I couldn't agree more...

Here's my two cents worth. Being a pilot is great, BUT... don't use the military as a "training ground" for the airline. You'll hate it. The only reason you should join the military is because military service is something you feel drawn to do. Sure you build great hours, and these days the pay is not bad, but it's not about the flying--it's about serving your country.

By joining the military, you agree to put your service ahead of your own agenda, your family, perhaps even your life. It means agreeing to long deployments, giving up control of your life (even more so than a "normal" job), and taking a different view on the world.

I've seen guys who came in just to build time. They not only usually hated the Air Force, they spread their unhappiness to the others around them.

As hokey as it sounds, the military is more than a job. It's more than an airline training ground. It's a serious commitment to service, to your country, and to things more important than yourself. If you're not up to that, working your way up on the civilian side is a much better way to go.