My understanding was that the initial contribution to a Roth IRA is taxable, and subesquent contributions are not. I haven't done enough research to understand the complications of the IRA yet, but I do know that it's definitely not too early to start saving for retirement - especially not in this industry!
As far as my new-hire class buddies go: at a minimum, we've lost 5 (including me) to CHQ, one to XJT, and one to a general dislike of the 121 business. This, of course, is only the people I know of. We're leaving like the proverbial rats.