SWEETENING THE DEAL

摘要

Enlisted recruits and officer aviators could qualify for extra cash this year as the Air Force sweetens the deal to be an airman. The Air Force is offering enlistment bonuses to people who sign up for more than a dozen jobs in maintenance, cyber operations, linguistics and special operations through Sept. 30. It's also promising an $8,000 bonus for prospective active duty airmen who can ship out to basic training within five days if a spot becomes available at the last minute. Financial incentives are one piece of the Air Force's attempt to overcome its hurdles to higher recruitment, from the global obesity epidemic, to private-sector pay and flexibility, to a greater lack of interest among young Americans than in decades past. "As we roll up our sleeves in the battle for talent, we've got to remain competitive as we go after our next generation of airmen," said Air Force Recruiting Service commander Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas in an April news release. Explosive ordnance disposal and special warfare enlistees (3E8X1 and 9T500) can snag the most money - $50,000 for a six-year contract -while maintainers can earn a smaller bonus at $3,000 for a four-year contract.