By Allen Cone
The Air Force has the authority to recall 1,000 retired pilots to active duty to address a shortage in combat fliers, the White House and Pentagon announced.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that amends "a national emergency by reason of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001" that gives the Secretary of Defense additional authority to manage personnel requirements."We anticipate that the secretary of defense will delegate the authority to the secretary of the Air Force to recall up to 1,000 retired pilots for up to three years," Navy Cmdr. Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement obtained by USA Today.
The executive order could be used to call up more officers and in other branches.
Air Force officials have said the service was 1,500 pilots short.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/10/21/Trumps-order-allows-Air-Force-to-recall-1000-retired-pilots/6851508593278/?utm_source=upi&utm_campaign=mp&utm_medium=4