He's not an AC yet and IP is likely a couple years away which means that he rolls in as a GS-12... the pay will be much less than GS-13. He is better off financially bumming then as an ART for now. Bumming has been and should continue to be pretty good in the C-17 world.
I've done all 3 - Bum to ART (3.5 yrs) to TR. to this day, I remain grateful for the ART position. However, I sure do not miss the paperwork involved to fly in either civilian status or military status. I'm happy to be a f-ART!
But, there's always something to be said about the comfort of a full-time job. That's why I was happy to take the ART position. I would not put my family through the stress of the feast or famine lifestyle.