Originally Posted by SF Flyer

I'm an Army C-12 (B200) driver with about 2 years left. I need to make a big decision this November, and again next August, so I'm gathering information now.

Situation at Retirement(Aug07): 2100TT, 1200FW/ME/Turb of which 700PIC, ATP, with about a 24,000 retirement income when I reach my first opportunity to retire in August 07.

Ten years ago, I left one of the best career fields in the Army to fly helicopters. I worked very hard as a CH-47 guy, and was lucky enough to be selected for the Army's FW program. I've been completely hooked on flying since flight school, and it really is the only thing I want to do when I retire. I currently fly for OSACOM, the military mini commuter/fractional, and it is awesome. I plan/coordinate/operate the whole mission with my co-pilots, and we fly into every type of airport in all kinds of conditions, with all kinds of passengers and cargo.
Right now I'm sitting behind a desk in Baghdad for the next 10 months. When I return, I'll be right back at it as a PIC/Insructor building 400 hrs/yr, and I'll be in the driver's seat regarding moving/assignments. I'll be able to drop retirement if they try to screw me into a job I don't want. In November of this year, the Army is going to ask me for another 4 year commitment for a bonus of 12,000 per year.

I need advice based on the above, relative to starting out in the industry. Two cases:
1. I get out at 41yrs old in 2007 with the time mentioned above, a mortgage that is more than covered by my retirement pay, a wife that works, and a living location that we love near Seattle.
2. I get out at 44yrs old in 2010, with 3300TT, a slightly bigger retirement check, but no guarantee on where we'll be stationed, wife's job, etc.

Will the difference in TT really help that much, since I'm only getting about 400/yr anyway?

Would a Gulfstream V rating change the equation?

Thanks in advance,
John