Virgin Islands National Park: America's Paradise

The Virgin Islands National Park sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea on a small island. It is rich in beauty and history.

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Austria Could Elect EU’s First Far-Right Leader

  Austrian voters could elect the European Union’s first far-right leader in a presidential election on Sunday. Norbert Hofer of the far-right Freedom Party is running against Alexander Van der Bellen. Van der Bellen is an independent candidate who led The Greens party earlier. Recent public opinion studies have shown the two candidates with about equal support. Austria held a presidential election in May. Van der Bellen won that election narrowly. But those results were overturned by Austria’s constitutional court because of problems with voting procedures. Hofer has taken a strong anti-immigration position during his campaign. Earlier in the campaign, he said he might call a referendum on whether Austria should leave the European Union. Hofer also opposes Turkey’s efforts to join the EU and has spoken out against EU attempts to get too much control over individual states.   Van der Bellen criticized Hofer for his positions during a recent presidential debate. He said Austria’s possible withdrawal from the EU could result in a flood of “right-wing populism.”  Van der Bellen has called for continued close relations with Germany, Austria’s neighbor to the north and biggest trading partner. Hofer has said he wants to strengthen relations with other central and eastern European nations, including Russia. He denounced German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a debate. Hofer said Merkel had caused “serious damage” to Europe by supporting open policies for migrants. He said her actions had allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to pass through Austria, “including terrorists.” Experts say the presidential campaign in Austria has been heavily influenced by the election of Donald Trump in the United States. President-elect Trump has called for severe immigration enforcement and criticized Merkel’s policies on migrants. Political experts say Britain’s vote in June to leave the EU – often called Brexit - also drew attention to the immigration issue.    An opinion study by the U.S.-based Gallup organization asked 800 Austrians how Trump’s victory might affect the voting. About 53 percent said Trump’s win will be better for Hofer, while 9 percent said it will help Van der Bellen. The office of president in Austria is largely ceremonial. But the president does hold the power to shape policies, appoint and dismiss government ministers and call parliamentary elections. Some political observers say the outcome in Austria could mark the beginning of a wave of populist candidates across Europe. In  France, the leader of the far-right National Front, Marine Le Pen, says she believes the Trump and Brexit votes gave her campaign momentum. Le Pen is seen as a possible competitor in France’s presidential election next year. On Sunday, right-leaning presidential candidate Francois Fillon won a primary election for France’s Republican Party. Fillon, a former prime minister, could face Le Pen in a runoff vote in the country’s two-round election system. France’s Socialist President Francois Hollande has announced he will not run for re-election.  The leaders of right-wing movements in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are also hoping to gain from Trump’s election. Opinion studies show support for the Freedom Party of Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders. A general election will take place in March. Wilders has repeatedly made statements against Islam. He was also tried for violating a hate speech law and is waiting for the court’s decision. A court charged him with inciting hatred after leading a chant at a meeting calling for the Netherlands to accept fewer Moroccan immigrants. Wilders recently described a worldwide movement that, he says, agrees with his political message and the ideas of other far-right leaders. He says the movement is driven by voters. He says they are tired of “politically correct” ideas from traditional politicians and media companies. "Brexit proved it. The American election proved it,” he said. I’m Jill Robbins. And I'm Bryan Lynn. Henry Ridgwell and Luis Ramirez reported on this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English, with additional material from the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   procedure – n. the official or usual way of doing something referendum – n. a direct vote in which people cast ballots to decide on a specific issue or policy populism – n. related to policies that supposedly represent the opinions of ordinary people momentum – n. the strength or force allowing something to continue or grow stronger chant – n. the repeated saying of a word, phrase or slogan by a crowd of people 

