Once he gets to a major it might take a year or two to get to a senior base. If you live near a junior base he should get that within a year if not immediately.
If he's commuting life is tougher. But there's a value to living near you're extended family. That's the tough choice but something the job does provide - you can live anywhere you want. But there is a price to be paid by the commuter that a non commuter doesn't pay.