Here is a new data point for all you military guys with currency issues.
Just had a close friend get hired on with Delta and he has not flown in 4 years! He was 2 weeks away from starting class at a regional when Delta offered him an interview. He told the regional thanks but no thanks, went to the interview and got hired.
Only one data point but it is very telling of the current hiring environment and the desire of the majors to get the highly qualified military guys.

For the original poster - 8 years might be a bit much but you never know. Put your apps in at the majors but be ready to go to the regionals for about a year before getting the call up to the majors.
Best of luck.