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'Luck,' by Mark Twain

  Our story today is called "Luck."  It was written by Mark Twain. Here is Shep O’Neal with the story. I was at a dinner in London given in honor of one of the most celebrated English military men of his time. I do not want to tell you his real name and titles. I will just call him Lieutenant General Lord Arthur Scoresby. I cannot describe my excitement when I saw this great and famous man. There he sat, the man himself, in person, all covered with medals. I could not take my eyes off him. He seemed to show the true mark of greatness. His fame had no effect on him. The hundreds of eyes watching him, the worship of so many people, did not seem to make any difference to him. Next to me sat a clergyman, who was an old friend of mine. He was not always a clergyman. During the first half of his life he was a teacher in the military school at Woolwich. There was a strange look in his eye as he leaned toward me and whispered – “Privately – he is a complete fool.” He meant, of course, the hero of our dinner. This came as a shock to me. I looked hard at my friend. I could not have been more surprised if he had said the same thing about Napoleon, or Socrates, or Solomon. But I was sure of two things about the clergyman. He always spoke the truth. And, his judgment of men was good. Therefore, I wanted to find out more about our hero as soon as I could. Some days later I got a chance to talk with the clergyman, and he told me more.  These are his exact words: About forty years ago, I was an instructor in the military academy at Woolwich, when young Scoresby was given his first examination. I felt extremely sorry for him.  Everybody answered the questions well, intelligently, while he – why, dear me – he did not know anything, so to speak. He was a nice, pleasant young man. It was painful to see him stand there and give answers that were miracles of stupidity. I knew of course that when examined again he would fail and be thrown out. So, I said to myself, it would be a simple, harmless act to help him as much as I could. I took him aside and found he knew a little about Julius Caesar’s history. But, he did not know anything else. So, I went to work and tested him and worked him like a slave. I made him work, over and over again, on a few questions about Caesar, which I knew he would be asked. If you will believe me, he came through very well on the day of the examination.  He got high praise too, while others who knew a thousand times more than he were sharply criticized. By some strange, lucky accident, he was asked no questions but those I made him study. Such an accident does not happen more than once in a hundred years. Well, all through his studies, I stood by him, with the feeling a mother has for a disabled child. And he always saved himself by some miracle. I thought that what in the end would destroy him would be the mathematics examination.  I decided to make his end as painless as possible. So, I pushed facts into his stupid head for hours. Finally, I let him go to the examination to experience what I was sure would be his dismissal from school. Well, sir, try to imagine the result. I was shocked out of my mind. He took first prize! And he got the highest praise. I felt guilty day and night – what I was doing was not right. But I only wanted to make his dismissal a little less painful for him. I never dreamed it would lead to such strange, laughable results. I thought that sooner or later one thing was sure to happen: The first real test once he was through school would ruin him. Then, the Crimean War broke out. I felt that sad for him that there had to be a war.  Peace would have given this donkey a chance to escape from ever being found out as being so stupid. Nervously, I waited for the worst to happen. It did. He was appointed an officer.  A captain, of all things! Who could have dreamed that they would place such a responsibility on such weak shoulders as his. I said to myself that I was responsible to the country for this. I must go with him and protect the nation against him as far as I could. So, I joined up with him. And away we went to the field. And there – oh dear, it was terrible. Mistakes, fearful mistakes – why, he never did anything that was right – nothing but mistakes. But, you see, nobody knew the secret of how stupid he really was. Everybody misunderstood his actions. They saw his stupid mistakes as works of great intelligence. They did, honestly! His smallest mistakes made a man in his right mind cry, and shout and scream too – to himself, of course. And what kept me in a continual fear was the fact that every mistake he made increased his glory and fame. I kept saying to myself that when at last they find out about him, it will be like the sun falling out of the sky. He continued to climb up, over the dead bodies of his superiors. Then, in the hottest moment of one battle down went our colonel. My heart jumped into my mouth, for Scoresby was the next in line to take his place. Now, we are in for it, I said… The battle grew hotter. The English and their allies were steadily retreating all over the field. Our regiment occupied a position that was extremely important. One mistake now would bring total disaster. And what did Scoresby do this time – he just mistook his left hand for his right hand…that was all. An order came for him to fall back and support our right. Instead, he moved forward and went over the hill to the left. We were over the hill before this insane movement could be discovered and stopped. And what did we find? A large and unsuspected Russian army waiting! And what happened – were we all killed? That is exactly what would have happened in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred.  But no – those surprised Russians thought that no one regiment by itself would come around there at such a time.   It must be the whole British army, they thought. They turned tail, away they went over the hill and down into the field in wild disorder, and we after them. In no time, there was the greatest turn around you ever saw. The allies turned defeat into a sweeping and shining victory. The allied commander looked on, his head spinning with wonder, surprise and joy.  He sent right off for Scoresby, and put his arms around him and hugged him on the field in front of all the armies. Scoresby became famous that day as a great military leader – honored throughout the world. That honor will never disappear while history books last. He is just as nice and pleasant as ever, but he still does not know enough to come in out of the rain. He is the stupidest man in the universe. Until now, nobody knew it but Scoresby and myself. He has been followed, day by day, year by year, by a strange luck. He has been a shining soldier in all our wars for years.  He has filled his whole military life with mistakes. Every one of them brought him another honorary title. Look at his chest, flooded with British and foreign medals. Well, sir, every one of them is the record of some great stupidity or other. They are proof that the best thing that can happen to a man is to be born lucky. I say again, as I did at the dinner, Scoresby’s a complete fool. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story   ally– n. (pl. allies) a country that supports and helps another country in a war disabled – adj. having a physical or mental disability : unable to perform one or more natural activities (such as walking or seeing) because of illness, injury, etc. dismiss – v. to send away; to refuse to consider dismissal – n. the act of sending a person away (from a position at work or in a school) join up – (idiom) enlist in the military service superiors – n. a person of higher rank or status than another

