Critical Staffing Shortage Prompts Air Force to Recruit Retirees

The service is seeking up to 1,000 retirees to return to active duty for a variety of special duty fields, including pilots and air traffic control.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, February 08, 2024 at 02:03 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Facing a critical staffing shortage, particularly a persistent pilot deficit, the U.S. Air Force has launched the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program (VRRAD).
The VRRAD program aims to recruit up to 1,000 retired officers and enlisted personnel to fill critical special duty positions across various fields.
Participants will serve a maximum of 48 months, return at their retirement grade, and will not be eligible for promotions or aviation bonuses.

See a mistake? Contact us.

A critical staffing shortage has prompted the U.S. Air Force to launch a recruitment effort to lure officers and enlisted retirees back into service.

Through the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program (VRRAD), the Air Force is seeking up to 1,000 retirees to return to active duty for a variety of special duty positions, including pilot, air traffic control, airfield operations, and combat systems.