In a new enlisted perspective letter to airmen, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley questions the practice of calling young airmen—enlisted and officer—“kids,” which he says does not reflect the “highly trained and motivated airmen” that USAF sends into battle. He goes on to relate a few significant statistics: The Air Force today has more than 30,000 airmen deployed around the world and many more deployed in place; 4,000 protect America’s skies in Operation Noble Eagle; USAF flies more than 250 missions each day, including 45 strike missions against enemy forces; one Air Force mobility aircraft takes off every 90 seconds, hauling troops and equipment of all services; airmen complete more than 450 satellite supports every day; more than 4,500 airmen are filling in for US soldiers.
Now Enlisted Airmen Can Stay in Uniform Longer
Dec. 8, 2023
The Air Force is extending the amount of time Airmen can spend at most enlisted ranks by two years, as the service looks to combat sluggish recruiting and balance its force structure. The High Year of Tenure (HYT) program sets limits on how long service members can spend in each grade…