According to the U.S. Army Times, Feb. 8, the U.S. Air Force announced on the 7th that it would relaunch a recall program to fill up to 1,000 mid-career officer and non-commissioned officer positions, including pilots, combat systems, recruiters, air traffic controllers, etc. The U.S. Air Force is now looking to fill a critical personnel gap as it faces renewed tensions in the Middle East and the possibility of a conflict with China.
The U.S. Air Force said in a press release that the application opportunity for the "Voluntary Return to Active Service Program for Retirees" will open on the 8th. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026, with a period of no more than 48 months of service. Those selected are expected to be back in military uniform 4 to 6 months after applying.
According to the report, the project is limited to officers with the rank of captain to lieutenant colonel, as well as former enlisted soldiers from sergeant to sergeant major of the second class.
While anyone who qualifies can apply – regardless of what they have done during their past service, the Air Force is focusing on recalling a range of officers – from pilots and combat systems** to cyber issues specialists, contract managers and more. The U.S. Air Force also wants to expand the number of active-duty troops in areas such as recruitment, air traffic control, security forces, and medical care.
A briefing note on the program circulated on social ** on the 6th wrote that pilots returning to service are not eligible for aviation allowances and will not be deployed to combat units unless they voluntarily or are assigned. They must also meet work standards – including physical fitness requirements – and may also be subject to a "permanent transfer". They cannot extend their service and are not eligible to participate in the Skills Bridge job conversion program.
Some social users are skeptical that this latest move will be useful. (Compiled by Zhu Jie).