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.
The U.S. conducted a drone strike in Iraq on Dec. 3, as the American troops there continue to be targeted by Iranian-backed militants. The strike took place near Kirkuk as the militants were preparing to attack U.S. troops in northern Iraq, a U.S. official told Air & Space Forces Magazine.…