I'll try and answer this: the guys from the military that get interviews in the first place (in todays job market) are generally in the top percentage of all the mil dudes that are looking for jobs. They typically have a broad range of flying experience including international heavy or fighter experience with lots of combat time. Thats in addition to all the leadership and life experience they bring to the table. It's not surprising that a big percentage of them are sucessful.

I don't think you're trying to rehash the old mil vs cvi debate (neither am I) but a lot of guys just don't understand what a typical 40yr old mil pilot has done over their career.

I didn't mean to imply you have a chip on your shoulder but in every post you write something that strikes me as a bit immature. (see comment about getting a fair shot) What makes you think you didn't get a fair shake at your interview? The mil guys I've met that have been hired have been trying to get on at SWA for a LONG time and they worked hard to get and succeed at their interview. You may not think its fair that they got hired before you but perhaps some of those guys wish they had an oppurtunity to get a seniority number 10 years ago instead of sweating it out in Irag/Afghanistan. For a guy who separates and gets a type or a mil retiree who does the same, they are taking a big risk and can't really go back to their old job if they aren't successful at SWA. Many other companies look down on them for getting the type as well. Southwest really likes it when people really want to work for them. They are looking for the entrepenurial/risk taker type. My guess is that if you've been called for an interview twice, its because you're qualified and competitive. I've heard several stories of guys who got hired on their 2'nd or 3'rd try. Just don't begrudge a guy who's fortunate to make it the first time just because of their military service.