Getting More Bang For The Buck: Incentivizing Aircrew Continuation Training
Abstract
With the ever-increasing dependence on Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) aircrews to fill critical operational roles, it is not enough for AFRC aircrews to just be current. They also need to be proficient. The central question of this report is: How might AFRC incentivize flight continuation training to maximize proficiency and encourage aircrews to make the most of each training sortie? The problem/solution methodology was used in this research to evaluate methods of incentivizing aircrews to get more out of their continuation training. Whether through pay or another means, incentivization programs were explored that make best use of AFRC training dollars and maintain a higher state of currency, proficiency, and ultimately preparedness. The key findings revealed that, while pay-for-performance, specifically the direct correlation of flying tasks performed to pay earned, appears to be a fair means of rewarding aircrew who take proficiency seriously. Civilian incentive models also suggest that this method may decrease overall morale and exacerbate AFRCs current aircrew shortage. Through a thorough examination of proficiency, pay, and various models of workplace incentives, this research concluded that proficiency needs to be emphasized over currency. As a result, five courses of action (COA) are recommended to present Air Force leaders with multiple avenues from which to approach aircrew proficiency. The COAs affecting Additional Flight Training Periods (AFTP) are unique to AFRC and to some extent the Air National Guard (ANG) but some have application potential to the total force. The research findings pointed to a recommendation that AFRC assigns a minimum flight time to the first AFTP before a second AFTP is earned. This COA costs AFRC no additional AFTP funds while encouraging more training opportunity without tying pay to specific events.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1054642
Entities
People
- Paul E Carpenter
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College