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English @ the Movies: 'It's Crunch Time'

Today on English @ the Movies we talk about the saying "it's crunch time." The movie is "Hidden Figures"-- a true story about African-American women who helped with the American space program. Want to know what "it's crunch time" means? Watch and find out!

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World’s Oldest Person Turns 117, Eats 2 Uncooked Eggs a Day

  The oldest living person celebrated a birthday earlier this week. Emma Morano celebrated her 117th birthday on Tuesday. Friends, neighbors and her doctor joined Morano in her small apartment home in the northern Italian mountain town of Verbania. She blew out three candles on her birthday cake. Each candle represented a number in her age. “I hope I don’t have to cut it,” Morano joked. “She dressed up and she was very proud,” said her long-time doctor, Carlo Bava. “She posed for a photographer, and even asked if her hair looked good.” “I am happy to turn 117,” Morano told those attending her party. She received a greeting from Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella. He wished her peace and continued good health. Emma Morano is thought to be the last living person born in the 1800s. She outlived all her brothers and sisters, including one who died at age 102. Her doctor noted that when Morano was young, people used to say she was weak and often sick. “Yes, yes,” she said. The world’s oldest person told the Reuters news agency that while she is lucky to have lived so long, parts of her life were “not so nice.” She worked in a factory until she retired at age 65. Morano once told a reporter that the first man she planned to marry was killed in World War One. Then, at age 26, she was forced to marry a man she did not love. She said the man threatened to kill her if he did not marry her. She had a son, but the baby died after just six months. She said the marriage was not happy and her husband was abusive. She kicked him out in 1938 and has lived alone since then. Emma Morano says one of her secrets to living long is eating at least two uncooked eggs every day. Her doctor credits Morano’s long life to her unusual diet, her genes and positive outlook on life. I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press and Reuters. was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   proud – adj. feeling very pleased about something you have done greeting – n. a message expressing good wishes to someone candle – n. a wax stick that may be burned to produce light or heat kick out –  phrasal verb. to force (someone) to leave a place, house, group, school, etc. outlook – n. a way of looking at something  

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Lawyers, Teachers in Cameroon Strike for More English

  Protests over the English language in Cameroon have grown violent. A strike, called to increase the use of English, has spread to schools and universities in English-speaking areas. Lawyers and teachers, supported by young people, refused to call off the strike as protesters clashed with members of the military. The governor of Cameroon’s North-West Region says at least one person has been killed in the clashes. “Investigations are ongoing to establish the responsibilities,” said governor Adolphe Lele L’Afrique Deben Tchoffo. But media reports suggest that as many as four people were killed.  The protesters are demanding greater rights for English speakers in a country that has both English and French as official languages. The roots of the strike The current strike has created more debate – and caused more concern – among government officials and local rulers than any other issue in recent years. The roots of this strike go deep. English speakers make up about 20 percent of Cameroon's population. The constitution says that English and French – languages that come from the colonial period – should be equally important. However, many official documents are written only in French. Some government ministers give speeches in French, even in English-speaking areas. No English speaker has held an important position, such as minister of defense, finance, or territorial administration, in Cameroon's nearly 60-year history as an independent country. Lawyers and the Government Lawyers have been at the front of the strike. Harmony Bogda, spokesperson for the striking lawyers, says that after discussions lasting 72 hours, lawyers left with the idea that the government does not want to listen to them. As such, Bogda says, the strike will continue. Ben Muna is a lawyer and a member of the Cameroon Bar Council Association. He says his colleagues are angry because security forces increased tensions and beat them for demonstrating peacefully. Communication minister and government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma says the government is unable to approve some of the requests. He says the lawyers are responsible for the recent violence in English-speaking areas. "Those who are responsible for such abuses must know that nowhere in the world, disorder has ever led to anything constructive. We therefore call on all our compatriots to show proof of reserve, self-control, high sense of responsibility and citizenship in a spirit of dialogue." Schools have remained closed since the clashes started last Monday. I’m John Russell.   Moki Edwin Kindzeka wrote this report from Yaounde, Cameroon. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   degenerate – v. to become worse colleague – n. a person who works with you region – n. an area or territory spokesperson – n. a man or women who claims to represent and speak for others constructive – adj. helpful  

