Never said it'd be easier (I would imagine it could very well be easier than life in the military), but getting into the flying industry is not exactly easy no matter which way you go. I did it both ways. Paid for all my civilian training, worked as a CFII for a few years, joined active duty AF and now I'm in the ANG, but this was not planned from the very start this way. Doing the military route is not a bad way to go and probably the best financial choice since you don't pay anything for the flight training, get great flying experience and the pay as a brand new 2nd Lt in the Air Force is probably about the same as a 4 year regional captain. At the same time, a 10 year military commitment is alot to swallow if you're not 110% sure that is what you want to do. Being a pilot in the Air Force is not all glamour like it may seem when you go to air shows. There are lots of other things that come with the job. Paperwork, desk duties, non-flying assignments, etc... You are an officer first, then pilot. It's not like the airlines where you've got 15+ days off a month and when you're off, you're home chill'n on your recliner.