Here's another way to think about it, by the numbers - I hope none of these thoughts make anyone mad, but I base it on being a third-generation AF Officer who's seen my father and grandfather retire as LtCols. Both had successful non-flying post-AF careers, but also learned some key lessons along the way.

Most productive people don't retire before 65, anyway and $100K put away at 12% for 30 years is $3million+. In reality I think Tarheel's right about this year's VSP being more like $300K. If you die, your wife and kids keep it all. If you die one day after retiring at 20, your wife and kids get $0. Retirement's great if you live to 85 and want to play golf for the rest of your life and live in a small condo in Florida.

Take the VSP at 15 years, you get to start your second career sooner, potentially reaching a higher salary sooner and topping out higher. Starting in a new arena at 30 or 35 is a lot easier than starting at 40 or 45. Plus there are other factors, like some employers offering less once they find out you're getting military retirement (yes, it happens). And believe it or not, some jobs are not open to a "retired Major or LtCol", since many employers assume the "peter principle" and only hire retired Cols or Generals into their top jobs - perhaps better to separate as a Major and keep them guessing at your potential.

You could also look at it like pre-paid retirement: take a few hundred K now, finish your 20 in the AFRES, and get 1/2 the retirement check while you pay back the VSP later, with $3mil in mutual funds and Roth IRAs.

This is why VSP actually takes some of our most talented "risk-takers" out of the Air Force.

On the other hand, I hope that all my peers think it's silly until after my separation's been safely approved.

Is my logic screwy?