Ref the mil route. Buzz is partly correct. If you go the active duty route, (not recommended) it is indeed a long commitment. If you go the Reserve or Guard route, you only have a 1 year active flying commitment. After that you are required to do the usual 15 days a year plus 1 wknd a month. That will vary greatly from unit to unit. From my experience/observation, newbies are getting a buttload of flying time, especially in the tanker and C-130 communities. On top of the relatively quick move to the left seat (1000-1300) hours, you will be paid a living wage instead of having to eat Beans and Wienies twice a day. With today's OPTEMPO, 800 hours a year of heavy time is definitely doable. Do yourself a favor and call a Reserve recruiter associated with a flying unit and get it right from the horse's mouth. Feel free to PM me if you want.
TH1