“It is a crisis,” said the U.S. Air Force’s new top officer, Gen. David Goldfein, aside Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James at the annual “State of the Air Force” briefing at the Pentagon Wednesday. "It’s actually something you have to fight for and maintain.”Fox News first reported the Air Force shortage of 700 pilots after visiting two Air Force bases in May. Airmen told Fox News, in addition to the pilot shortage, they are 4,000 mechanics short as well. The Air Force has grappled with pilot retention for some time, particularly as airlines look to hire them, promising higher salaries and benefits. James added that Air Force needs the authority to increase bonuses for all pilots in order to address the shortage.

Source: Fox News August 11, 2016 01:18 UTC