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Getting to Know the Verb 'Get'

  From VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. So, Alice, what did you do last night? Well, I was at home, getting ready to go to the movies. I was getting my shoes on when I got a feeling that something strange was going to happen. I've gotten those feelings, too. Then, I left the house, and got a cab, and got to the movies as fast as I could. Did you get there on time? Yes! But as soon as I got into the theater, I got a phone call from someone whose voice I didn’t recognize. That’s when things started to get weird… Did you notice anything unusual in this story? The verb get is used 10 times -- and with several different meanings. Get is one of the most commonly used, most tricky, and sometimes most hated words for English learners. When learning this verb, it is best to keep a sense of humor. That is because the verb has more than 50 uses, such as when it appears as part of at least 12 phrasal verbs or other expressions. Today on Everyday Grammar, we explore this simple three-letter word with many meanings. But don’t worry. By the time you come to the end of the program, we hope you will begin to enjoy this captivating and changeable verb. We will consider a few of the most common meanings of get and offer some ideas on how to use the verb. Let’s start with a very common meaning of get, which is to receive, obtain, or buy. The structure is:              get + direct object Listening or reading for clues and then recognizing the meaning from those clues is the best way of explaining this meaning. For example, take the following sentence: I got an email from my friend Penelope. In this sentence, does ‘got’ mean received, obtained, or bought? Here, the word got means received. We know that the person did not buy the email. We also know that they did not obtain it, since obtain means to acquire by effort. Let’s try another sentence:            I just got a new sofa! In this example, does got mean received, obtained, or bought? It probably means bought, since the speaker does not provide any evidence that it was received.   But, in this statement, whether the speaker bought the sofa or obtained it in some other way is not very important. The most important thing to know here is that the speaker did not receive the sofa – they obtained it in some way. Now, let’s turn to a different meaning of get. This one means to bring or fetch. The structure is:            get + direct object Listen to this example: I’m going outside to get the mail. Sometimes, however, the structure can be:            get + indirect object + direct object Listen to the example: Could you get me my phone? It’s in the bedroom upstairs. In this sentence, the direct object is my phone and the indirect object is me. This is a structure you can use to ask someone to bring something to you. You would probably not use it unless the thing were fairly close. For example, if you left your mobile phone at a friend’s house, and you will see the friend tomorrow, you would not say:           Could you get me my phone tomorrow? Instead, you would say: Could you bring me my phone tomorrow? Now, you try it. Ask someone to bring something nearby to you. Our next meaning of get is to arrive somewhere. There are two structures here. The first is:           get + location adverb   The second is:           get + to + location Listen to a few examples: What time will you get here? I got to Tokyo at 6 a.m. I got to the concert late. In these examples, the clue to the meaning of get is the name of a place right after the verb, such as “Tokyo,” “the movies,” “here” or “there.” Our last meaning of get on today’s program is to become. The structure is:           get + adjective Listen to a few examples: The food is getting cold. I get nervous when I have to speak in public. In this use, the verb get simply replaces the verb become. You will recognize this easily when you hear or see an adjective immediately after get. Here are three suggestions to help you better understand and use the meanings of get: Tip #1: Guess the meaning from clues Guessing can be your best friend when trying to understand and use the meanings of get. Use context clues to help you know how get is used. Context means words that are used with or next to a specific word or expression that helps explain its meaning. Look for a direct object or a location adverb or an adjective before or after the verb get. These will help you to know its intended meaning. Tip #2: Practice, practice, practice Read and listen to as much as you can in English. The more you do this, the more easily you will be able to use clues as a tool to quickly understand meaning. Americans, the British, and other native English speakers can recognize these clues very quickly. You can learn to do this, too! Try to immerse yourself in English by listening to Learning English podcasts, watching movies and YouTube videos, and listening to music. Tip #3: Use other verbs If you are not sure how to use some of the meanings of get, you can instead use verbs with similar meanings. Sometimes the other verbs sound natural, and other times they sound formal. For example, you can say, “I just bought a new sofa!” and it sounds perfectly natural. By comparison, saying, “I arrived home at 10 pm” sounds very official. Yet, both are correct and can be used.    Orin Hargraves is a lexicographer. He writes and studies dictionaries. Hargraves recently told Everyday Grammar that, “Many of the jobs that we currently give to get…can also be expressed by other verbs.” Hargraves’ advice is good advice. The Everyday Grammar team hopes you enjoyed learning a few of the many meanings of the verb get. So, get going and enjoy this wonderful verb. We've got to go now. But keep listening in the coming weeks for more words with many meanings. I’m Phil Dierking. I'm Jill Robbins. And I'm Alice Bryant. Alice Bryant wrote this story for Everyday Grammar. George Grow was the editor. Have you noticed how often get is used in popular movies and music? Try to find an example and then write to us in the comments section. We want to hear from you. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story verb - n. a word that is usually one of the main parts of a sentence and that expresses an action, an occurrence, or a state of being   phrasal verb - n. a group of words that functions as a verb and is made up of a verb and a preposition, an adverb, or both  obtain - v. to gain or get, usually by effort acquire - v. to come to own something fetch - v. to go after and bring back someone or something clue - n. something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle intend - v. to have something in your mind as a purpose or goal guess - v. to form an opinion or give an answer about something when you do not know much or anything about it sofa - n. a long and comfortable piece of furniture on which a person can sit or lie down immerse - v. to put (something) in a liquid so that all parts are completely covered

