Congress Questions the Cost Effectiveness of Military Air Shows

It’s no secret that the U.S. military has grappled with significant recruitment challenges in recent years, prompting Congress to scrutinize the efficacy of traditional outreach methods. Now, they are looking at military air shows. These events, featuring dynamic aerial displays and opportunities for public engagement, have long been considered vital tools for boosting recruitment and enhancing military readiness. In addition, they are just good old-fashioned fun for young and old alike. However, lawmakers are questioning their actual impact and whether or not it would be worth their while to have some of these demonstrations in more rural areas.

The Congressional Inquiry

As part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), lawmakers have requested a comprehensive briefing from the Secretary of Defense. This report will analyze how military participation in air shows affects recruitment efforts and operational readiness. Additionally, Congress has initiated a one-year pilot program (no pun intended) requiring the military to support at least five air shows in rural or small-market areas to better understand their impact.

A key part of this initiative is a report due in January 2026. This document will detail the costs of supporting these air shows, the types of aircraft involved, and any measurable changes in readiness and recruiting efforts. Lawmakers have asked for specific information on how the military selects which shows to support, the costs associated with participation, and the effects these events have on training and recruitment. The report will also provide data on the total number of shows the military has supported over the past three years.

The initiative aims to bring military aircraft and aerial demonstration teams to smaller, rural communities that often lack access to such events. By doing so, Congress hopes to provide these areas with positive exposure to the armed forces, foster interest in military careers, and potentially boost recruitment efforts in regions where it may be most needed. This effort reflects a broader push to determine the best ways to address ongoing recruitment challenges while maintaining operational readiness.

Recruitment Challenges Across the Services

As we all know by now, the U.S. military is grappling with significant recruitment challenges, with most branches struggling to meet enlistment goals in recent years. Several factors contribute to these difficulties. Qualification rates among young Americans have declined, with only about 23% eligible to serve without waivers due to issues like obesity, drug use, physical and mental health problems, and low aptitude. The military also faces fierce competition from private-sector employers who offer comparable benefits and higher pay. Additionally, many young people lack awareness about military service, with nearly 50% admitting they know little to nothing about it.

The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted traditional recruitment efforts by limiting face-to-face interactions. The declining number of veterans has reduced the number of young people with personal connections to the military. Public trust in the military has also waned due to political divisiveness and debates over military priorities, creating additional hurdles for recruiters.

In terms of recruitment performance, the Army met its reduced goal of 55,000 recruits in 2024 after falling short in previous years. However, this was only after lowering the bar. The Navy came close to its target but fell short by about 5,000 recruits due to processing delays at boot camp. The Air Force and Marine Corps both met their recruiting goals for 2024. However, in fiscal year 2023, the combined recruiting goals for all services fell short by 41,000 people.

To address these challenges, the military has implemented several strategies. The Army and Navy now offer preparatory courses to help potential recruits meet fitness and academic standards. The Navy has also expanded its applicant pool by accepting some recruits without high school diplomas or GEDs. Additionally, military branches are working to increase awareness by providing teenagers with a clearer picture of military life, especially those who have little to no interaction with veterans.

Despite these efforts, recruiting challenges persist, and the military’s active-duty end strength is projected to decrease further. These hurdles highlight the need for innovative recruitment strategies to make sure the armed forces meet their staffing needs.

The Role of Air Shows in Recruitment

Air shows have long been a significant tool in military recruitment efforts, providing a unique platform for the armed forces to connect with the public and showcase their capabilities. These events allow the military to demonstrate the skills of its aircraft and personnel to large audiences, increasing awareness and interest in military careers. They also offer potential recruits the chance to interact directly with service members, creating a personal connection that can be crucial for fostering interest. Retired Major General Ed Thomas Jr. highlighted this, noting, “There’s no replacement for that personal connection.” This is quite true. If you’ve ever been to one of these shows, it is something you’ll never forget.

Although data is limited, air shows are widely considered the second-most effective recruitment tool after high school visits. They draw attendees who are either interested in serving themselves or who may influence others to consider military service. This is precisely why Congress wants to try out airshows in more rural markets. This new initiative aims to reach underserved communities that often lack access to military demonstrations and could benefit from exposure to the armed forces. Is the proverbial bang worth the buck, though? That remains to be seen.

