You must not be very familiar with the military retirement system. I suppose if I had been very frugal in my 22 years it would be possible and then I'd have to continue to live quite frugally. Not complaining. It's more than many pilots make, at least at the beginning of their careers admittedly, and it'll keep food on the table and a roof over my head. The way I look at it, it allows me the freedom to be more selective of my next employer.