Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act

Bill Number

S. 4373

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Last Updated

2026-04-29T04:53:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act (S. 4373) establishes a temporary pilot program to test whether short, one-time career breaks (called "intermissions") from active duty can help retain experienced Air Force fighter pilots and navigators. The goal is to reduce early separations and keep these experts available for air staff positions and leadership roles in the active-duty Air Force.

Key Provisions

• Program Setup: The Secretary of the Air Force must create the "Retention of Experienced Regular Air Force Fighter Aircrew Pilot Program" within 1 year of enactment. It runs for 5 years total.
• Eligibility:
• Limited to active-duty Air Force officers with 11F (fighter pilot) or 12F (fighter navigator) specialty codes.
• Must have completed initial pilot or navigator training commitment.
• No limits on years of service or rank; existing service commitments (beyond initial training) do not disqualify.
• Excludes those deploying or in certain Air Force readiness phases; wing commanders can restrict for mission needs.
• Entry Process: Wing commanders approve requests within 30 days; no interference from promotion timelines.
• Intermission Details (4 months to 1 year, chosen by participant):
• Placed in Individual Ready Reserve (inactive status but ready for recall).
• Must complete required training to maintain skills, fitness, and qualifications.
• Retain security clearances, base access, ID cards, and commissary privileges where possible.
• Receive pay and benefits similar to existing career intermission rules (under 10 U.S.C. § 710(f)), with modifications.
• No forced move from military housing, but pay rent during the break.
• Intermission time does not count toward retirement eligibility or pay calculations.
• Can combine with a permanent change of station (job relocation) if feasible.
• Return to Duty:
• Expedited process to resume flying or staff duties within 30 days.
• Incurs a new active duty service commitment (ADSC) equal to twice the intermission length.
• Exempt from 5-year reemployment limit under USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act).
• Protections: Participation cannot harm promotions, assignments, or career progression.
• Reporting and End: Secretary submits a report to Congress after 4 years on participation, retention effects, and recommendations. Program ends after 5 years. Regulations required within 180 days.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Builds on but tailors the general career intermission authority in 10 U.S.C. § 710 specifically for fighter aircrew.
• Introduces double-length ADSC upon return (instead of standard rules).
• Exempts intermission time from retirement computations (chapters 571, 1223 of 10 U.S.C.).
• Allows retention of active-duty-like benefits (e.g., clearances, access) during reserve status.
• Delegates approval to wing commanders and mandates fast processing, differing from broader intermission processes.

Potential Impacts

• Air Force: Could improve retention and manning in fighter squadrons, air operations centers, and staffs; tests work-life balance tool amid pilot shortages.
• Airmen and Families: Offers flexible breaks without career penalties, with continued benefits, potentially reducing burnout.
• Government: Temporary pilot minimizes long-term costs; requires report to Congress for evaluation.
• No direct effects on citizens or international relations noted.

Main Stakeholders

• Air Force fighter aircrew (11F/12F officers): Primary beneficiaries and participants.
• Secretary of the Air Force and wing commanders: Oversee implementation, approvals, and training.
• Department of Defense: Prescribes regulations.
• Congressional defense committees: Receive reports and oversee.
• Families of participants: Benefit from pay, housing continuity.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Modifies federal statutes (10 U.S.C. §§ 710, 571, 1223; 37 U.S.C. § 403; 38 U.S.C. § 4312) via a time-limited pilot, ensuring reversibility. Reinforces USERRA exceptions for military needs.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; standard congressional authority over military personnel under Article I.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (e.g., Sens. Budd, Shaheen); addresses Air Force pilot retention crisis without permanent commitments. Pilot structure allows data-driven decisions on expansion.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

Cosponsors (7)

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
• 2026-04-22: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (9 pages)