Air shows in traditional markets attract a diverse demographic, with many attendees having some college education and nearly half reporting incomes above $35,000. However, the effectiveness of air shows in directly boosting enlistment numbers remains under evaluation. One challenge is the significant cost associated with these events; for example, the Navy’s Blue Angels spend $13 million annually on maintenance and operational expenses alone.

The importance of air shows became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when their cancellation, along with other public events, negatively impacted military recruitment. This led Washington to revisit the role air shows play in maintaining public engagement and interest in military service. We know they have been a valuable recruitment tool (especially for the Air Force and Navy) but contributions to recruitment goals has never before been closely studied.

History

Military air shows have a rich history that dates back to the early days of aviation, serving as a bridge between the armed forces and the public. After World War I, pilots performed at traveling air shows, often called “circuses,” to keep their skills sharp and maintain public interest in aviation. During the 1920s and 1930s, military pilots began showcasing aerial demonstrations at county fairs and patriotic celebrations near military airfields, offering communities a glimpse of their capabilities.

The establishment of official aerial demonstration teams marked a turning point in the history of air shows. In 1946, the U.S. Navy introduced the Blue Angels, training pilots to perform aerobatic stunts for public entertainment. Seven years later, in 1953, the U.S. Air Force followed suit with the creation of the Thunderbirds. These teams have become iconic, thrilling audiences with their precision flying and aerobatic skills.

Military air shows play a critical role in public relations, helping to garner support from congresspersons who vote on military budgets. For service members, these events boost morale and foster pride within their units. Additionally, air shows provide educational opportunities, allowing the public to learn about military aviation, cutting-edge technology, and the skills of service members. It is their hard-earned tax dollars at work, and few can question the value after watching one of these spectacular shows in person.

Over the years, air shows have evolved from simple flying demonstrations to complex aerobatic performances featuring advanced military aircraft. Modern air shows often involve collaboration with local communities, including police, fire departments, and city councils, highlighting not just the military but also the surrounding area. This partnership strengthens community ties and ensures the events are both safe and enjoyable for all attendees.

Today, military air shows remain an essential part of outreach and public engagement, blending entertainment with education to inspire and inform audiences about the armed forces’ capabilities and technology. They continue to captivate the public, building bridges between the military and the communities it serves.

Impact on Military Readiness

Air shows can influence readiness in multiple ways. On the positive side, they provide training opportunities for pilots and support personnel, helping to refine their skills. However, there are concerns that air shows may divert resources and aircraft from other critical operational or training activities. These events can also affect maintenance schedules and aircraft availability, potentially straining an already challenged system. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, many military aircraft have struggled to meet mission-capable goals, raising questions about how air show participation might impact these readiness rates.

Some argue that air shows contribute positively to readiness by keeping pilots’ skills sharp and sustaining public interest in aviation. While not a public air show, the William Tell competition—an air-to-air weapons meet—has been cited as having a direct positive impact on combat readiness and air superiority, demonstrating how competitive flying events can enhance operational capabilities.

Diverse Perspectives

Military air shows spark a range of opinions, with both proponents and critics weighing in on their value and impact. Supporters highlight air shows as an effective recruitment tool, ranking second only to high school visits for attracting people interested in military service. These events also play a vital role in community engagement, allowing the military to showcase its capabilities and connect with the public, particularly in underserved rural areas. Air shows provide opportunities for the public to learn about military aviation and technology while boosting morale for both service members and attending communities.

Critics, however, raise concerns about their cost-effectiveness, noting the significant expenses involved in organizing and conducting air shows. While air shows draw diverse audiences, their ability to effectively reach all potential recruits is debated. Additionally, safety and security concerns arise when military assets are brought to public events, requiring substantial resources to mitigate risks. Finally, critics point to a lack of empirical evidence demonstrating that air shows directly contribute to recruitment goals. Hence, the new Congressional mandate.

Looking Ahead

As the military continues to navigate recruitment hurdles, it’s important to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional outreach methods like air shows. The forthcoming report to Congress will be crucial in determining whether these events remain a viable component of recruitment and readiness strategies or if a shift toward more modern, targeted approaches is necessary.

It would certainly be a sad thing indeed to see fewer public displays of military airpower. It is one of those rare instances where the general public and elite military members can mingle, and where the armed forces get to put on a show highlighting their amazing abilities.