First let me say that if anyone has seen a similar thread to this and would like to post the link as a response I'd appreciate it. Did some digging but have not turned much up.

I'm a C-17 Reserve baby with about 1,000TT 680 on the airplane. I'm trying to earn an upgrade to AC (hopefully this year)and wanted a sanity check on my situation.

I'm a commuter, I live 7 hours away from my squadron. Although I'm very active and take MPA orders all the time I could be more of participant if I lived closer. Just like everyone I want to focus on my flying and upgrade so that I can some day go to mainline.

Because being gone for 30 day flying stints is so difficult on my family we have decided to move near the base. My squadron sees a lot of action and I think I'm pretty well respected there. I feel like this is the best move for us both career and family wise.

Question is this, I'm not making a mistake by trying to bypass the regionals am I? I feel like focusing on AC and flying my butt off when I become one might be the quicker path to mainline? I'd appreciate any constructive comments.