Agreed

[/QUOTE]Yes the air force (or any military branch) will pay far, far better for at least the first ten years of your career than any conceivable civilian path would. But it's a whole different level of commitment and effort required. [/QUOTE] I disagree on the pay, it is certainly possible to make pay similar to officer pay your first ten years. Just not highly likely. But with the amount of commitment you need to give, it should pay 3 times what it does now

[/QUOTE]That said, you'll be a better person and pilot and be money ahead if you go the military route...assuming you have the commitment, aptitude, and pass all the screening.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm. Im gonna have to go ahead and really disagree here. No disrespect to good, honest, and skillful military personel/pilots but just because you are in the military, doesnt mean you are a better person pilot, or be ahead with the money. Yes, most military personnel are more responsible and professional than others their age. But we have all met the hard ass, stuck up prick who thinks he is hot **** off the set of top gun. Not a better person. Likely isnt smart with money, and probably a big risk taker.

As for being a better pilot. Uhh, what? Are you serious? On average, yeah there aren't really "bad" pilots in the military since they aren't allowed to fly haha. But compare military guys to civillian commercial pilots operating the same aircraft in the same kind of operation and Id argue its a level playing field. True, many civillian pilots arent as good, simply because the FAA's standards arent as high as the military's. Those are not likely to be found in a airliner or corporate flight deck anyway.

I have flown with some really sketchy pilots that are active duty military or were trained in the military. Good stick, yes, decision making. Not so much...One of the guys I flew with was at a loss of function without a crew or SOP's, or being able to eject haha. As for being a good stick, kinda depends on the aircraft in question. I saw that same F18 instructor pilot damn near crash a archer when I was giving him his civillian IPC and BFR. But I would not say that ALL mil. pilots in general are better pilots. Because that just simply isnt true. Way too many variables to say that in general, military pilots are always better. Top of their class? Some of the better pilots in the world? Yeah, but better than all civi pilots. No.

And being ahead with money? Well thats just depends on ones pay and financial decision making. In the military a lot of costs are covered for you but that doesn't mean you cant get in debt or burn through your money.

Just my .02, I went the civilian route but always had an interest in military flying. They are two very different options. Know what you are getting into, before you decide either way.