Pentagon personnel chief David S.C. Chu told lawmakers the Defense Department plans to ask Congress to extend the military’s pay table to 40 years of service. At a Capitol Hill hearing March 2, Chu said the department wants to be able “to encourage some people to stay longer,” recognizing that longer service with “some degree of additional pay increase.” The proposal fits in with the recommendation (see above) of the Advisory Committee on Military Compensation to match pay with performance. Although, Chu offered no details, presumably the individuals asked to “stay longer” would be top performers or those in hard to fill career fields.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.