Something else to consider about looking for work at a regional vs. staying current in a 172:
A common theme among briefers at WAI was that they realize someone on active duty generally has little control over how often they fly. Getting non-vol'd to staff, or Congress deciding not to fund the damn military is beyond our sphere of influence. However, once you are retired or separated from the military, you once again can decide how and what you fly. So being 4 months from retirement and non-current for the last 16 months may be glossed over. On the other hand, being 6 months out of the military and not having flown anything in the last year may be perceived as a lack of motivation. And as others have said, a regional is not the only place to earn a living flying complex aircraft while you wait for the phone call.