Issue 247: Future Force

RAAF in the year of 2018

Re-engineering the RAAF Deputy Chief of Air Force AVM John Blackburn

In last August’s Defence Update column, we raised the prospect of the RAAF facing a critical shortage of the suitably qualified pilots and support personnel who will be required right around the time it is due to take delivery of billions of dollars worth of new equipment later this decade and into the next.

In it we looked at the problems facing the RAAF in retaining its pilots, particularly in the face of a booming airline recruitment market both at home and overseas, and we put forward some ideas on how the RAAF might think a little outside the square and become a bit more innovative in its retention efforts.