Originally Posted by
Stoked27
I would recommend working on your Private and IR before you separate. Then upon separation fast-track yourself through the university route for anything remaining so you can access $37k in a relatively short 1-2 semesters. Summer semesters are short so they're great for accelerated flight training. I would save the Commercial for after separation since it tends to be very expensive.
It would all depend what his schedule can afford. I was able to find a small school coupled with a flight school and went from student to MEI in about 3 years. The classes were all online except one. Waited for a summer semester and took a month of leave.
If the OP decides to find a university to take advantage of the GI and associated benefits after separation then wait to do the instrument. If the university is approved for R-ATP he would save a year of flying.
Training both 61 and 141 it really comes down to what the person wants, can afford and fits their life style.