A total of 117 Air Force specialties are eligible for bonuses this year, up from 40 in 2015, according to a press release. The expansion of the program lines up with service’s plan to grow the force and fill gaps in nuclear, maintenance, cyber, intelligence, remotely piloted aircraft, and support career fields. “This year’s SRB list increased by nearly threefold as we focused on retaining key experience while continuing our deliberate plan to grow our force,” said Col. Robert Romer, chief of military force policy for the Air Force. “We are increasing our accessions and training pipeline to support the increased growth, but these new enlistees won’t be seasoned for some time. Retaining the experience we have is critical to our success in reaching target end strength.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…