots for those platforms before there’s a future shortfall. Reconnaissance, surveillance and electronic warfare plane pilots were added back into the bonus program after the Air Force crunched data about the 11R field using predictive analytics. “These officers must be qualified for operational flying duty and entitled to, and receiving, monthly aviation incentive pay,” the Air Force added April 6.Įntire Air Force hits staffing, recruitment goals for the first time in five years New contracts must end before an airman hits their 24th year of service in aviation. Unlike pilots of manned aircraft, they aren’t eligible for any up-front pay.ĭrone operators whose earlier contracts have expired can receive anywhere from $45,000 to $300,000 if they sign up for another three to 12 years, without any money at signing. People who fly those same platforms but who have served longer than 10 years can get the same bonus pay of $105,000 to $420,000 over another three to 12 years, but no lump sums.ĭrone pilots (11U and 18X), air battle managers (13B) and combat systems operators (12B, 12F, 12S, 12H, 12R and 12U) whose first 10 years are up in fiscal 2022 can all opt for bonuses worth up to $360,000 over 12 years. That applies to pilots of fighter, bomber, special operations, mobility, command-and-control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and certain rescue platforms.Īir Force retention spiked amid COVID-19. The service can dole out up to $200,000 of that money up front. The initiative, aimed at lieutenant colonels and below, looks to slow the exodus of pilots to commercial airlines and other private-sector jobs.Īirmen who will finish their initial 10-year service commitment as a pilot by the end of September can qualify for as much as $420,000 in bonus pay if they sign up for another 12 years, the Air Force said. On the officer side, the Air Force is renewing its aviation bonus program for another year. Those who opt to “quick-ship” can earn $8,000, no matter which specialty they choose. Survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists (1T0X1) New in 2022: The Air Force will try to right-size the number of airmen Jobs that are new to the list include: refueling and bomber aircraft maintenance (2A534), aerospace ground equipment (2A632), munitions systems (2W031), aircraft armament systems (2W131), radio frequency transmission systems (1D731R) and any area of mechanical or electrical aptitude (9TMAGE). Nine specialties offer bonuses for six years of service, but not for four. Some cyber jobs offer a range of bonus pay between $12,000 and $20,000 for a four-year contract, depending on the certification an airman holds. Air Force's enlisted recruitment pipeline is drying up, general warnsĮxplosive ordnance disposal and special warfare enlistees (3E8X1 and 9T500) can snag the most money - $50,000 for a six-year contract - while maintainers can earn a smaller bonus at $3,000 for a four-year contract.