Do you think the Air Force will be bringing back Warrant Officers or going to Direct Commission for badly needed Pilots?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 15:12:15 -0500

http://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-pilot-shortage-enlisted-airmen-combat-aviators-2017-12

What are your thoughts on the Air Force need for Pilots?

It is my understanding that the Air Force has also grudgingly allowed Enlisted Airmen to pilot Drones instead of Officers due to shortages, which the Army has been doing all along.

The Air Force is considering a step it has long avoided to ease its deepening pilot shortage

A new pilot-training program will provide data on "the potential for enlisted members to train to fly modern combat aircraft," an Air Force officer said.

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Dec 8 at 2017 4:11 PM

A1C Ian Williams — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:11:35 -0500

Though many people think otherwise, the role of Pilot is more than just flying the plane. It is the foresight to be involved in the maintenance of your aircraft, the intelligence to know all aspects of aerodynamics and the willingness to lead others. That is the job of an officer. Highly selective and effective in being the best at what they have been commissioned to do. COL Mikel J. Burroughs SPC Private RallyPoint Member COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj Bryan Madden

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2017 4:11 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:11:59 -0500

It could help in stagnation and allow for clearer roles in the RPA world, but I don't see it happening any time soon. They have a bigger problem w/ the 2000+ pilot shortage to address, first.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2017 8:29 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 20:29:06 -0500

Yes, they should bring back Warrant Officers. But not only as possible pilots but also as the technical experts in a career field. That would free up senior NCO's to be more involved with their troops and actually be leaders.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 9 at 2017 11:40 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 23:40:57 -0500

Having WO's in the cockpit works VERY well for Army Aviation. Surely the AF is smart enough to adapt the concept for it's own purposes.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Dec 10 at 2017 1:24 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 13:24:50 -0500