The Air Force has found itself short of new dentists for nearly 10 years, bringing in about 120 a year instead of the 150 it needs. The service also finds it difficult to retain dentists once they’ve completed their basic commitment. The director of the Air Force Dental Corps, Col. Grant Hartup, says that the service plans to expand special pays and incentives, however, he thinks it must sell potential dental officers on the broader aspects of an Air Force career. He says the professional development opportunities outstrip those in the civilian world—that’s why he is still serving.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