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Indonesia Seeks to Balance Sea Claims, Economic Interests

Indonesia says its armed forces will expand their watch around a group of islands in the South China Sea to keep away Chinese fishing crews. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in October that his government would never compromise on claims around the Natuna Islands. The Natunas are a group of about 270 very small islands and land formations northwest of Borneo. Chinese ships often sail in nearby waters. China claims most of the South China Sea and the area’s natural resources, such as fish, oil and natural gas. Widodo visited the Natuna islands during military exercises in September and October. An Australian researcher says many Indonesian officials believe they can press territorial claims to the islands and develop economic links with China at the same time. David McRae is a researcher with the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne.  “There’s a strong feeling among many Indonesian officials that it can both assert its rights over the area it claims as its exclusive economic zone around the Natunas and develop strong economic ties with China at the same time.” Last year, President Widodo called on China and Indonesia to increase two-way trade to $150 billion by the year 2020. That would double total trade between the countries from 2014 levels, according to the World Bank. The two sides already have strong trade ties. Indonesia imports more from China than any other country. China also is Indonesia’s second biggest export partner. But Indonesia’s cabinet has developed plans to claim the area around the Natunas as an exclusive economic zone. China says its boats have long fished in the same waters. Indonesian fisherman oppose illegal fishing Indonesians, especially fishers, dislike illegal fishing. Yet illegal fishing has become a problem in Indonesia because of a lack of enforcement around the country’s 13,000 islands. Yet Indonesia has been increasing enforcement efforts in the South China Sea. And Widodo has said his country should harvest fish and recover the gas that are said to be in and around the Natunas. In March, a Chinese coast guard vessel prevented Indonesian officials from stopping a Chinese ship. Two months later, Indonesia’s navy stopped a Chinese fishing boat. Then, in June, the navy fired on another Chinese boat. One sailor may have been injured. Researcher David McRae notes that China has not protested or threatened economic measures against Indonesia. Experts say Indonesia mainly has tried to prevent problems around the Natuna islands, instead of reacting to them. Indonesian officials also avoid discussing past incidents or making warnings like the Philippines did from 2010 to early this year. In 2012, China reduced trade and cut back on visitors to the Philippines. Trade between the sides continues Last year, Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed eight agreements. They were partly meant to increase Chinese involvement in the development of roads, ports and other infrastructure. And this year, both sides agreed to work together on energy, agriculture and building an industrial park. As construction projects become too competitive at home, Chinese companies are looking overseas, experts say. The Chinese government has described Indonesia as part of a “maritime silk road.” China wants to develop trade and relations with countries across this area, stretching from Asia to Europe. Some experts say the “silk road” idea increases the importance of the ties between China and Indonesia. Natalie Sambhi is a researcher at the Perth USAsia Centre in Australia. “Indonesia is an important component of the way China sees the strategic landscape in the Asia Pacific, particularly as a key state in Southeast Asia, and it would be a boon for China to maintain its relationships with Indonesia on the basis of its wanting to implement things like its 21st Century maritime silk road and its one belt, one road initiative.” But some observers say Indonesia can press its territorial claims in the South China Sea because it does not depend much on China economically. Carl Baker directs programs at the Pacific Forum CSIS in Honolulu, a foreign policy research group. He says Indonesia is less dependent on China than other countries in Southeast Asia. “Indonesia feels less concerned about Chinese response because it’s less dependent on Chinese invest and infrastructure development than some of the other more dependent countries in Southeast Asia.” Indonesia is a major exporter of commodities, such as agricultural products. The country also has a large market at home of 250 million people. Total exports were valued at more than $176 billion dollars in 2014. Indonesia has been a member of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank since January. China is the bank’s biggest shareholder. However, Indonesia’s biggest export partner is Japan. I’m Mario Ritter. Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write us in the comments section below. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story exclusive – adj. available to only one person or group authorities – n. people who have power to make decisions and enforce rules strategic – adj. relating to a long-term plan to reach a goal boon – n. something that is helpful, that provides a good outcome implement – v. to put in place or into action initiative – n. the power or opportunity to do something before other do it vessel – n. a ship or boat commodities –n. goods that are traded widely

