The pilot shortage is not just hitting the fighter pilot community, the head of the Air Force’s mobility force said. Air Mobility Command is projecting to be short 420 fighters across the Total Force in the coming year, while Air Combat Command is projecting a shortage of about 700 pilots. AMC, much like ACC, is looking at retention bonuses and increased flying to keep pilots around, AMC boss Gen. Carlton Everhart said at ASC16. AMC also is projecting a shortage in maintainers. Everhart attributed that to improvements in the economy improves, saying airmen can be expect greatly increase salary opportunities by moving to the private sector.
Members of the House Armed Services Committee say the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program has been set back three months due to the ongoing government shutdown. The comment is noteworthy because the JATM's status has been kept tightly under wraps.
