Air Force Raises Fighter Pilot Retention Bonus

[Stealth_81]

On another clarification point: Yes, if you sign up for the lump sum, it will be taxed. Except if you sign up while in a combat zone, where all pay is "tax free". I saw a LOT of other career fields (particularly the Air Traffic Controllers, who are also offered very hefty bonuses to stay) who waited until they deployed to sign up for their bonuses while dwnrange. Folks play the system. Angers you as a taxpayer, but before you throw stones, ask yourself if you don't "stick it to the man" as well sometimes.

I think this is part of the reason that the AF waited so long to announce the increased bonus. This was announced two days ago and the 11F pilots only have until September 30 to decide whether to take it or not. That doesn't leave much time to arrange a deployment.

Stealth_81

 

[Jcleppe]

I think this is part of the reason that the AF waited so long to announce the increased bonus. This was announced two days ago and the 11F pilots only have until September 30 to decide whether to take it or not. That doesn't leave much time to arrange a deployment.

Stealth_81

Smart move.

 

[LineInTheSand]

Angers you as a taxpayer, but before you throw stones, ask yourself if you don't "stick it to the man" as well sometimes.

I honestly have never had a problem keeping what they earned. I do have a problem when we feel guilty for not paying more in taxes.

 

[supreme1]

lump sum

my 2 cents worth. Both parties to the pilot-side of the ocntract (the pilot and wife) understand the nature of the job (includes being in harms way) just as do miners and fire fighters. It has to be THEIR joint decision on whether they want a 1/2 lump sum payment which may have to be paid back or taking it as a yearly payment. This is 'performance' contract not a life insurance policy (which BTW all military jet pilots should have plenty of). Also, for what it is worth I value the perspectives of that 'AF hater' and think he has some valid points. I am sure the AF pilots are busy determining the details and will make informed decisions for themselves and their family.

 

[Bullet]

I think this is part of the reason that the AF waited so long to announce the increased bonus. This was announced two days ago and the 11F pilots only have until September 30 to decide whether to take it or not. That doesn't leave much time to arrange a deployment.

Stealth_81

For the VAST majority of the AF, deployments aren't arranged on a short notice, but tey are instead informed well in advance (4-6 months). The Sep 30 date is due to it being the last day of the fiscal year, nothing more. They'll get the money in the next fiscal year, and the AF has already budgetted for that.

There will be quite a number of those "lucky" ones who are either deployed now or will be deployed before Sept 30 who will have the opportunity to sign up for this before the suspense and therefore avoid the tax penalty.

Gotta go now, I've got a tee-time on one of the three golf courses at Andrews... (BTW, there IS a reason for that, and it doesn't make the AF happy that they have to meet it. You know who plays Golf at Andrews? Congress and the Prez. The AF is basically told "You WILL have 3 courses at Andrews, you WILL keep them pristine, and you WILL pay for their upkeep." See, I found someone we can all despise without getting Stealth angry at us -- Congress!

 

[LineInTheSand]

I think this is part of the reason that the AF waited so long to announce the increased bonus. This was announced two days ago and the 11F pilots only have until September 30 to decide whether to take it or not. That doesn't leave much time to arrange a deployment.

Stealth_81

Shouldn't make a difference to the Air Force.... they pay.... and a percentage goes back to the federal govt...... or it doesn't. The Air Force neither wins nor loses... but its people do.

 

[LineInTheSand]

Gotta go now, I've got a tee-time on one of the three golf courses at Andrews... (BTW, there IS a reason for that, and it doesn't make the AF happy that they have to meet it. You know who plays Golf at Andrews? Congress and the Prez. The AF is basically told "You WILL have 3 courses at Andrews, you WILL keep them pristine, and you WILL pay for their upkeep."

Well they are certainly nice. I've only been once or twice, but I remember it being very nice.


It CERTAINLY beat "Goose Run" at the Groton Sub base.... where every shot sent your ball pinballing off of large mounds of goose "shift". And when I wasn't slicing on the first hole (and hitting cars on the lower base), I was trying not to hit the mobile hazards known as Canada geese (sadly I did hit one off of a drive...)

 

[kinnem]

Well they are certainly nice. I've only been once or twice, but I remember it being very nice.


It CERTAINLY beat "Goose Run" at the Groton Sub base.... where every shot sent your ball pinballing off of large mounds of goose "shift". And when I wasn't slicing on the first hole (and hitting cars on the lower base), I was trying not to hit the mobile hazards known as Canada geese (sadly I did hit one off of a drive...)

Well that's one way to get a birdie!

 

[DevilDog]

Your disdain for AFA parents believing they are somehow above sequestration? AFA cadets should have perks that other service members are scraping for? Are you serious!!!! Parents raising private funds to have a flyover is not effecting any of our sister services. As a matter of fact if anyone is interested AFA can show others how it can be done without funding from the government. You are correct in AF having nicer facilities but it a newer branch of the military.
I still see bitterness from you LITS when it comes to the AF. It comes in loud and clear. I am not the one complaining about the bonuses for AF pilots you are, and you need to get the detail before mouthing off about the payout. You have no idea whether there is a clause for payback if the pilot does not live up to the terms.

I have been on this forum for a long time. I agree with you, LITS disdain for the AF and the AFA is very evident. Where does this come from?

 

[LineInTheSand]

I have been on this forum for a long time. I agree with you, LITS disdain for the AF and the AFA is very evident. Where does this come from?

Consider it disdain for waste, where ever it comes (and that includes the Coast Guard).

The Air Force just seems to waste the most. That doesn't mean they don't have sweet planes and good pilots.

But don't worry DevilDog, contrary to the Marine Corps PR campaigns, they have their share of waste too.

 

[bruno]

Folks- I believe that Stealth already addressed this once. The thread is not about other posters so Let it go. You can talk about nailing geese with golf balls, or the tax implications of bonuses- or the value or need for retention bonuses in a down economy - etc...etc... But don't go any further down the road of talking about each other.