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US Air Force Has Severe Shortage of Pilots

  The United States Air Force is reporting a shortage of pilots of fighter airplanes. The lack is so severe that some generals say it may affect the service’s ability to carry out operations as soon as next year. The Air Force is training about 135 more fighter pilots this year than two years ago. But it will be a long time before they are ready for action. Pilots must train for years -- at a cost of millions of dollars -- before they are qualified to fly fighter jets. The high-tech aircraft could be described as flying supercomputers so lengthy training is required. The Air Force is permitted to have 3,500 fighter pilots. However, there are now about 725 fewer.  Major General Scott Vander Hamm and Lieutenant General John Cooper supervise Air Force pilots and mechanics who take care of the planes. They recently spoke with VOA about the pilot shortage. General Vander Hamm says the Air Force does not have enough pilots to meet the needs of commanders. Pilot numbers began to fall following budget cuts that took effect after the United States left Iraq in 2010 and had plans to leave Afghanistan. But General Cooper says that did not happen. “We didn’t plan for ISIS -- we planned to come home.” VOA spoke with some fighter pilots at an Air Force base in Virginia. They said longer and additional deployments have hurt morale. One pilot said the rotations were 45 days at first. Then they increased to 90 and later 120, he said. Now, he said, the pilots are deployed for six months or even a year. And pilots must often spend much of their non-deployed time on administrative duties and additional training. After 10 years of service, jet fighter pilots are offered an additional payment if they agree to stay on active duty. But this year only about 40 percent of the pilots agreed to stay. The Air Force says it must keep at least 65 percent of its pilots to complete its missions. The fighter pilot shortage has happened at the same time private airlines are hiring more pilots. Private airlines pay more and their pilots spend less time away from home. This Air Force fighter pilot said his family will decide whether he stays in the service. “If it’s up to just me, I definitely would stay in, but my family has a vote and so if they're doing well and they're enjoying where we’re at, then we’ll stay. If they want me to leave to do something else, then that’s probably what I’ll end up doing.” Tom Hunt left the Air Force in 2013. He earns more money working as a lawyer in Washington, D.C. than he was paid as a fighter pilot. He says the Air Force could end the shortage if it paid the pilots a large bonus. “Some people say you can’t throw money at everything (but) you can. You absolutely can. If you said ‘The pilot bonus is now $500,000, single-lump sum payment,’ (I) guarantee you will solve your pilot shortage.” The Air Force is asking Congress for money to increase the bonus from its current $25,000 to $48,000 a year. It would be the first bonus increase since 1999. The Air Force hopes that amount will be enough to persuade experienced pilots to stay in the service. It says they are needed to help the Air Force succeed in its missions and to train new pilots. The generals also have agreed to reduce administrative work for pilots who are not deployed. The generals say they are still able to meet the demands for fighter jet support. But they say if more pilots do not join the Air Force and stay in, the service will soon be unable to meet the demands of commanders. They warn that this could possibly cost the lives of troops and civilians. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise. VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb reported this story from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   qualify – v. to have the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity; to have the qualifications to do something morale – n. the feelings of enthusiasm and loyalty that a person or group has about a task or job rotation – n. the group of people who take turns doing something mission – n. a specific military or naval task bonus – n. an extra amount of money that is given to an employee throw money at – expression. to try to solve (a problem) by spending a large amount of money on it, sometimes without giving enough thought to exactly what should be done absolutely – adv. completely or totally (often used to make a statement more forceful) lump sum – n. an amount of money that is paid at one time; a single sum of money

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News Words: Avatar

Learn what this week's news word means with Anne Ball and Jonathan Evans.

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