November 4, 2006: Even though the U.S. Air Force is in the midst of shedding 40,000 people, it is still looking for scarce specialists. These include cryptologic linguists, combat controllers; tactical air command and control operators; survival, SERE (evasion, resist and escape operations) instructors, pararescuers, EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) technicians, and musicians. To that end, it is offering jobs for certain specialists who have previously served in the air force, or one of the other services. The air force is looking for young people, with no more than six years of prior service. Those recruited through this program will get their old rank back, and be eligible for bonuses currently offered to people in these specialties. The air force doesn't expect to get many people this way, but it doesn't hurt to try, and they really need these people for some key jobs.