Originally Posted by rickair7777

I would agree up to a point. That point is about 45 years of age. At that point you're phasing out of the military unless you're on the fast track (or maybe work for a state with no HYT).

I was assuming he's a JO in early to mid 30's based on the info provided.

Also there is certainly reason to believe that the high miltary/airline opportunity ratio of the last decade is about to invert in the next 1-3 years as DoD budget cuts roll in and airline retirees roll out.

That's the "timing and luck" part I was alluding to. It's all about when you get on that roller-coaster, hopefully it's going up, but I agree with your assessment.

I wouldn't bet on military job security unless you're a SOF operator or some other high-demand, hard-to-fill niche (submarines?). Winged guys are a dime a dozen (bakers dozen) when the cutbacks start.

Great point. But I would bet on the military before the airline industry based on my own personal experience.

I lived through the last drawdown...when it comes, it will make your head spin how fast it happens.

I've been through the last couple drawdowns, it's not pretty, but was nothing compared to 2 furloughs and a bankruptcy IMHO.