Feasibility study of a hypothetical distance-learning model designed to enhance the retention of Air Force pilots operating under the Expeditionary Aerospace Forces doctrine

This study explores the notion that the retention of Air Force pilots operating under the new Expeditionary Aerospace Forces doctrine could improve through continuing education. The hypothesis is grounded in the beliefs of Ds. Lawrence Kohlberg and Abraham Maslow, two distinguished psychologists who theorized that education leads to higher self-esteem and moral development. The Air Force has embraced distance learning as a tool for improving the education and training of its service members; however, they have not exploited it as a separate pilot retention initiative. Consequently, this study helps fill a knowledge void by providing new data and insights into the significance of continuing education as a separate quality-of-life initiative for pilots. The Air Force selected one fighter squadron, which they considered representative of all Aerospace Expeditionary Force units. The pilots assigned to that squadron received a survey instrument with a hypothetical distance-learning model embedded in it—a model designed for pilots operating in a high “operational tempo” environment. They were asked questions directly relating to the feasibility of the model as a separate quality-of-life initiative for improving pilot retention. The study confirmed that continuing education is important to pilots, and that it does contribute to quality-of-life and lifestyle satisfaction. However, it was unable to determine whether continuing education as a separate quality-of-life initiative could actually improve pilot retention.