Washington D.C. – The U.S. Air Force has made significant updates to its mental health policies in an effort to better support airmen who may be struggling with mental health issues. According to a recent announcement, airmen are now allowed to seek mental health treatment for up to 60 days without needing a return-to-duty waiver in order to resume flying duties.
This new policy is a departure from previous practices that required airmen to undergo a waiting period, known as “stabilization,” after seeking help, which often resulted in longer periods of grounding and potential career setbacks. By implementing a more structured timeline for airmen to return to flying duties, the Air Force aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care and encourage early intervention.
The changes stem from the work of the Air Mobility Command’s “Warrior Mental Health” working group, which is comprised of aircrew members, aviation psychologists, flight surgeons, and a specialized doctor from NASA. The group carefully considered updates to the Air Force’s mental health policies to better support the mental well-being of airmen.
The working group was led by C-130J Super Hercules airlifter pilot, Maj. Jane Marlow, who shared her personal experience of delaying mental health care due to fears of being grounded indefinitely. Marlow emphasized the positive impact mental health care had on her performance as a pilot and leader, despite facing challenges related to her diagnosis.
Additionally, flight surgeons, who are specially trained to address the physical toll of flying, can now submit waivers for airmen to return to flying duties after the 60-day treatment period. This streamlined process aims to facilitate a smoother transition back to flying duties for airmen seeking mental health care.
The Air Mobility Command’s working group, established in January 2022, underscores the Air Force’s commitment to prioritizing mental health within the service. Gen. Mike Minihan, who leads the command, has been vocal about his own experiences with mental health challenges, sparking important conversations about destigmatizing mental health care and supporting airmen in need.
In a recent statement, Gen. Minihan highlighted the impact of the new policy, emphasizing the importance of lowering barriers to mental health care for all airmen. This initiative signifies a significant step forward in promoting mental health awareness and support within the Air Force, ultimately ensuring the well-being and readiness of its personnel.