2009 aviator continuation pay details released Published Nov. 5, 2008 By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials here released the details Nov. 4 for aviator continuation pay for this fiscal year. For active duty Airmen, the program gives various rated aviators -- namely some pilots, combat systems officers and air battle managers -- the opportunity to sign an active duty service commitment contract agreement in exchange for a financial bonus. The details vary among the branches of the total force. "With increasing requirements for rated officers, the Air Force is trying to avoid shortfalls in manning," said Lt. Col. David DuHadway, the chief of rated force policy. "With the economy the way it is and the Air Force needs for rated officers, this is a win-win situation for everyone involved." The aviator continuation pay program traditionally targeted officers, most recently pilots and air battle managers, who have completed their initial flying service commitment during the fiscal year. This year, the ACP program has been expanded. For active duty rated aviators who will finish their initial flying training commitment in this fiscal year, the bonuses are: -- Pilots: five-year ACP agreement at $25,000 a year -- Air battle managers: five year ACP agreement at $15,000 a year In addition, retirement-eligible active duty pilots, combat systems officers and air battle managers can opt for a three-, four- or five-year ACP agreement and earn $15,000 a year. Finally, pilots who are on active duty, but turned down ACP before and have not yet reached 13 years of total active military service, can take advantage of the program this year. For these eligible officers, the offer is a three-, four- or five-year ACP agreement at $15,000 a year. "The idea is that if incentive pay carries the Airman to their 16-year mark, chances are they will stay in the Air Force until retirement," Colonel DuHadway said. "We need experienced officers who can offer up their expertise to help lead, train and mentor the next generation of Airmen." The Air Force maintains roughly 20,500 rated officer positions and currently faces a shortfall of about 1,520 rated Airmen who meet the necessary qualifications. Air Force officials expect a shortfall of about 1,200 rated pilots by the beginning of 2010, said Maj. Brian Backman, who works in the rated force policy office. In the past, ACP has proven to be a successful retention tool. Anyone interested in the program should visit the Air Force Personnel Center Web site at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ or talk to their squadron commander or appropriate A1 representative, Colonel DuHadway said. Full details on this year's ACP program, eligibility and program specifics will be released by a formal AFPC implementation message.