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.
Anduril and General Atomics will develop their Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the Air Force, beating out Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, the service announced on April 24. But any of the non-selected companies can compete to actually manufacture the eventual design, the Air Force said.