In a strategic move aimed at addressing the growing challenges of pilot recruitment and retention, the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) is shifting its focus toward actively recruiting more Active-Duty Airmen for its ranks. Lt. Gen. John P. Healy emphasized this necessity during the April 5 AFA Warfare Symposium held in Washington, D.C. Healy stated that the AFRC prefers to fill about 70 percent of its Air Force Specialty Codes from Active-Duty personnel, primarily to leverage the extensive training those pilots have already received. "Our business model for the entire Air Force Reserve Command is a 70/30 mix, so 70 percent of all [Air Force Specialty Codes] we prefer to take from Active-Duty, and thank you very much for training them," Healy explained. This approach not only helps manage costs, but also optimizes efficiency within the force.
Training a single pilot costs tens of millions of dollars, making the retention of experienced personnel crucial. According to Healy, 91 percent of Active pilots who transition to the Reserves continue their military service for at least 20 years, and 86 percent serve for 30 years. However, as airlines increasingly offer conditional job placements to pilots up to two years before their active duty concludes, the retention numbers are under threat. Currently, only about 67 percent of Reserve pilots are prior service, falling short of the target 70 percent. "We need to boost those numbers up," Healy added, underscoring the challenge faced by the Reserve Command.
In response to these challenges, the AFRC is launching two key initiatives—the Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC) and Total Force Shared Service (TFS2). These programs are designed to facilitate smoother transitions for Active pilots seeking to switch to Reserve service, alleviating the burdens often associated with the affiliation process. The PCC aims to guide pilots through the various intricacies of transitioning to Reserve squadrons. Healy likened the service to "VIP treatment at a hotel," where dedicated personnel offer tailored support to make the process more manageable.
"Just finding the right contact information for each squadron can be a challenge, but PCC should help with that," explained Gordon Olde, the program manager for the PCC. Located at AFRC headquarters at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, the cell will soon expand to include four dedicated members, each specializing in specific aircraft categories, from mobility aircraft to fighters. Olde noted, "We are going to hold the hand of the pilot who is looking to affiliate and we’re going to introduce them to units directly." This hands-on approach aims to increase the chances of Airmen finding a squadron compatible with their needs.
Additionally, pilots will have support in navigating the intricacies of their potential new careers, including deciding between full-time and part-time service. Crucially, they will have guidance on joining the Reserves through two different methods, Palace Front and Palace Chase. The PCC facilitates these decisions, as they can enlighten pilots about the nuances of bonus programs and benefits, further easing their transition.
However, the transition process does have significant hurdles, with officers needing to be "scrolled"—a formal nomination process that can extend for six months or longer, adding to the timeline pilots face. For many, getting started early is critical to avoid falling behind, particularly as they face the impending separation dates. While the PCC primarily assists with information and outreach, it does not replace the existing in-service recruiters who help manage the administrative aspects of transitioning.
Simultaneously, the TFS2 initiative is designed to enable Active pilots to leave with a year remaining in their service commitment without compromising the needs of the Regular Air Force. This program allows a pilot to sign a three-year commitment to the Reserves or the Air National Guard in exchange for a 12-month Active-Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) obligation to the unit they just exited. Lt. Col. Brian McGinnis, project manager for TFS2, noted that proposed arrangements already involve five bases where both Active and Reserve units operate similar aircraft: Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, Travis Air Force Base in California, Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.
Currently, the program operates in a beta test format, offering flexibility to Active pilots who want to explore Reserve or Guard options while ensuring that Regular Air Force operations remain unaffected. The TFS2 program provides two distinct paths for transitioning pilots; one involves commencing a 12-month ADOS tour immediately upon transitioning, while another option allows pilots to delay their Active-Duty commitment, helping them secure a position with airlines before completing their obligations.
"This option is designed for members seeking to get started in an airline career who want to remain in the Reserve as an insurance policy for economic downturns," the AFRC said. This flexibility is particularly pertinent as airlines frequently adjust their workforce needs, with hiring surges causing the AFRC to experience dips in full-time personnel. Healy’s insights reinforce the importance of addressing retention during such fluctuating market conditions.
Both the PCC and TFS2 represent substantial efforts by the AFRC to foster seamless transitions from Active-Duty military careers to Reserve units, with hopes that these initiatives will help retain qualified pilots who might otherwise seek early departures for civilian opportunities.
As a point of outreach, both programs encourage pilots to connect with their teams early in the transition process to mitigate potential barriers. The PCC can be reached at [email protected], while inquiries about TFS2 can be sent to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
Through proactive measures like these, the Air Force Reserve Command hopes to foster a robust pipeline of experienced aviators and ensure effective pilot representation for years to come.
