Air Force struggles with fighter pilot shortage amid air war

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FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2015, file photo, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James speaks at the National Press Club in Washington. U.S. Air Force officials say they have a shortage of 700 fighter pilots, even as the U.S. battles in three air wars against the Islamic State group in Iraq, Syria and Libya. James says she is looking for the authorization and funding to pay pilots a 5,000 a year retention bonus to encourage them to stay in the service.(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Air Force officials say they have a shortage of 700 fighter pilots, even as the U.S. battles in three air wars against the Islamic State group in Iraq, Syria and Libya.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James says she is looking for the authorization and funding to pay pilots a $35,000 a year retention bonus to encourage them to stay in the service.

The Air Force has struggled with pilot retention, particularly as airlines look to hire them, promising higher salaries and benefits. James said the pilot shortage could grow to 1,000 in a couple years. She and Gen. David Goldfein, Air Force Chief of Staff, said they want to improve pilots’ quality of life and their military service conditions, including training and housing.

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