The change arrives around a month after the Air Force missed its recruiting target for the first time since 1999. The first- and second-place winning pilots likely crashed at the National Air Race Championships, possibly because of a blind spot, glare or loss of focus. The shortfall makes it more difficult for the service to fill a pilot shortage of around 2,000 people that has persisted for years. Rand Corp. has added to a growing body of research assessing the impacts of diversity on the military and barriers to its progress. The Air Force is looking to retrain noncommissioned officers into service jobs that are understaffed. Nearly three-fourths of spouses in the program have been hired by their employer who hosted their fellowship. More employers are needed. Ukrainian pilots with prior experience flying other fighters could learn to fly the F-16 in as short as five months, the Air Force said. Pilots whose initial contracts expire in fiscal 2024 or 2025 can sign new agreements to serve for another four to 12 years. At least 12 T-6s require intensive repairs before they can return to flight, base spokesperson Terri Schaefer said. The Drone Racing League is for “tech-setters” not attracted to sports like football. Instead, they lean into gaming and simulation. Load More