Air Force May Approve Enlisted Pilots for First Time in 75 Years

LCDR (Join to see) They're already running off to the airlines after their first contract is up. So much so that, last year, a Gen was caught telling people that if he catches them talking to airlines, he will personally submarine their careers.

I'd heard about that, and thought it was hilarious. What can he really do to them at that point? I'd forward my interview emails for the fun of it.

my brother finished with UPT 2 years ago in and as soon as his contract is over.. He wants to go the airlines because they pay better.

Interesting enough they wouldn't take me with over 6k hours worth of flying time was to old for them lol .. Now they are calling me back and asking me if I want to fly at the rip old age of 34! To bad i had to decline simply because I have a commitment with the army hehe

It's almost like the generals don't have all the answers.

This isn't about intelligence. Having been enlisted then and officer I understand the reasons. By going through a college environment and getting a degree the following has been proven :
1.) Better behavioral and performance characteristics
2.) Better skilled with independent decision-making and problem-solving
3.) Better skilled at articulating their thoughts
4.) Enhanced writing abilities
5.) Improved budget and management abilities-
6.) Overall improved communication skills (oral and written)
7.) Promotion of higher aspirations
8.) Better adapted to retirement and second-career opportunities

Now I am all for our enlisted folks who have great career ratings, completed their college degrees, and want to become an officer should have priority over those others that are applying. I also believe that if you don't want to complete your degree and after successfully serving a few terms as an enlisted troop then we should make you a warrant officer...yes I believe in Warrant Officers...I beleive that would fill the gap in the officer exodus if they are strictly on flying and not other leadership duties.

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth I think the most common sense resolution would be to start a WO track, or, at the very least, a technician-type track, for those that just want to fly. They don't necessarily care to move into the leadership aspect, and they don't want to be gophers when they could be flying.

SSgt (Join to see) - WHy not make them WO's and let them teach at the Pilot Training bases for life...frees up the other pilots fo rthe operational missions.

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth - Another good suggestion. Someone needs to connect w/ CSAF Goldfein & tag him in this conversation!