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The Air Force is urging active-component pilots who are considering civilian careers with commercial airlines to consider extending their service through the National Guard or Air Force Reserve.
A message from the Air Force Recruiting Service states airlines are ramping up recruiting efforts as travel increases following a down year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID tipped the balance for many airmen deciding whether to stay in the Air Force,” said Maj. Gen. Edward Thomas, AFRS commander. “Now that the country is opening up, airmen who wanted to hit the pause button on active duty will consider moving our with their separation plans. For those who do, we want to keep them on the team and benefit from their training and talent in the Guard or Reserve.”
“With our nation’s pilot shortage, keeping our world-class aviators flying for our Total Force is critical,” he added.
A pitch on the Air Force website positions the Guard and Reserve as a way for pilots to continue their service, while also having a back-up plan should the airline industry experience future setbacks.
Officials note that many airline pilots were furloughed amid the pandemic, but those serving in the Guard were able to stay employed, work toward retirement and continue receiving benefits.
“The nature of the airline industry is cyclical,” said Brig. Gen. Derin Durham, director of Air, Space and Information Operations for Air Force Reserve Command. “I have seen it swing many times, with wars, terrorist attacks, economic downturns and now, pandemics. Many factors can affect the industry. The one constant for many of these airline pilots is the Guard or Reserve. We are able to keep them whole, pay bills and weather the storm until things turn around.”
Recruiting from the active component is also a way for the Reserve Components to keep pace amid training capacity limitations, which are falling short of readiness requirements.
“The Air National Guard is focused on ensuring pilots remain in the Total Force,” said Col. Nashid Salahuddin, recruiting and retention division chief for the ANG. “If pilots decide to leave active duty to pursue airline positions, the ANG or Air Force Reserve are the perfect way for them to continue serving part time.”
In the past year, Air Guard pilot manning has increased from 80% to 82% of requirements. Salahuddin said an increase in active component pilots separating to accept airline jobs presents an opportunity for the Air Guard to aggressively bring in that new talent and make more manning progress.
To bolster those efforts, the Guard has designated recruiters to work with officers coming off active duty. Those recruiters send special messages to rated pilots separating six to 12 months out and then work with those pilots to transition them into the Guard.
The Air Force Reserve’s pilot manning is currently at 95%.
