Keep in mind that the $20,700 is based on guarantee. In a years time when you get out of the military the regionals should be in all out crisis mode, meaning you will not be on reserve for long and can pick up overtime. There are guys that can consistently get 120 hours of credit per month. That does not mean you will fly that much, but you get paid that much. XJT has some great soft credit rules in the contract. Soft credit means credit that you do not actually fly for such as deadheading and trip rigs. Since you are deployed now, try to sock away as much money as you can to get you through year one pay. It is worth mentioning that you get paid $300 per week while in training, so the guarantee does not start until you start flying. Other companies will pay you guarantee in training, but for the privilege of living in base, I would forgo the extra cash for 2 months.