Air Force Retention remains higher than usual

In fiscal 2022, nine out of ten airmen chose to remain in the Air Force. This marks another year of high retention rates since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Tech, service spokesperson, slightly more officers continued to serve than enlisted pilots, 93.1% vs 89.4%. Sgt. Deana Heitzman. That’s on par with retention rates over the last six years.

Retention is subject to fluctuations of fractions one percent. After an abnormal spike in 2020 of about 1 percentage point — equaling more than 3,000 active duty airmen and guardians — numbers are falling but have not returned to pre-pandemic rates.

“While there may be some impact from COVID-[related] decisions; it is too early to make that correlation,” Heitzman said.

According to her, the Air Force Band (and electromagnetic spectrum operations) were the fields with the highest number of people. Two medical fields — orthotics and nuclear radiology — retained the fewest.

The Air Force will offer additional service to encourage people to stay. Over the course of a career, these incentives could amount to as high as $360,000 for enlisted Airmen.

Critics argue that the tactic is wasteful and doesn’t address the real reasons why so many airmen quit. These factors are being addressed by service officials.

Air Force for instance has introduced changes to its parenting policy and pregnancy policies. These policies allow service members more flexibility in the workplace while also allowing them to raise a family. It removed outdated dress and appearance standards and allows enlisted airmen to choose not to receive professional military education.

The military spouses can also get new benefits: After receiving orders to move, they are eligible to be reimbursed for the cost to obtain job certification or licensure.

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