CANBERRA, Australia, March 6 (UPI) -- The Australian Air Force is aiming its recruitment literature at children as young as 13 its wants to become future pilots, states an internal report.
The report warns of a looming shortage of military pilots.
The confidential Royal Australian Air Force report, reported Saturday by The Australian, said the RAAF's pilot system is deeply flawed, with ineffective management and "severe structural problems" creating "a fundamental sense of dissatisfaction" among pilots.
The report warns that Australia may not be able to recruit or retain enough military pilots for future defense needs.
RAAF officials, however, insist they have no current shortage of pilots.
"The RAAF currently has more than sufficient pilots to meet its needs," a spokeswoman told The Australian.
Retaining those pilots, however, is more of an issue. The report, written in November of 2002, said nearly two-thirds of RAAF qualified pilots are leaving the service within two years of completing their initial 10-year service obligation.
To compensate, the report urges recruitment campaigns aimed at youths.
"The importance of influencing where possible 13- to 17-year-olds is now recognized as a more effective strategy for fast-jet pilot recruiting," the report said.
