Estimating the Operational Training Needs of Air Force Fighter Squadrons

To maintain U.S. combat readiness, Air Force fighter pilots must receive an adequate amount of operational training during peacetime. Less experienced pilots fly training sorties under the supervision of senior pilots in order to acquire the variety of skills they need for combat operations. In recent years, the reduction in the number of fighter squadrons in the force structure, the loss of experienced pilots due to retirement and attrition, and the reduction in funding for training sorties has made it difficult for the Air Force to absorb new pilots in a timely way. This problem has resulted in an overall decline in the experience level of fighter squadrons.