ORAC

Reading between the lines, it seems as if they've cut so many FJ posts the lucky surplus pilots are being sent ME or rotary, and the rest are getting ground tours, sent as UAV drivers or being seconded to the ANG etc...

Just love the management speak, "have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution"..

Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

5/29/2007 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management.

A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution and set the table for what the Air Force pilot force will look like in the future. The initiatives will ensure pilots receive training in certain rated positions to bring the structure of the pilot force more in line with Air Force priorities.....

With the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems and Air Force special operations, the Air Force is realigning some of its assets to provide capable, proven pilots to these increasingly critical programs.

As a result of TAMI-21, the Air Force will allow fighter and bomber pilots with limited experience to volunteer for long-term reassignment to special operations and UAS mission areas. "Redistributing some of our outstanding young pilots to new weapons system which demand their aggressive mindset will ensure the success of these growing mission areas," General Chandler said. "At the same time, the operational units they leave behind will see an immediate increase in sorties per pilot, equating to increased combat capability across the combat air forces.".......

The third initiative will allow the Air Force to convert several hundred rated officer positions to CEA positions. Placing CEAs in non-flying positions that require operational expertise will leverage the vast pool of experience found among enlisted aviators and provide them greater responsibility and professional growth opportunities.

Additionally, as the Air Force moves toward a more integrated Total Force, some active-duty pilots are already assigned to Guard and Reserve units, lending their Air Reserve Component expertise in seasoning new pilots on active duty as well as potentially filling some active-duty staff positions requiring rated experience.

"The Air Force has many exciting rated career opportunities for aggressive and forward-thinking officers," General Brady said. "The rapid growth of AFSOC and UAS would make these two high-return options very attractive if I were a young lieutenant or captain today. More than ever, I believe our rated force has come to understand that we are in the business of using Airpower to create effects in the battlespace," he said. "The UAS is a great capability to do that and there are great opportunities for our aviators in this exciting new mission area."

brickhistory

There's no 'volunteer' about it. Several hundred low time fighter and several hundred low time bomber pilots are being sent. Most likely, never to get back into the fighter or bomber cockpit.

Sucks to have a 10-year training commitment post-UPT..................

FJJP

= ground tours = good for career progression = opportunity to carve a niche for oneself... [inc flying]

Big Bear

Wow, that's a 'full house' on the bullsh*t bingo monitor - always a sign that someone is getting screwed.

Deliverance

Is that not code for, the sqns will then be undermanned?

US Herk

Not necessarily - many squadrons are overmanned, others have limited training hours due to on-going operations, and still others have maintenance issues that restrict training opportunities.

Reducing the number of pilots in a unit can be a very good thing if done sensibly...

West Coast

I guess its all in how you look at things. A number of friends who are reserve zoomies are fighting to work with UAV's. Nice to fight your war from a connex box at Nellis and still make it home for dinner. I guess a 24 y/o ace of the base wannabe yanked from a warm cockpit might view it differently than a 38 y/o guy with a family and an airline job.

pba_target

Hmmm but you don't wanna do the predator "Take off and landing" course do you? Otherwise you spend your life in a crate in a desert somewhere somewhat less pleasant than nevada!

West Coast

It's all about making good decisions isn't it?
Hoping others make good decisions for you as well.

wileydog3

"The Air Force has many exciting rated career opportunities for aggressive and forward-thinking officers," General Brady said.

Right...

What the General meant to say was, "We know what we promised you but Air Force needs outweigh personal desires. And you knuckle-draggers can stay in the cockpit but you real forward thinkers will be quite happy sitting at a desk in front of a monitor."

One can only wonder when they will begin awarding CDFC (Cyber-Distinguished Flying Crosses)

ORAC

Medals for UAV PIlots

Soldiers who operate the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are now eligible for the award of the Aviation Badge, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal, according to Army Times newspaper....

wileydog3

the rest of the story...
+++++++++++++++++++++
The Army Times story, written by staff writer Jim Tice, was quickly followed by another story citing officials at the Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, saying that while it’s possible that soldiers specializing in UAV operations to receive an Air Medal or Distinguished Service Cross, it would not be while performing normal control UAV duties.
Further confusing the issue, Colonel Steve Layman, Deputy Director of Aviation Proponency at Fort Rucker, said that the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal may be awarded to unmanned aerial vehicle warrant officers and operators, “but only if they are physically located on an aircraft during the period when all criteria for the awards have been met.” In such cases, soldiers would not be operating an unmanned aerial vehicle, as Army UAV systems are currently ground-based and controlled.
Thus, it appears -- but is not clear -- that a UAV operator cannot receive the medals for controlling an aerial vehicle, but for flying a mission in a manned aircraft that is unrelated to the UAV operation. Of course, most Army UAVs are considered tactical vehicles, hence the operator is in the general area of the UAV operation. But awarding decorations to UAV controllers could be an interesting precedent if in the future a long-range UAV carries out an important mission with the operator controlling it from a bunker or trailer or even a ship hundreds or even thousands of miles from the “action.”

GreenKnight121

"CDFC (Cyber-Distinguished Flying Crosses)"

Wouldn't that be "DCFC (Distinguished Cyber-Flying Cross)"?