"Would I be better served to go so such a school such as DCA for further ratings? Or stay at an FBO? My goal is to join an airline"

First of all, don't ever worry about thread creep. It's the nature of the internet. The problem with a post like yours in the thread it's in is it might not get the exposure it would as a new thread.

As far as "DCA" vs "FBO". Your question is really "big academy" vs "FBO/flight school". With your military background, you may find some big academies your best bet. I'd steer clear of DCA, in particular, cause of what I've read on them over the years. Do a search at jetcareers or flightinfo. Personally, I think the "small time school" environment puts out a better product than the "big academy" because the lack of structure forces you to be more independent. You might get a chance to do some flying you'd never do at a big academy. At the same time, some people NEED the structure to succeed. So, I guess it depends on the person. I'm the product of small time flight schools and had great success with it.